Becoming a licensed lawyer in Pennsylvania can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. Lawyers play a crucial role in the legal system, advocating for their clients’ rights and providing legal advice and representation. Pennsylvania, with its rich legal history and diverse opportunities, offers a promising career path for aspiring lawyers. The state boasts top-notch law schools, a positive job outlook, and competitive salaries, making it an attractive destination for aspiring lawyers. With dedication, hard work, and perseverance, licensed lawyers in Pennsylvania can build successful careers, make a meaningful impact in the legal field, and achieve professional fulfillment
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Lawyers working in Pennsylvania are well-paid. Occupational data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that lawyers employed in Pennsylvania earned a yearly mean pay of $139,120 in May 2020.
If you want to establish a career in this field, then read this guide on how to become a Lawyer in Pennsylvania.
Should I Become a Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Do you have good communication, listening, and people skills? If yes, then you are likely to succeed as a lawyer.
In order to join the legal profession, you will have to meet certain skill-set, training, and education requirements, which have been briefly discussed below.
- Education Required
- Training
- Licenses/Certifications
- Key Skills/Qualities
- Annual Mean Salary (2021)-National
- Job Outlook(2020-2030)
- Annual Mean Salary (2030)-Pennsylvania
- Doctoral or professional degree.
- On-the-job training is not required.
- Lawyers have to get licensed.
- Analytical Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Problem-solving Skills, Research Skills, Speaking Skills, and Writing Skills.
- $148,030
- 10% (Lawyers)
- $133,330
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
According to O*Net Online data, the job outlook for lawyers in Pennsylvania is projected to grow by 10% between 2020 and 2030, with an estimated annual job opening of 1,800 for the same period. Licensed lawyers in Pennsylvania can progress in their careers by gaining experience, building a strong client base, and specializing in a specific area of law. They can also take on other roles, such as judges, law professors, legal consultants, or in-house counsel for corporations or government agencies, which can provide additional opportunities for growth and advancement.
Job Description of Licensed Lawyer in Pennsylvania
As a licensed lawyer in Pennsylvania, you would be responsible for representing clients in legal matters, such as criminal cases, civil disputes, family law matters, and more. You would provide legal advice, draft legal documents, conduct legal research, negotiate on behalf of clients, and represent them in court proceedings. You may specialize in a specific area of law, such as corporate law, real estate law, or immigration law, depending on your interests and career goals.
Best Law Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to several prestigious law schools that offer excellent legal education and training. Here are the top 6 law schools in Pennsylvania, along with the programs they offer, degree type, courses taught, and duration:
| Law School | Programs Offered | Degree Type | Courses Taught | Duration (in years)
|
| University of Pennsylvania Law School | Juris Doctor (J.D.) | Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) | Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, etc. | 3 |
| University of Pittsburgh School of Law | Juris Doctor (J.D.) | Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) | Torts, Property, Legal Writing, Evidence, etc. | 3 |
| Temple University Beasley School of Law | Juris Doctor (J.D.) | Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) | Legal Research and Writing, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, etc. | 3 |
| Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law | Juris Doctor (J.D.), LL.M., J.S.D. | Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) | Legal Methods, Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law, etc. | 3 (J.D.), 1 (LL.M.), 3 (J.S.D.) |
| Penn State Law | Juris Doctor (J.D.), LL.M., S.J.D. | Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) | Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Legal Research and Writing, etc. | 3 (J.D.), 1 (LL.M.), 3 (S.J.D.) |
| Duquesne University School of Law | Juris Doctor (J.D.) | Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) | Contracts, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, Constitutional Law, etc. | 3 |
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Aspiring lawyers are required to undertake a series of steps in order to join the legal profession. This section discusses these steps in great detail.
Complete Undergraduate Education
The first step is to complete an undergraduate education from an accredited college or university. You can major in a variety of subjects such as Political Science, Economics, History or Sociology. While studying in college, you can also work at a local courthouse or a law firm as an intern to gain some practical experience.
Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners has made it mandatory for students to graduate from an accredited law school in order to get a license. The law school will require you to clear the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to get admitted into their program. This standardized exam will test your writing, comprehension, analytical and logical reasoning skills.
Enroll in a Law School
Pass the Pennsylvania State Bar Exam to Become Licensed
Once you have graduated from law school, you will be expected to take the Pennsylvania Bar Examination. Passing this exam will make you eligible to practice law in the state.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Becoming a lawyer typically requires completion of seven years of full-time study after graduating from high school. You will have to first complete a four-year long undergraduate program. After completing the bachelor’s degree, you will have to spend three years at an accredited law school in order to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Once you graduate from law school, you will be expected to pass the bar examination in order to get licensed.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Candidates who want to practice law in Pennsylvania are required to meet the following requirements. They need to:
- Earn an undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college.
- Obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Pass the written bar examination administered under the authority of or by the Board of Law Examiners.
- Complete the Bridge the Gap program.
*To find out more about the state-specific requirements, you are advised to visit the relevant state page.
How Much Does a Lawyer Earn in Pennsylvania?
The mean annual wage for lawyers in Pennsylvania was $133,330 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the salary of a lawyer in Pennsylvania can vary depending on factors such as experience, specialization, location, and type of employer. Lawyers with more years of experience, established client bases, or working in prestigious law firms or corporate settings may command higher salaries. Those specializing in high-demand areas of law such as corporate law, intellectual property law, or healthcare law may also earn higher salaries.
In addition to base salaries, licensed lawyers in Pennsylvania may have the opportunity to earn bonuses, commissions, or partnership shares in law firms, which can significantly increase their overall earnings. Lawyers who excel in their careers, establish a strong reputation, and develop expertise in their field may also have the potential for lucrative opportunities as rainmakers, bringing in new clients and generating significant revenue for their firms.
It’s worth noting that starting salaries for lawyers in Pennsylvania may vary depending on the region, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher salaries compared to rural areas. However, as lawyers gain experience and build their practice, they can earn higher salaries and enjoy a financially rewarding career in Pennsylvania.
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