The US Bureau of Labor Statistics describes lawyers as licensed experts who provide consultations, give valuable advice and represent people, businesses or government agencies in legal matters and help settle their disputes in the court of law.

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Should I Become a Lawyer in Texas?

Becoming a lawyer in Texas requires completion of a doctoral degree (J.D.) from an accredited institution followed by the acquisition of a lawyer’s license by passing the Texas State Bar Exam. Unlike public prosecutors, lawyers have the freedom to choose their cases. They assess their clients’ issues in a face to face consultation to decide whether or not they will take on their case.

  • Education Required
  • Major Requirement
  • Licenses/Certifications
  • Experience/Training
  • Key Skills
  • Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Texas
  • Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National
  • Job Outlook(2018-2028)
  • A doctoral or professional degree
  • Law
  • Getting licensed as a lawyer is mandatory
  • Internships and volunteer work can be obtained
  • Research, Communication, Analytical, Interpersonal, Critical-thinking, Attention-to-detail and Problem-solvingSkills etc.
  • $144,110 (Lawyers)
  • $145,300(Lawyers)
  • 6% (As fast as average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a total of 657,170lawyersemployed inthe US in 2019and this figure is expected to increaseby 6% between 2018 and 2028. Out of that figure, BLS reported that 44,700 lawyers were employed in the state of Texas in 2019.

Steps to Become a Lawyer in Texas

If serving justice to people in need as a lawyer is your goal, then follow this simple 4-step guide to get started!

Complete a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree

The journey to becoming a lawyer in Texas begins with completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree. There are numerous accredited institutions that offer this degree in the state of Texas such as, the University of Texas Austin and the University of Houston-Clear Lake etc.

Take and Pass the LSAT

All interested candidates who want to enroll in a law school must clear this exam with flying colors. It is a highly competitive exam and you need a very good score with an excellent grade in a bachelor’s degree to get into a good law school.

Complete 3-years of Law School/Doctoral Degree

After completing step 1 and 2, you must enroll in the American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school degree. The doctoral degree in law is often called a Juris Doctor (JD) degree which can be completed in 2 to 3 years.The University of Texas Austin and the South Texas College of Law-Houston offer this degree.

Clear the Texas State Bar Exam

After successful completion of all of these steps, you must take the Texas State Bar Exam and clear it to obtain the license as a lawyer. Without a valid license, lawyers cannot practice anywhere in the US.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Lawyer in Texas?

According to BLS, it typically takes approximately 7-8 years to become a lawyer. This duration includes 4 years of bachelor’s degree with 3 years of law school and the time you may spend preparing for law/bar exams or getting licensed.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Lawyer in Texas?

All interested candidates who want to work as lawyers in Texas must complete the following requirements:

  • Complete an accredited bachelor’s degree
  • Clear the LSAT exam
  • Graduate from an ABA accredited doctoral degree in Law (JD)
  • Pass the Texas State Bar Exam
  • Be of good moral character
  • Clear a background check
  • Must be a legal US citizen and over the age of 18
  • Become licensedin the state of Texas

How Much Can I Make as a Lawyer in Texas?

According to theU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),Lawyersemployed in the state of Texas earned an annual mean salary of $144,110 in 2019. The District of Columbiawas listed as the highest paying state for this career with an annual mean salary of $192,180.