How to Become a Lawyer

You hear about lawyers and lawsuits in the news all the time. But have you ever wondered what it takes to be a lawyer? What do lawyers do on a day-to-day basis? What salary does a lawyer typically earn? Why is a law degree one of the most sought after professional degrees? For starters, lawyers come from all walks and stages of life. For example, some people decide they want to be lawyers at an early stage in their lives and attend college on a "pre-law" track. Others may decide to enter law school after graduating from college because they aren’t ready for a "real job" or because someone in their family is a lawyer. And other people go to college and enter the work force, only later deciding to pursue law as a second career. People who become lawyers as a second career are made up of former teachers, accountants, nurses, engineers, librarians, or any other profession you can imagine. The bottom line is this: lawyers come from every kind of background and stage of life. While lawyers’ backgrounds are diverse, there is a general path that must be followed to be a lawyer. In short, in order to be a lawyer you must: (1) graduate from high school (or get your GED), (2) graduate from a 4-year college with a Bachelor’s degree, (3) graduate from law school, (4) pass a state bar exam, and (5) find a legal job. Once you become a lawyer, the possibilities of what you can do with your law degree and training are quite numerous. For example, you could work as a trial lawyer, be a law clerk for a judge, join the military as a Judge Advocate General, become a special agent with the FBI, enter the business world, etc. The main point is that a law degree opens many doors. As you can begin to see, what lawyers do on a day-to-day basis and the career paths that come with achieving a law degree can vary drastically from one lawyer to another. However, certain careers and educational backgrounds tend to better prepare one for becoming a lawyer. And if you know what you want to do with your law degree before you enter law school, you can choose the studies and training to get you where you want to go quicker. We like to call this "thinking backwards" – i.e. think about where you want to go (your goals), then figure out how to get there one step at a time. In this article, we’ll explore where lawyers come from, what it takes to be a lawyer, what lawyers do, and the timeline in detail for becoming a lawyer. We’ll explore all these questions and more to see if the legal profession is one that appeals to you. Next, we’ll look at whether you’re cut out to be a lawyer.
Although you have already learned that lawyers come from all walks and stages of life, lawyers do have one universal feature in common. Above all, lawyers are problem-solvers. Do you enjoy and/or excel at solving other people’s issues and concerns? Or do you tend to shun away from others’ problems? Do you see a problem as an opportunity or as a roadblock? Skilled lawyers tend to enjoy analyzing and finding solutions to difficult questions and concerns. Skilled lawyers are also great communicators. They need to be good at such skills as reading, writing, and speaking. Depending on what law career one chooses, a lawyer may focus on one form of communication over the rest. For example, trial lawyers are well versed in oral advocacy – i.e. speaking in front of juries and others on behalf of a client. Other lawyers may devote the bulk of their time to legal writing, such as law clerks who work for a judge. Overall, however, lawyers tend to use all forms of communication in some way or another. So how do you know if you are the lawyer type? If you like to challenge your mental intellect, then this could be a career path for you. Becoming a lawyer is not for the faint-hearted, but with hard work and persistence it is very realistic that you could be successful in this profession. The path to becoming a lawyer is not a sprint; it is a marathon.

Online MBA Degree

Schools offering legitimate online MBA programs have regional accreditation and expect at least a year of rigorous coursework. Check for accreditation by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Many online MBA programs are cohort-based, which means that groups of students are admitted simultaneously and complete their online classes together. Some online MBA programs have students complete a course, workshop or seminar residency on campus. Here is a brief overview of online MBA programs, broken down by region. Western The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University offers a full- and part-time customizable MBA program with a 4-day orientation residency in the first year. Colorado State University's program, lasting 2-4 years, has no cohort and no residency requirement. The Washington State University program, without cohort or residency, takes 1-6 years. Midwestern The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University has a 2-year MBA with a 1-week residency at the start of each year. At the College of Business and Economics at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, MBA students choose among seven areas of emphasis. They have no cohort and no residency. Southern The School of Management at University of Texas at Dallas has a no-cohort MBA without residency. Completion requires three years if taking two courses per semester. Northeastern The University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers an online MBA program lasting 2-5 years. The program isn't cohort-based; no residency is required. Suffolk University's program via Sawyer Business School takes 10 months to five years. There's no cohort and no residency. The 2-year MBA program at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State Worldcampus) involves 1-week residencies in the third and eighth terms. Fox School of Business at Temple University offers a 2-year MBA with three residencies and Enterprise Management Consulting Practice consulting to an organization or firm. Clarkson University's online MBA in Supply Chain Management takes 2-5 years. There's no cohort, but each autumn brings a 3-day residency. To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:

Why an Online MBA?


Now that you’ve decided that an MBA is what you need to get your career to the next level, it’s time to begin looking at what type of MBA program would be the best choice for you. There are many options when it comes to formats: on-campus full-time or part-time programs; evening or weekend courses for working professionals; and accelerated programs for those who want to earn their MBA in the shortest amount of time. If you are looking for an off-campus program that won’t require you to be at a certain place at a specific time, an online program may be right for you. Online MBA programs offer a unique learning experience that can often be customized to meet personal preferences, schedules or goals. These types of programs can be a great choice for independent learners who prefer self-directed study in which they set the pace for course completion.
Online Versus Campus Learning

On-campus and distance programs are similar in that students are essentially receiving the same education in terms of courses, curriculum and objectives. At times specific assignments, papers or projects may differ as to better accommodate an online format. For example, a large project that may be assigned to a group of students participating in a campus program may be scaled down for the individual student enrolled in an online program.

One of the biggest differences between the two types of programs is the way that information is distributed and received. Campus programs allow for in-person lectures, face-to-face discussions and assignments that are turned in directly to instructors. In online programs, technology takes the place of physicality, allowing students to use the Internet to watch a streaming video lecture, participate in a class discussion via chat room or turn in an assignment by uploading a file. Online programs deliver the same content and require the same amount of effort from students as on-campus ones but in a different way.
The Pros and Cons of Online Programs

There are many advantages of an online MBA program, with the most prominent one being the ability to pursue your degree while maintaining your career. Whether full-time or part-time, those with demanding work schedules often are unable to take time out of their day to attend class. Online MBA programs are great for those looking for flexible scheduling options, as they are distributed through a virtual learning environment that is accessible 24/7. Professionals trying to balance school and work don’t have to be stretched too thin as they have the freedom to complete course work around their job obligations. Another advantage of online programs is that you don’t have to relocate to receive a graduate education. These days school choice is not limited by those located within a convenient mile radius but by those that offer an online MBA option. The number of schools offering online MBAs is increasing daily as more and more brick and mortar universities incorporate Web education into their business programs. With the power of technology, it no longer matters that you are a department manager for a corporation on the West Coast—you can still receive an Ivy League business education.

There are also drawbacks when it comes to online MBA programs. For the student who learns best by attending lectures and studying the course material presented in those lectures, an online program might not be the most beneficial choice as it may lack the structure, accountability or direction that is needed. Online MBA programs utilize tools such as streaming videos, interactive chat rooms and Internet discussion boards to distribute information and facilitate learning. Although this may be adequate instruction for some students, it may not be for others, so it’s important to take into consideration whether face-to-face interaction is necessary for you to have the best educational experience. If personal attention is what you are looking for, than an online program may not be for you. Another disadvantage associated with online learning is that you will be unable to take advantage of the perks associated with a traditional on-campus experience. For example, students who are seeking internship or recruiting opportunities during their graduate education may not get what they need through an online program as on-campus programs are more likely to provide career services or host hiring events.
The Perception of Online MBAs

The stigmas that may have been associated with online education in the past are almost nonexistent in today’s society. Over the years these types of programs have gained more credibility and recognition, making the online MBA a valuable asset in the corporate environment. Perhaps this is why more and more public and private universities are getting on board and adapting their traditional on-campus MBA curriculum to an online format.

An online MBA is just as valuable as one earned through a traditional program, as students are required to master the same curriculum, meet the same expectations and rise to the same challenges. When it comes to receiving your diploma, there will likely be no differentiation between MBA graduates who completed their course work on campus and those who did it online. Technology makes it possible to conduct business from anywhere in the world, so utilizing it to complete an MBA can be a smart business decision.

Networking Tips for Online Students If you’re taking classes for your online MBA, you may think you have no room for networking. The truth is that networking is just as important and just as available to you, even if you don’t have the traditional classroom to make connections. Here are five ways to network, especially if you’re in school online. e-commerce Image via Flickr by ganderssen1 Meet People in Person There’s no rule that says your interactions have to stay online. Whenever possible, arrange a face-to-meeting with a professor or a classmate. When campuses have brick-and-mortar buildings, experts say online students should visit the campus. Introduce yourself to other students taking in-person classes, or connect with others who are taking the course online. If the campus doesn’t have a location in your area, reach out to classmates to see if anyone lives near you to meet for coffee or to study. Join Campus Activities If your campus has a presence in your city, join campus activities when possible to get to know other students. If there are no restrictions on doing so, join clubs and professional organizations related to your field of interest. You may also be able to take advantage of programs such as studying abroad or mentorship opportunities. You can also take part in social activities, such as sporting events, pep rallies, and community service. Participate in Online Classroom Forums Online classes typically have chat rooms or web communities for assignments and projects. Make sure that you post answers to questions and start a few discussions of your own. Create a voice and personality, as much as you can, among your classmates. Don’t be combative or argumentative, but bring thoughtful ideas to discussions. Some assignments may call for group participation. If you regularly post valuable information, your classmates will remember and will want you to be on their team. Join Professional Social Networks Online Is your LinkedIn page up to date? If you want to have a solid online presence, it should be. Experts suggest that, as you complete your degree, you follow your dream company or dream job on LinkedIn. The job descriptions of the ideal candidate will tell you exactly what the company is looking for, and you’ll have access to the company’s contact information. Always add new skills and experience to your profile. Make sure your email signature includes a link to your LinkedIn page as well so classmates and colleagues can keep in touch after you’re done with your degree. Join Professional Networks in Person Find in-person groups of people to meet who have similar interests. Maybe you don’t have a campus location near you, but you can probably find other people in your area who are also pursuing online degrees. Maybe you can find a professional organization in your city that is related to your field. You can join these groups even if you haven’t yet finished your degree. Such memberships are helpful in order to learn from other professionals and be part of a network through which you can find out what jobs are available locally. This type of networking will strengthen your chances of finding a job. Networking is an essential part of everybody’s educational path — even when you’re in school online.

little more than an expensive piece of paper. There are many real life skills you can earn on the job, and off it, that can make the education you get in graduate school more effective and make you more attractive to employers in the future. Time Management While it seems that managing your time wisely would be a no-brainer, many people struggle with this aspect. If you can learn to set priorities in your personal life and on the job, you can save your valuable free time and make yourself an asset to your employer. Consider setting goals on a daily basis and balancing your work time so you can work more efficiently and effectively. Preparation Skills No matter what aspect of life, the often quoted Boy Scout motto “be prepared” is a rule that all should strive to incorporate. Whether it’s having all your information prepared for a meeting or having an alternative plan for a “rainy day,” preparation can be the difference between success and failure. Utilizing Online Tools According to a survey by Bentley University, 58 percent of employers felt as though new college graduates were not properly prepared for the business world. To offset this, you need to be aware of many tools online that can be beneficial to your success. That doesn’t exactly mean hopping on Facebook every 15 minutes, but know that by finding the proper websites, such as LinkedIn, you can market and network yourself, and also find new avenues to promote your employer’s business. To get ahead, look into taking a basic coding or web design class to at least familiarize yourself with digital tools. Be Ethical and Striving for Integrity Having ethics and integrity is something that not every individual deems a top precedence in his or her life. An MBA can open many doors in the business world, but having integrity is an intangible asset that can make you more attractive. Regardless of the circumstances, never put this aside for anyone or anything. Stay true to yourself and take the time now and again to consider whether the choices you make are the right ones. Be a Team Player In the workplace, in school, and in your life, being a team player can be beneficial. It teaches you to deal with people in order to reach a common goal, regardless of lifestyle or personality. Enabling yourself to deal with a wide variety of people can also help you figure out what your greatest skills are and which ones need to be improved. If you are still on the fence about whether or not to attend graduate school, make sure that you strive to make yourself as valuable as possible in and out of the workplace. Not only will this make you more attractive to potential employers, but it will help you excel when you do decide to take the next step in your career by earning an MBA.