PreLaw Planning

Academic Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer/Attorney

If you want to become a licensed attorney, you’ll first need to complete a bachelor’s degree. Many pre-law students take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) before or during their final year of college. Having a strong GPA and a high LSAT score can improve your chances of getting into a highly competitive law school.

After this completion, you’ll need to graduate from law school and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Most state bar associations require this before you can take the bar exam. You won’t receive a law license until you meet all the requirements set by the state where you plan to practice. Only licensed attorneys are allowed to provide legal services directly to the public.

Choosing a Major

Since admission to law school isn’t guaranteed and no specific major is required, you should think about how employable your undergraduate major will be. Many law-related careers—such as paralegal or police officer—don’t require attending law school.

If you plan to complete a bachelor’s degree after taking courses at ECC, work closely with your academic advisor to maximize the number of credits that transfer to your four-year institution. Keep in mind that some majors require specific general education courses as prerequisites, and an advisor can help you plan for a smooth transition.

Paralegal as a PreLaw Pathway

Paralegal is an excellent pre-law major. Four-year schools with paralegal or legal studies programs generally recognize ECC’s PAR courses for transfer. Visit ECC’s University Transfer Degrees & Partnerships page for a list of 4-year partnership programs:

• Lewis University
• National American University
• Roosevelt University
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale

You can use your elective credits to take paralegal courses and complete your associate’s degree and paralegal certificate simultaneously.

AA or AS General Education Elective Options - Developing Legal Competencies

If prelaw is a field you are interested in, you can prepare by taking courses that develop skills in communication, client and project management, legal concepts, reasoning, and analysis. Make an appointment with your academic advisor to consider adding courses that support these skills and meet your general education or elective requirements: