The role of lawyers is considered very significant to uphold the law of the country and protect the legal rights of their clients. The scope of a career in the legal industry is very rewarding, but for a few who are dedicated to the profession. Earning potential and job satisfaction move to the next level where you can identify a good career path for you.
What does a person in the legal profession do?
A person who is in a legal professional is called a Lawyer in general terms. Lawyers use their knowledge, skills, and experience to assist their clients to understand and navigate legal matters.
The roles and responsibilities of a person in the legal profession depend on their area of expertise. Most lawyers perform the following duties:
-Create legal documents, and file appropriate legal authorities
-To attend trials and hear clients
-Connect with police, investigators and build cases for trials and mediations
-Review case, and suggest legal options for clients
-Presenting arguments in favor of clients ahead of the judge
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Types of law specializations
Here are some popular specializations to choose from:
- Civil law
- Intellectual property law
- Environment law
- Real estate law
- Family law
- Cyberlaw
- Corporate law
- Criminal law
- Administrative law
- Tax law
- Animal rights Law
- Consumer protection law
- Labour law
- Human rights law
Qualifications of Lawyers
To start a career as a lawyer, you should complete a degree course in law from a recognized university. There are different variety of courses that assists you in your pursuit like:
- Combined LL.B
- Bachelor of Law
- Master of Laws
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How to become a lawyer?
Step 1: Complete higher secondary education
To become a lawyer you should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. One is eligible to take admission to a law college or university only after completing higher secondary education from a recognized education board. Student of any stream including art, science, or commerce is eligible to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program of law.
Step 2: Complete your graduation in any stream
If you have already completed your graduation in any of the streams, you have another route open to pursue bachelor’s degree in law, and that is 3 years LL.B. after graduation. When you decide to take this route, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in any stream.
Step 3-Take a law entrance exam
Most law schools select candidates based on their results in the law entrance exams. One of the most popular national-level exams is the common law admission test. This two hours long exam comprised 150 multiple choice questions with one mark for the correct answer, and a deduction of 0.25 for each incorrect answer.
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Candidates need to score a minimum of 50% marks in CLAT to be eligible for admission. Most colleges accept CLAT scores. Other law entrance exams are
- AILET-All India Law Entrance Test
- SLAT-Symbiosis Law Admission Test
- LSAT- Law School Admission Test
- MC-CET-Maharashtra Common Entrance Test-Law
Step 4-Apply to law school
After qualifying test scores for the law entrance exam, you can start applying to law schools. Every application needs submission of official transcripts, scores of law entrance tests, and recommendation letters with some other additional information.
Many law schools admit candidates with high CLAT scores who have top grade letters of recommendation, and experience in extracurricular activities.
Step 5- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in law
If you have decided to make a career in the law field, it will be a much better opportunity then. While pursuing your undergraduate degree in law, subjects studied by you like political science, economics, sociology, etc., help you identify more about the society within which you practice law.
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Along with this, you have to study legal subjects like family law, criminal law, constitutional law, etc. To become a final year law graduate you need to pass all subjects in your final year.
Step 6- Clear All India Bar Examination
As per the guidelines by the Governments, graduates of law to become eligible for practicing as a lawyer in India must clear the All India Bar Examination. Every year, Bar Council of India conducts this examination every year. To appear in AIBE you must enroll as an advocate with State Bar Council.
Step 7–Gain Experience
After passing the AIBE, you are eligible to practice law as a profession. The next best step would be to apply for an associate advocate position with a law firm or to start practicing law on your own.
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Frequently asked questions regarding legal profession
How much time is required to become a lawyer?
Five to eight years of full-time study to become a lawyer after completion of higher secondary education.
Is it possible to become a lawyer at the age of 30?
Anyone at any stage of life can practically enroll in LL.B or LL.M course. The only condition is that they must have the required educational qualifications to pursue law education.
How do I prepare for the bar exam?
Preparation for the bar exam needs lots of studying and perseverance. You need to create a schedule of study for several months. For better results and positive outcomes in your bar exam, you need to collect good course material.
What is the difference between an advocate and a lawyer?
Advocates are those lawyers who are authorized to act as legal representatives. Advocates are legal professionals who have cleared the bar exam. Any law school graduate who has not cleared the bar exam is called a Lawyer.