SHU Law and Civics

Law School Path

Overview

Welcome to the Law School Path guide, guidance from a current law student for future law students. This page will help you better understand the journey from college preparation through law practice. It explains the different types of law degrees, explores career possibilities inside and outside the courtroom, and outlines the steps and resources you need to pursue a legal career.

Why Study Law?

A law degree teaches you how to think, not what to think. It equips you to dissect arguments, reason from principle, and advocate effectively—skills that empower you to lead and make a lasting impact in any career.

What Is a “Lawyer” Anyway?

  • In everyday U.S. usage, the terms “lawyer” and “attorney” mean the same thing — a person who has earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, passed a state bar exam, and is licensed to practice law.
  • However, in technical or historical contexts, the words have slightly different meanings.
    • A lawyer is anyone trained in the law — someone who has completed legal education, such as a J.D. program.
    • An attorney-at-law is a lawyer who is authorized to represent clients in legal matters before courts or agencies.
    • An attorney-in-fact, by contrast, is someone given authority through a power of attorney to act on another person’s behalf. This role does not require a law degree or bar license.
  • Most states today use “lawyer” and “attorney” interchangeably, and the American Bar Association treats them as synonymous. What matters legally is licensure — only those admitted to a state bar may give legal advice or represent others in court.
    • Unauthorized Practice Warning
      • Only licensed attorneys can represent clients or give legal advice. Paralegals, notaries, and other professionals who use those titles improperly may face penalties for the unauthorized practice of law (UPL).
  • Sources
    • American Bar Association: What Is a Lawyer?
    • National Conference of Bar Examiners: Bar Admission Requirements

“So, Are Lawyers Like What I See on TV?”

  • Hollywood loves dramatic courtroom scenes—but in reality, very few cases ever make it to trial.
  • Most lawyers spend their time researching, negotiating, writing, and advising clients long before a judge ever hears the case.
  • According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2024, less than 1% of civil cases and only about 2% of criminal cases reached a full trial.
  • The vast majority of disputes are resolved through settlements, motions, or plea agreements, saving courts—and clients—significant time and cost.
  • Below is a snapshot of what federal trial statistics actually look like.

United States Federal District Courts — Civil Cases (2024 Data)

  • Cases Filed: 340,683
  • Cases Terminated: 304,198
  • Percent Reaching Trial: 0.6%
  • Timeline
    • Median time from filing to trial ≈ 36 months (3 years);
    • Median time for non-trial cases ≈ 8 months
  • Length of Trials
    • 54% – 1 day
    • 10% – 2 days
    • 9% – 3 days
    • 22% – 4–9 days
    • 3.6% – 10–19 days
    • 0.4% – 20 + days
  • Common Outcomes (Non-Trial)
    • Settled or dismissed before trial – median 5.6 months
    • Resolved after pre-trial motions – median 13.7 months

United States Federal District Courts — Criminal Cases (2024 Data)

  • Defendants Charged: 72,986
  • No Conviction: 5,668 cases (5,436 dismissed + 232 acquitted)
  • Convictions & Sentences: 67,318 cases (≈ 98% by guilty plea)
  • Trials
    • Total trials – 1,741 (≈ 2% of defendants)
      • Bench trials – 240 (0.3%)
      • Jury trials – 1,501 (2%)
  • Timeline
    • Median time from filing to disposition ≈ 10 months
    • Median time for cases that go to trial ≈ 25 months
  • Length of Trials
    • 74% – 1 day
    • 7% – 2 days
    • 6% – 3 days
    • 11% – 4–9 days
    • 2% – 10–19 days
    • 0.5% – 20 + days

In Summary

  • Fewer than 1 in 100 civil cases and fewer than 2 in 100 criminal cases ever reach trial in federal court.
  • Most legal work takes place before a trial even begins—through writing, negotiation, compliance, and problem-solving.
  • That’s why learning to “think like a lawyer” is just as important as learning to argue in court.

Source: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Federal Judicial Caseload

What Can I Do with a Legal Education?

A legal education opens doors far beyond the courtroom. It teaches you how to analyze complex problems, write and speak persuasively, think critically, and reason ethically—skills valued across nearly every field. Whether your goal is to practice law, work in public service, or enter business or technology, understanding how laws shape society gives you a powerful foundation for leadership.

Types of Legal Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

  • A J.D. is a three-year graduate degree that teaches students to “think like a lawyer” by analyzing cases, statutes, and policy. Graduates use these skills in many fields—law practice, public service, business, policy, and compliance.
  • If you want to practice law in the United States, you will in almost all cases need a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-approved law school and must meet your state’s licensing requirements (e.g., passing the bar exam or an approved alternative pathway).
    • The ABA Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A handful of states (CA, VT, VA, WA) also permit law-office study or apprenticeship as a limited alternative pathway, and some (just recently Washington State in 2024) are piloting new licensing models—but the J.D. remains the standard route to becoming a lawyer.
    • Attorney licensure is state-specific. Most states require a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school plus successful completion of the bar exam and character-and-fitness review.

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

  • An LL.M. is an advanced law degree for students who already hold a J.D. or a foreign law degree. It provides specialized training in fields such as taxation, intellectual property, international law, or human rights.
  • For foreign-trained lawyers, certain LL.M. programs can help qualify them to sit for a U.S. state bar exam (for example, New York), but eligibility is state-specific and never automatic. Always check the rules of the state where you plan to practice.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS, MSL, JM)

  • Degrees like the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), or Juris Master (JM) teach law and regulation for professionals who don’t intend to become attorneys.
  • Students gain a working understanding of legal principles relevant to business, health care, technology, government, and compliance. Programs usually take about one year full-time (or longer part-time, often online).
  • These degrees do not qualify graduates to sit for any bar exam or to practice law, but they can strengthen career credentials in regulated industries.

Legal Certificates

  • A Legal Certificate is a shorter, focused program—sometimes for non-lawyers and sometimes for law graduates—covering areas such as health law, cybersecurity policy, environmental regulation, or compliance.
  • Certificates signal specialized training and professional development but do not confer licensure to practice law.

Areas of Legal Practice

  • There are many areas of legal practice, generally grouped into about twenty broad categories.
  • Examples include:
    • Business & Corporate Law – advising companies on transactions, compliance, and governance.
    • Criminal Law – prosecuting or defending against allegations of wrongdoing.
    • Family Law – handling divorce, child custody, adoption, and other domestic matters.
    • Intellectual Property Law – protecting inventions, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
    • Real Estate Law – managing property transactions, zoning, land use, and landlord‑tenant issues.
    • Environmental Law – enforcing regulations related to natural resources and pollution.
    • Labor & Employment Law – dealing with workplace rights and employer‑employee relationships.
    • Tax Law – advising on tax planning, compliance, and disputes.
    • Immigration Law – assisting individuals and businesses with visas, citizenship, and deportation matters.
    • Constitutional & Civil Rights Law – protecting fundamental rights and liberties.
    • Health Law – navigating healthcare regulations, patient privacy, and bioethics.
    • Technology Law – addressing legal issues in software, hardware, data, and cybersecurity.
    • International Law – governing relations between countries, treaties, and trade.
    • Litigation & Dispute Resolution – representing clients in lawsuits and alternative forums.
    • Public Interest Law – advocating for social justice, consumer protection, and community needs.
  • Each area demands a unique combination of advocacy, research, and client service. A criminal prosecutor might spend much of their time in court, while a corporate attorney could focus on drafting contracts and advising clients on regulatory compliance.
  • Explore more
    • Visit the American Bar Association Career Center for an overview of practice areas and career paths.

What Type of Lawyer Should I Be Quiz

 Here, you can take a quick quiz to explore your interests in the legal field.

Click Here

Emerging Fields in 2025

  • As technology, globalization, and climate policy reshape society, new practice areas are expanding quickly:
    • Cybersecurity & Privacy Law – safeguarding digital information and data rights.
    • Health & Biotechnology Law – managing innovation and medical ethics in healthcare.
    • Environmental & Energy Law – addressing climate change and sustainability policy.
    • Technology & Artificial Intelligence Law – developing responsible frameworks for emerging tech.
    • Compliance & Corporate Governance – ensuring ethical and transparent business operations.
  • These fields illustrate how lawyers increasingly work at the intersection of law, policy, and innovation.

Beyond Traditional Practice

  • Not every law graduate becomes a practicing attorney. Many pursue careers in:
    • Government and Public Service – policy analysis, legislation, or agency counsel.
    • Business and Consulting – strategy, contracts, and risk management.
    • Education and Nonprofits – advocacy, administration, or community engagement.
    • Technology and Start-Ups – intellectual property, privacy, and product compliance.
  • The core advantage of a legal education is its transferable skill set—critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership grounded in ethics.
  • Statistics, 12-month period ending June 30, 2024. Available at uscourts.gov.

Where Are Lawyers Commonly Found?

  • According to the American Bar Association’s Profile of the Legal Profession (2024), the United States has roughly 1.33 million licensed lawyers.
  • The profession continues to grow slowly—about 1 % per year—with the majority concentrated in just a few states.
    • Top Three States by Total Lawyers
      • New York – 188,341
      • California – 170,959
      • Texas – 96,827
  • Together, these three states account for roughly one-third of all lawyers nationwide.

Top Three States by Total Lawyers

  • New York – 188,341
  • California – 170,959
  • Texas – 96,827

Together, these three states account for roughly one-third of all lawyers nationwide.

Highest Lawyers per Capita

  • Washington, D.C. – 1 lawyer for every 19 residents
  • New York – 9.5 lawyers per 1,000 residents
  • Massachusetts – 6.1 lawyers per 1,000 residents

Lowest Lawyers per Capita

  • South Carolina, Idaho, Arizona – about 2 lawyers per 1,000 residents

Trends Over the Past Decade

  • Florida has experienced the largest growth, with its active lawyer population increasing by 24%
  • Alabama has seen the sharpest decline, down roughly 15%

Takeaway

The legal profession is highly concentrated in large urban centers and coastal states, though growth continues in fast-developing regions like Florida and Texas

Source: American Bar Association, Profile of the Legal Profession 2024, released July 2024 (americanbar.org)

What Types of Employers Do Lawyers Work For?

  • According to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), which tracks nationwide employment outcomes for new law graduates, most lawyers work in private practice, though significant numbers serve in government, business, and public-interest roles.

2025 Snapshot – Class of 2024 Graduates

Out of roughly 34,800 graduates with known employment status ten months after graduation:

  • Law Firms – 58.9%
  • Business & Industry – 8.4%
  • Government & Public Interest (includes Clerkships) – 31.5%
  • Education & Academia – 1.2%

Law‑Firm Breakdown (Class of 2024)

  • About 30% of employed graduates joined large firms (500+ lawyers).
  • Roughly 24% entered small firms (2–10 lawyers).
  • The remainder joined mid-size, boutique, or regional practices.

Typical Starting Salaries

  • Median salary in large private firms: ≈ $225,000
  • Median across all private firms: ≈ $135,000
  • Median in public-service and government roles: ≈ $63,000

Takeaway

While most law graduates begin in private practice, public-service, corporate, and judicial-clerkship positions remain vital entry points that shape diverse career paths.


Source: National Association for Law Placement, Employment for the Class of 2024—Selected Findings, May 2025 (nalp.org).

I’m In — But How Do I Prepare?

  • There’s no single path to law school. The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any particular undergraduate major or group of courses.
  • Law students come from every discipline—from political science to engineering, from philosophy to business.
  • What matters most is developing strong skills in reading, writing, research, and critical thinking.
  • Focus on becoming a clear communicator, analytical thinker, and ethical decision-maker. Law schools value intellectual curiosity and evidence of persistence more than any specific major.

High School Students

Take Challenging Courses

  • Prioritize reading-intensive and writing-heavy classes such as history, English, and economics.

Get Involved

  • Join debate club, Model U.N., or mock trial if available.

Explore Careers

  • Shadow lawyers or volunteer with local organizations that expose you to law-related work.

Keep Grades Up

  • Academic discipline now sets the tone for undergraduate success.

Freshman-Year Undergraduates

Meet with an Academic Advisor

  • Ask about pre-law resources, writing-intensive courses, and internships.

Join a Pre-Law Society

  • These groups host events, alumni panels, and LSAT info sessions.

Broaden Your Coursework

  • Philosophy, economics, political science, history, and psychology all help build reasoning skills.

Build Habits Early

  • Balance academics with extracurriculars that demonstrate leadership and service.

Sophomore- and Junior-Year Undergraduates

Research Law Schools

Attend LSAC Law School Forums

  • Meet representatives from schools nationwide and attend workshops on financial aid and personal statements.

Begin LSAT Preparation

  • Explore free resources through LawHub.
  • Compare structured prep options (Blueprint, Princeton Review, Kaplan, LSAT Demon, Barbri).
  • Consider tutoring or group study if you need accountability.

Visit Schools

  • Many law schools allow prospective students to sit in on classes or attend open houses.

Seniors and Post-Graduates

Finalize School List

  • Use GPA/LSAT combination data on LSD.Law to gauge admissions likelihood.

Start Applications Early

Draft a Strong Personal Statement

  • Emphasize growth, motivation, and ethical purpose—not just résumé items.

Secure Recommendations

  • Choose professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak to your analytical ability and character.

Plan Financially

  • Apply for LSAC and school-specific fee waivers
  • Explore scholarships and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs, if available.

Prepare Mentally

  • Law school is rigorous but rewarding.
  • Cultivate time-management habits, wellness routines, and a support network now.

LSAC’s Top Tips for Success

Start Early

  • Begin exploring schools, prepping for the LSAT, and drafting your personal statement well before deadlines.

Be Realistic (re: workload, finances and goals)

  • Honestly assess your schedule, budget, and career objectives.

Visit Multiple Schools

  • Attend open houses, sit in on classes, and talk to current students to gauge each school’s culture.

Stay Organized

  • Track deadlines, required documents, LSAT prep progress, and contact with schools using a spreadsheet or planner.

Ask for Feedback

  • Share personal statements and resumes with mentors, advisors, and peers; incorporate constructive criticism.

Takeaway

There is no single “pre‑law” formula—students from any major can excel if they build strong reading, writing, and critical‑thinking skills and explore the legal profession early. Law school is a marathon, not a sprint: cultivate resilience, manage your time and wellness, and be proactive about seeking guidance.

Source: American Bar Association’s Pre‑Law Advising Resources; Law School Admission Council (LSAC), JD Application Process.

LSAT Prep Resources (2025 Edition)

  • A strong LSAT score can open scholarship opportunities and expand your law school options.
  • Below are reliable free and paid prep tools to help you choose based on your goals, learning style, and budget.

Free LSAT Resources

Khan Academy LSAT Prep

  • Free personalized study plan, video tutorials, and adaptive quizzes created in partnership with LSAC.

YouTube Channels

  • Channels like LSAT Unplugged and Strategy Prep provide free logic games, logical reasoning explanations, and study tips.

Paid LSAT Resources

LSAC LawHub

  • Access official digital PrepTests and full practice exams
  • A $99/year subscription to LSAT Prep Plus unlocks 60+ practice tests and a simulated test environment.

Blueprint LSAT

  • Live and online classes with adaptive practice questions
  • Typical cost: $1,000–2,000

Princeton Review & Kaplan

  • Comprehensive LSAT courses with test strategies, practice tests, and score-improvement guarantees
  • Typical cost: $1,500–$2,000

LSAT Demon

  • AI-driven digital tutor with daily video lessons, live classes, and thousands of practice questions
  • Typical cost: $100–$250 per month

Manhattan Prep LSAT

  • Structured curriculum with interactive instruction and on-demand resources
  • Self-study or live classes starting near $999 online classes with adaptive practice questions
  • Typical cost $1,000–$2,000

Pro Tip

Combine LawHub with a structured course or private tutoring to maximize your prep. Most students study for three to six months, investing 20+ hours per week to reach their target score.

Important Dates

  • LSAT now offers multiple digital administrations year-round, with both in-person and remote options.
  • Current schedule: LSAT Test Dates 2025

Putting It All Together

Preparing for a career in law is not about following a single formula—it’s about curiosity, preparation, and persistence.

Whether you’re exploring legal studies for the first time or already committed to applying to law school, the path begins with one key step: understanding how law connects to the world around you.

Lawyers don’t just argue in court. They shape policy, protect rights, guide businesses, and solve real-world problems that affect every part of society.

From public service and environmental work to business, technology, and human rights, a legal education provides tools for critical thinking and leadership in almost any field.

Remember

The habits that make you successful now—discipline, curiosity, communication, and integrity—are the same ones that make great lawyers later.

Your Next Steps

1. Reflect

What issues or communities matter most to you?

2. Explore

Talk to current law students, attorneys, or professors about their paths.

3. Prepare

Strengthen your academic foundation and practice LSAT-style reasoning.

4. Connect

Attend LSAC Law School Forums, pre-law events, and local bar-association programs.

5. Decide with Purpose

Law school is an investment—choose it because it aligns with who you are and what you want to contribute, not because someone wants you to attend.

Recommended Resources

  • American Bar Association (ABA) – Preparation for Legal Education
  • Law School Admission Council (LSAC) – Law School Admission Guide
  • National Association for Law Placement (NALP) – Employment Data for New Law Graduates
  • U.S. Courts – Federal Judicial Caseload Statistics

Final Thought

A legal education isn’t just a career choice—it’s a lifelong commitment to learning, advocacy, and integrity.

Wherever your path leads, remember that the law isn’t only about rules—it’s about people, principles, and progress.