Have you ever dreamed of advocating for justice and navigating the complexities of the legal world? Pursuing a legal career in Pennsylvania could be your ticket to a fulfilling and successful profession. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to become a lawyer in Pennsylvania, from choosing the right law school to passing the bar exam, and provide valuable insights on building a thriving legal career. In addition, we’ll cover what education requirements are involved when you’re on the path of becoming a licensed attorney in the Keystone State.
- Pathway to Becoming a Lawyer in Pennsylvania
- Earning Your Undergraduate Degree in Pennsylvania
- Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Selecting the Right Law School in Pennsylvania
- Navigating the Law School Experience
- Passing the Pennsylvania Bar Exam
- Gaining Practical Experience and Building Your Legal Career
- Specializing in a Practice Area
- Joining the Pennsylvania State Bar Association
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
Pathway to Becoming a Lawyer in Pennsylvania
The first step to becoming a lawyer in Pennsylvania involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Make sure the institution you choose has national accreditation to satisfy Pennsylvania law schools’ requirements. The journey continues with enrollment in an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school, such as the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School or Pennsylvania State University. After three years of rigorous legal education, you’ll need to pass the Pennsylvania Bar Exam to practice law in the state.
At a glance, the steps to become a Lawyer/Attorney in Pennsylvania are:
- Study pre-law education as an undergraduate
- Take and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Apply to an ABA-accredited law school in Pennsylvania
- Take and pass the Pennsylvania State Bar Exam and become a licensed attorney
- Celebrate! You’re now a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar
- Join and become an active member of the Pennsylvania State Bar association
Gaining practical experience during law school is vital, as it aids in the development of skills needed for your legal career. After your first year of law school, you may participate in internships or other off-site experiences, such as working at law firms or government agencies. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the bar exam and embark on a successful legal career in Pennsylvania.
Earning Your Undergraduate Degree in Pennsylvania
Before stepping into the realm of law, securing an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is necessary. While no specific major is required for law school admission, some areas of study may better prepare you for the legal field. A pre-law advisor can be invaluable in helping you select your major, minor, and electives to ensure success in law school.
The most popular pre-law majors include:
Ensure your chosen college or university has regional or national accreditation, acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation is crucial for your future law school applications, as it demonstrates the quality of your educational background. Invest in your education now, and you’ll be one step closer to realizing your dream of becoming a lawyer in Pennsylvania.
Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools, including those in Pennsylvania. The LSAT consists of multiple-choice questions that assess reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. With the test available on a quarterly basis at various testing locations in your area, you’ll have ample opportunities to showcase your abilities when you’re ready. As of 2024, the LSAT registration fee is $222. Specific test locations in Pennsylvania near your city include:
Preparation for the LSAT should include using available resources like the free study materials offered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Dedicate ample time to studying and familiarizing yourself with the test format, which is conducted over a half-day period. With determination and the right preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the LSAT and move forward in your legal education journey. Some of the best LSAT Exam preparation material in Pennsylvania include:
Selecting the Right Law School in Pennsylvania
The selection of the right law school in Pennsylvania substantially influences your future legal career. Factors such as:
Location
Tuition
School size
Test scores
- Accreditation status
All these factors should be considered when making your selection. Enrollment in a law school that complements your personal interests and objectives not only imparts quality legal education but also lays a strong foundation for a successful legal career.
Top Law Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation’s most esteemed law schools, offering outstanding placement opportunities, a diverse faculty, and state-of-the-art curricula. Some of the top law schools in Pennsylvania include:
Each law school offers unique features and strengths, such as University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School which consistently ranks among the T14 law schools and boasts a 93% bar passage rate on the first attempt, Duquesne University School of Law’s highly ranked Trial Advocacy Program, or the University of Pittsburgh School of Law’s scholarships for law students throughout all three years and recognition as one of the Best Value Law Schools. Choosing the best law school that aligns with your career goals and interests sets you on the path to a successful legal profession in Pennsylvania.
Navigating the Law School Experience
Law school is more than just attending classes and passing exams; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the legal community and develop practical skills. Take advantage of the resources and achievement programs available to law students, such as interdisciplinary centers, moot court competitions, and other extracurricular activities. These opportunities will not only help you gain hands-on experience but also allow you to interact with like-minded individuals and explore various aspects of the law.
When pursing your Bachelor of Laws (most common outside the United States) or Juris Doctor degree the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners states the following subjects will be tested on the state’s bar exam and should be covered in your law school curriculum. When choosing your course of study, make sure your courses are covering the subjects mentioned below to better prepare for the state exam:
Enhance your law school experience by actively pursuing experiential learning opportunities and engaging with professors. Participate in research, internships, and volunteer work to acquire a diverse range of experiences and perspectives that will prepare you for the challenges of the legal profession. By maximizing your investment in law school, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in the competitive legal landscape.
Passing the Pennsylvania Bar Exam
You earned your JD degree (or equivalent) and now it’s time to take your test. The Pennsylvania Bar Exam is a critical milestone in your journey to becoming a lawyer in the state. Administered over two days, this exam tests your knowledge and understanding of various legal subjects. To pass, you’ll need to achieve a minimum score of 270 instead of the previous minimum score of 272. The cut score change, issued by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, went into effect on December 27, 2023 and starts in the beginning of February 2024. Note: if your application was submitted prior to February 2024 the minimum score remains 272.
The exam is offered twice a year, in February and July, giving you ample opportunities to prepare and succeed. Pass rates and non-pass rates for the most recent exams (2022-2023) are the following:
For effective Pennsylvania Bar Exam preparation, make use of resources from the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners and test prep organizations like Kaplan and Barbri. Law schools typically offer bar exam preparation courses and reviews. Such courses provide invaluable resources to students who are preparing for the exam. With diligent preparation, you’ll be well on your way to passing the bar exam and launching your legal career in Pennsylvania. A few notable law schools that offer bar exam preparation resources in your state include:
Admission by Reciprocity
Rule 204 of the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners states admission by reciprocity is granted if you are an attorney licensed to practice law in another state. The following is required:
In addition, providing evidence deemed satisfactory to the Board, demonstrating that you have either successfully completed the bar examination in a reciprocal state or has dedicated a significant portion of time and effort to the practice of law in a reciprocal state for five out of the last seven years.
The following states or jurisdictions have reciprocity with Pennsylvania:
The following states or jurisdictions do not have reciprocity with Pennsylvania:
Gaining Practical Experience and Building Your Legal Career
Transitioning from law school to the legal profession requires gaining practical experience and establishing your career in Pennsylvania. The state offers numerous opportunities for lawyers, with an estimated 1,573 new jobs available annually from 2016 through 2026 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry – Center for Workforce Information & Analysis.
To maintain your law license, you’ll need to fulfill 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) annually, which includes courses in:
Networking and Professional Development
Networking and continuing education are crucial for career growth in the legal field. To expand your network, you can:
Attend relevant legal conferences and events
Join professional organizations like the Pennsylvania Bar Association
Participate in local bar association activities
Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other legal professionals.
Continuing education is crucial to stay updated with the latest legal developments, acquire new skills, and maintain competitiveness in the legal profession. By actively engaging in networking and professional development efforts, you’ll not only enhance your legal expertise but also open doors to new opportunities and career growth.
Salary Expectations
As a lawyer in Pennsylvania, you can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $144,570 annually as of May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, your earnings can be influenced by various factors, such as:
Your practice area
Years of experience
Geographic location
Size of the law firm or organization you work for
While salary is an important consideration, remember that pursuing a legal career in Pennsylvania yields more than just financial rewards. The opportunity to advocate for justice, navigate complex legal issues, and make a difference in the lives of others is a fulfilling and rewarding experience in its own right.
Specializing in a Practice Area
Upon completion of your legal education and passing the bar exam, you have the option to specialize in specific practice areas like:
This specialization enables you to focus on a particular area of law and develop in-depth expertise that can enhance your career prospects.
When choosing a practice area, consider your interests, abilities, and professional aspirations. Research the various practice areas, speak with attorneys in the field, and attend seminars and conferences to gather information on which specialization is the best fit for you. Specializing in a practice area can help you carve out a niche in the competitive legal landscape and contribute to a successful legal career.
Specialized Certifications to Consider
Certain Pennsylvania Bar members opt to specialize in specific legal areas, catering to distinct populations. Upon acquiring appropriate training, experience, and, in some cases, passing examinations, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania approves certifications for numerous legal specialties. These certifications include:
- NELF’s Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA): Elder and Special Needs Law
- American Board of Certification (ABC): Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy, and Creditors’ Rights Law
- National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA): Criminal Law Trial Advocacy & Civil Trial Advocacy
Joining the Pennsylvania State Bar Association
Your legal career can significantly benefit from joining the Pennsylvania State Bar Association. As a member, you’ll have access to reduced-price services such as insurance, legal research, and office products. Additionally, the association offers networking and professional development opportunities that can help you expand your knowledge, build connections, and advance your career.
Belonging to the largest lawyer constituency in the state also provides you with access to a broader network of legal professionals and resources. By joining the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, you’ll not only enhance your career prospects but also contribute to the legal community and uphold the highest standards of the profession.
Other Professional Organizations You Can Join
Consider joining other professional organizations tailored for lawyers in Pennsylvania:
- Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL)
- Philadelphia Bar Association
- Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association (WPTLA)
- Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CLASP)
Summary
In conclusion, becoming a lawyer in Pennsylvania is a rewarding and fulfilling journey that requires dedication, hard work, and strategic planning. From choosing the right law school and acing the LSAT to passing the bar exam and building a successful legal career, this guide has provided you with valuable insights and resources to help you navigate the path to becoming a lawyer in the Keystone State. With persistence and determination, you can achieve your dream of advocating for justice and making a difference in the lives of others.