Skill path
How to become a Lawyer
How to become a Lawyer: skill roadmap with 1 core skills, degree usually required, courses and salary data. Updated weekly.
Education & experience requirements
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school.
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.
- On-the-job training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Foundations
Skills assumed by employers — the base to build on
- Legal ResearchFoundation
Finding and analyzing legal information. Professionals use this to understand regulations and ensure compliance in various fields.
- Legal WritingFoundation
Drafting legal documents like briefs and contracts. Lawyers use it to present cases. Learn through law school and practice.
- Criminal JusticeFoundation
Understanding criminal law and procedures. Lawyers apply this in criminal cases. Learn through legal education and apprenticeships.
Core skills
The skills that define the role today
- Data Mining SoftwareHigh demand
Tools to discover patterns in large datasets. Lawyers use it for evidence review and analysis. Learn through tutorials and practical use.
Tools in demand
Specific tools that appear in live postings
Specializations
Same profession, different paths. Each branch opens its own set of skills.
Corporate lawyerMergers, contracts and compliance
- Contract Drafting
- M&A Due Diligence
- Corporate Governance
Criminal defense lawyerDefend clients in criminal proceedings
- Trial Advocacy
- Criminal Procedure
- Evidence Law
IP lawyerPatents, trademarks and copyright
- Patent Law
- Trademark Registration
- Licensing