The legal framework of our society infiltrates almost every area. Lawyers are the supporters of this framework and they work to link people and society to the laws set in place. Students that are interested in becoming lawyers have a variety of educational training options that can be completed. Interested students can learn about options for pursuing an education and career through law schools.

Becoming an advocate or advisor in respect to criminal and civil trials is a matter of first pursuing the needed education. Advocates represent clients inside a court of law. On the other hand advisors give their clients advice and suggest a course of action based upon the issues at hand. The area of law students decide to complete their training in will determine their specific job responsibilities. Possible training options include:

• Juris Doctor Degree Programs
• Master of Laws Degree Programs
• Doctor of Juridical Science Degree Programs

These graduate degree programs can only be entered once students first complete bachelor's degree programs. There are no specific undergraduate degree programs that prepare students directly for law schools. Students need to take courses at the bachelor's degree level that emphasize language, philosophy, English, reasoning, and analysis. The skill set gained through these types of courses help students transition into law school. Along with a bachelor's degree students will need to successfully pass the American Bar Association's entry exam, the Law School Admission Test.

Schooling takes a minimum of seven years. Juris doctor degree programs cover the basics regarding the American legal system. Students start their three-year training by learning about international, family, tax, and evidence law. Programs have students take a variety of courses their first year to begin developing their interests. From this students can enter concentrations that include corporate law, criminal litigation, civil litigation, and intellectual property. The last year of training is typically dedicated to giving students practical experience through internship courses. In order to practice law students have to obtain licensure. Students are typically required to pass the bar exam in the state they plan on practicing law in.

The second professional program available is the master of laws degree. Programs at this level are highly focused and students step directly into their areas of interest. Concentration areas may consist of environmental law, taxation, technology law, and human rights law. The coursework of a program will depend greatly on what concentration students have chosen. Possible course subjects could include estate planning, local taxation, bankruptcy, and criminal justice training.

The third and highest professional degree obtainable is the doctor of juridical science. Programs are research heavy and students will spend a large amount of time completing a dissertation paper after core courses related to their interests are taken. Civil procedure, legal and paralegal training, constitutional law, and legal advocacy are some courses that students take to complete their training at this degree level.

Training to become a lawyer is intensive, which makes it highly important that student's enter their areas of interest. Complete a law degree program that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and enter a career as a lawyer.

About the Author:
Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Accredited Law Schools as well as Schools offering Online Law Degrees at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.