How to Become a Lawyer / Attorney
Advise and represent clients in legal matters, prepare legal documents, and argue cases. It typically requires a doctoral degree (jd, juris doctor), with a median salary of $145,760 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$145,760/yr
Typical range
$64,400 to $239,200
Job growth
8%
Openings / yr
39,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Legal Research
- Writing
- Oral Advocacy
- Critical Thinking
- Negotiation
Helpful certifications
- Bar Exam (State-specific)
- LSAT for admission
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
45/100
Work-life balance
35/100
Stress level
72/100
Satisfaction
70/100
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.