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 $159,670 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$159,670/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
31,500
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
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Lawyer / Attorney make?
The median pay for a Lawyer / Attorney is $159,670 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Lawyer / Attorney?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (jd, juris doctor). Common majors are Political Science, Pre-Law, English, History, Criminal Justice, and Philosophy.
Is Lawyer / Attorney a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 31,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Lawyer / Attorney use most?
Common skills for this role are Legal Research, Writing, Oral Advocacy, Critical Thinking, and Negotiation.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.