Family lawyers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required

Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). ABA accreditation signifies that the law schoolparticularly its curricula and facultymeets certain standards.

Job Outlook

The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 9% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)

Advancement

Newly hired attorneys usually start as associates and work on teams with more experienced lawyers. After several years, some lawyers may advance to partnership in their firm, meaning that they become partial owners of the firm. Those who do not advance within their firm may be forced to leave, a practice commonly known as up or out.

Licenses/Certifications

Prospective lawyers take licensing exams called bar exams. Lawyers who receive a license to practice law are admitted to the bar.

Median pay: How much do Lawyers make?

$118,160 Annual Salary

$56.81 per hour

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