There's more to being a lawyer than what we see on Law & Order. Associates, Bachelor's and Master's programs offer valuable skills and knowledge to prepare, not only those looking to continue on to law school, but also for individuals interested in managerial and legal positions in business, government and non-profit organizations. Graduates holding a degree with a legal focus may go on to get jobs in a number of professions including:

• Court reporter
• Law school professor
• Media lawyer
• City council member
• Corporation consultant or arbitrator
• Foreign affairs consultant
• Police Officer
• Homeland Security professional
• Cyber Crime detective
• Corporate or private security
• Political leader such as senator or representative
• Justice of the Peace

Unlike lower level degree programs, admission to law school is highly competitive. Applicants seeking entrance must provide evidence of having earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, as well as an undergraduate record which indicates a potential for success in graduate study. Potential students must also take The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) before applying to law school. The LSAT is a half-day standardized test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and required by all ABA-approved law programs in the United States and Canada. The exam is administered four times a year in February, June, October, and December. To schedule a test, an appointment must be made at one of the designated test centers.

Law students typically study core courses at first to gain a general understanding of the fundamental aspects of the legal system. Courses include topics such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, torts, civil procedure, and legal writing. Beyond the basics, individuals may select specialized courses in areas like tax, labor, or corporate law. Those looking to take the state bar exam and go on to practice law will need to earn the degree of Juris Doctor (JD).