Law school: What you need to know

What is law school?

Law school is designed to prepare you to understand, interpret, and apply the law in real-world settings. The primary degree you’ll earn is a Juris Doctor (JD), which is required to sit for the bar exam and become a licensed attorney in most states.

Some students go on to earn a Master of Laws (LLM) to specialize in areas like tax law, intellectual property, or international law—especially if they want to deepen expertise or shift focus within the field.

If you’re still exploring graduate education more broadly, it can help to understand how advanced degrees work through resources like What is a master’s degree?

JD program structure (1L, 2L, 3L)

Most JD programs follow a three-year structure.

In your first year (1L), you’ll usually take foundational courses like contracts, torts, civil procedure, criminal law, constitutional law, and legal writing. This year tends to be the most structured and academically intense.

During your second and third years (2L and 3L), you’ll usually have more flexibility to choose electives, participate in journals or moot court, and gain practical experience through clinics, externships, or internships.

Specializations and experiential learning

Law school isn’t just about lectures. Many programs emphasize hands-on learning through legal clinics, externships, mock trial, and moot court.

Depending on the school, you may be able to focus your studies in areas like:

• Corporate or business law
• Criminal law
• Environmental law
• Intellectual property
• Public interest law
• International law

Why accreditation matters

Make sure the programs you consider are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). That matters because graduating from an ABA-accredited law school is typically required to sit for the bar exam in most states.

What are the benefits of a law degree?

Let’s be real—law school is a serious investment. So what do you actually get out of it?

For many people, it’s about opportunity. A law degree can open doors to careers in law firms, government agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and even fields like consulting, compliance, or policy.

But beyond career options, there’s something else that matters: impact. Whether you’re representing a client, shaping policy, or helping an organization navigate complex regulations, your work can make a major difference.

What are law school requirements?

This is often the part that feels the most overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

Law schools typically take a holistic approach to admissions. That means they’re looking at more than just your GPA and test scores. They’re also evaluating your writing, experiences, motivation, and readiness for the demands of legal education.

Prerequisite education

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to apply, but there’s no required major. Students apply from a wide range of backgrounds, including political science, business, English, economics, history, engineering, and more.

What matters most is your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and work through complex ideas.

LSAT or GRE

Most law schools require the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), which evaluates reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.

Some schools now accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), but the LSAT is still the most common admissions test for law school applicants.

GPA, personal statement, and recommendations

Your GPA is an important part of your application, and many competitive programs look for a GPA around 3.0 or higher.

You’ll also typically need:

• A personal statement explaining your goals and interest in law
• Letters of recommendation
• A resume highlighting academic, professional, or leadership experience

Application platform and timing

Most law schools use the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) platform.

Applications are usually submitted about a year before enrollment, with many deadlines falling between late fall and early spring. Applying earlier in the cycle can sometimes help.

How long is law school?

Law school typically takes 3 years after earning your bachelor’s degree. For most students, that means about 7 years total of higher education.

Typical JD path

• 4 years: Undergraduate degree
• 3 years: Juris Doctor (JD) program

Bar exam and licensure

After graduating, you’ll typically need to pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice. You may also need to complete a character and fitness review before becoming licensed.

Advanced degrees (LLM)

If you decide to specialize further, an LLM usually takes about 1 additional year and can help deepen your knowledge in areas like tax, international law, or intellectual property.

Top law schools in the U.S.

If you’re starting to explore programs, you’ll likely come across certain schools again and again. Some well-known law schools include:

• Yale University
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• University of Chicago
• Columbia University
• New York University
• University of Pennsylvania

These schools are often recognized for strong academics, faculty, and career outcomes. But the “best” law school isn’t always the one with the biggest name. It’s the one that fits your goals, your budget, and your life. 

Tools like Scout College Search can help you compare schools side by side so you can find the right fit—not just the biggest name.

How much does law school cost?

Law school is a major financial commitment, and looking at the full picture now can help you plan more confidently.

Typical annual tuition (approximate):

• Public law schools (in-state): $20,000–$35,000
• Public law schools (out-of-state): $35,000–$50,000
• Private law schools: $45,000–$65,000+

Total cost of attendance (COA) per year

When you add housing, transportation, books, health insurance, fees, and bar-related costs, many law students face total annual costs of roughly $50,000–$90,000+.

Estimated total cost for a three-year JD program

• Lower-cost programs: Around $150,000
• Higher-cost programs: $270,000 or more
  
  

What career paths are available after law school?

A law degree can lead to a wide range of careers depending on your interests and experience.

Career paths include:

• Attorney: Represents clients in areas like litigation, family law, corporate law, or real estate
• Public defender or prosecutor: Works within the criminal justice system
• Corporate counsel: Advises companies on contracts, compliance, risk, and strategy
• Policy advisor: Helps shape laws, regulations, and public policy
• Compliance officer or legal consultant: Helps organizations follow laws and manage risk

Expected salary ranges

• Entry-level: $70,000–$100,000
• Mid-career: $100,000–$160,000
• Top roles or large firms: $160,000+

Your salary can vary widely based on your location, practice area, experience, and employer.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

How to pay for law school

Paying for law school can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes more manageable when you break it into steps. Most students use a combination of funding sources—and you can too.

1. Start with free money

Maximizing money you don’t have to pay back should be your first move when funding your law degree. Scholarships, grants, and tuition awards can lower how much you need to pay out of pocket or borrow. Many law schools offer merit-based aid and some organizations offer awards for specifically for future law students.

2. File the FAFSA^®

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) is an important step for law students because it helps you access federal financial aid, including federal loan options. Once you know how much federal aid you qualify for, you can better estimate how much additional funding you need. If you want help with the process, check our step-by-step FAFSA^® guide.

3. Explore law-specific repayment and service-based programs

Some law school funding opportunities can help reduce what you repay after graduation. Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) are designed to support graduates who pursue careers in public service. If you work for a qualifying government or nonprofit employer, these programs may help forgive a portion of your student loan balance over time or help with monthly payments.

You may also find public interest fellowships and school-based grants or stipends that offer financial support while you gain experience in areas like legal aid, policy, or advocacy. 

4. Apply for scholarships

There’s no cap on how many scholarships you can apply for, and every award you receive may reduce how much you need to borrow. Start with law school scholarships and broader graduate student scholarships. Use Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities that match your background, academic interests, and career goals.

Be sure to explore easy-entry opportunities like Scholly^® Easy Apply Scholarships, the $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship, and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship as part of your broader scholarship strategy.

5. Borrow smart

Borrowing thoughtfully can make a real difference later. Creating a budget, understanding your costs, and only borrowing what you need can help make repayment more manageable after graduation.

Most students begin with federal student loans because they can offer benefits like income-sensitive repayment plans. If you need more funds, private options like the Sallie Mae^® Law School Loan and bar exam loan can help cover your remaining law school-related costs. For broader grad loan options, explore Sallie Mae^® Graduate Student Loans.

For a deeper dive into planning, budgeting, and borrowing, check out our resource on how to pay for law school.

Your next steps

Law school can lead to meaningful work, strong earning potential, and the chance to build a career that matches your interests and values. Getting ready for law school may feel like a lot, but the good news is that you don’t need figure out everything all at once. Start by exploring programs, comparing costs, and thinking about what kind of legal path you want to pursue.

Use Scout College Search to compare programs and Scholly Scholarships to look for funding opportunities that fit your goals.

Each step you take builds momentum—and brings you closer to your future legal career.