According to Internet Law Research Group, five of the largest 250 law firms in the United States, headquartered in Florida, all of which have a starting annual salary of lawyers more than $ 110,000 and Florida Bar Association reports there are more than 90000 lawyers licensed to practice in Florida. If you are interested in practicing in Florida, remember, there are 10 accredited law schools in the State.
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree. The American Bar Association, which regulates access to law schools require prospective law students to first obtain a four-year undergraduate degree. There is no requirement from ABA to obtain a degree in a particular subject. ABA recommends, however, that potential law students choose an undergraduate major that develops skills used in both the law school and as a lawyer, including problem-solving, reading comprehension and writing. For admission to law school, your undergraduate GPA be over a 3.0.
2. Take The LSAT. Law School Admission Test is a standardized test required for admission to law school. LSAT consists of six multiple choice sections, one of which five are scored in reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. The scoring range for LSAT is between 120 and 180, with a score of 160 required for admission to the most selective law schools in Florida. You may want to consult with the pre-law Adviser at your undergraduate school about how to prepare LSAT.
3. Know the law schools in Florida. U.S. News and World Report survey of law schools different law schools in four floors, with the first layer is the most selective and the fourth layer is the least selective. Florida law schools in the first layer is the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida State University in Tallahassee and the University of Miami. The only third-tier law school in Florida’s Stetson University in Gulfport. Fourth tier law schools is Ave Maria in Florida Naples, Barry University and Florida A M University in Orlando, Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida International University in Miami, Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.
4. Determines what Florida law schools are best suited for you. The important criteria for admission to law school is your undergraduate GPA and your LSAT score. Each of the 10 Florida law schools has a different range of GPA and LSAT score, from which they choose most of their pupils. In addition, every Florida law school has another specialty. For example, tax law program at the University of Florida is among the best in the country, while the practical skills program at Stetson University is also well regarded. Check with the pre-law Adviser at your undergraduate school to determine what Florida law schools will be most appropriate for you.
5. Ask the relevant Florida law schools. While the application deadline for each Florida law varies, is the deadline to apply is typically in late January. In addition, there are many schools dedicating valuable scholarship funds available on a first-come-first served basis. Submitting your application as early as possible in September or October, is wise.
6. Complete the Florida law school program. If you only obtain a Juris Doctor, your program will probably take three years to complete. If you are obtaining a second degree in collaboration with your Juris Doctor, it can take four or five years to achieve both degrees.
