Extensive education is usually required to become a mortgage lawyer. In most jurisdictions, you will have to spend about four years in college earning a bachelor’s degree and then complete about three years of law school. Most jurisdictions also require aspiring lawyers to become licensed, so you will likely have to pass a test called the bar exam as well. While it may not be mandatory, participating in an internship or two may help prepare you for this career and boost your chances of finding a job as a mortgage lawyer.
Finishing high school with high marks is typically important when you want to become a mortgage lawyer. Most colleges will consider your grades as well as your scores on standardized tests as they decide whether or not to admit you. Some of the more selective colleges may also place a good deal of importance on such things as letters of recommendation, essays, and personal interviews. Additionally, colleges may consider the activities in which you’ve participated, as they usually prefer well-rounded students. If you did not graduate from high school, however, you may gain acceptance to college with a general educational development (GED) diploma instead.
Your college career may take just about any path you desire when you want to become a mortgage lawyer. Law schools do not usually require admissions candidates to choose a specific major. You could, for example, become a lawyer after pursuing a major in a language or science. You may, however, prefer to choose a law- or business-related major. Either one may help you build a foundation of knowledge you can use in your career.
As with high school, the grades you earn in college will influence your acceptance to law school. Law schools will typically consider your grades, recommendations, and the results of pre-admissions testing. They may also require you to write essays and participate in interviews with admissions officers. Your hobbies, interests, and extracurricular activities may also play a role in helping law school admissions officers decide whether or not you will make a good addition to their student body.
Law school usually lasts for about three years, though this may depend on the jurisdiction in which you attend school. During this time, you will likely take a core of law courses intended to prepare you for a legal career. Courses in real estate law, contract law, corporate law, legal writing, and tax law may be particularly helpful as you work to become a mortgage lawyer. You may also participate in internships with law firms that handle real estate and contract-related cases to prepare for this career.
Most jurisdictions will require you to secure licensing before you can practice law. This means your final step in becoming a mortgage lawyer is likely to be passing a test called the bar exam. Once you have done so, you will have the licensing you need to seek employment as a mortgage lawyer.
