We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become an Associate Attorney?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,512
Share

An associate attorney does not yet have ownership in the legal firm for which he works. An associate attorney may be a recent law school graduate, or he may have worked for the firm for years and simply does not yet own a part of it. The best way to become an associate attorney is to get on track to be a lawyer, which requires earning a bachelor's degree and graduating from law school. It is a good idea to get a clerkship while you are in law school, because it allows you to work for a firm before graduating. Finally, before you can become an associate attorney, you will need to pass the bar exam so you can legally practice law.

The first step before you become an associate attorney is to enroll in a four-year university, because you will need a bachelor's degree. Some schools feature a legal studies specialty that offers a basic overview of the legal field but, in some cases, this major is geared toward students hoping to become paralegals, not lawyers. If this is the case, you may be better off with a degree in political science, history or a similar major that requires critical thinking, writing and memorization. Most law schools accept any major, so you have a good chance of being accepted as a law student as long as you complete your undergraduate studies with good grades.

Before you graduate with your bachelor's degree, you should apply to several law schools, first ensuring that you meet those schools' requirements for acceptance. Once you are accepted to law school, you should plan on it taking at least three years to graduate. While there, you may want to compete for a position on the law review, or student legal journal, so you'll have the best chance to become an associate attorney down the road. The more achievements you obtain during law school, the easier it is to set yourself apart from other law students, which is often necessary to get a job in the legal field once you graduate.

Working a clerkship — a paid internship at a law firm — the summer before you start your final year in law school is recommended. In most cases, you will work directly with a senior associate or a partner at the firm, learning how to complete the daily duties of an associate attorney. Thus, you can often expect to participate in conference calls and meet with clients, gaining on-the-job training along the way. If the partners at the firm think you are a good fit, you may be hired to become an associate attorney once you graduate from law school and pass the bar exam.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-an-associate-attorney.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.