Lawyer · Job Checklist

Lawyer Career Checklist

The definitive checklist for launching your legal career. LSAC registration, law school application documents, bar exam enrollment, character & fitness requirements, CLE tracking, and practice setup essentials. 140+ items organized from pre-law through your first year of practice.

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Before Your Legal Career

Law School Application


Create LSAC (Law School Admission Council) account

Register for the LSAT and schedule test date (ideally June or September)

Request transcripts through LSAC CAS (Credential Assembly Service)

Secure 2-3 strong recommendation letters (professors who know your work)

Draft and refine personal statement (start 3 months before deadline)

Bar Exam Preparation


Register with your state bar's Board of Law Examiners

Begin Character & Fitness application early (can take 6+ months)

Enroll in bar prep course (Barbri, Themis, or Kaplan — start comparison in 2L)

Plan study schedule: 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE states

Preview shows 2 of 10 sections. Full checklist includes 140+ items covering law school, bar exam, job search, and first-year associate survival.