How Do I Become a Legal Aid Lawyer?

The process to become a legal aid lawyer can differ depending on where you live. You will first need to be qualified to practice law, which typically involves obtaining a four year degree and then attending law school. In countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, you may obtain your initial degree in law or any other subject. After you have obtained your law degree and satisfied any other local requirements, you can seek employment with your local legal aid service. Another option is to do pro bono work in the course of a regular for-profit law practice rather than actually become a legal aid lawyer.

If you have decided to become a legal aid lawyer, you will first need to obtain a law degree. The first step in that process is to earn an undergraduate degree. Some countries offer a bachelor's degree specifically in law, though others do not. In countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, you can enter law school with any four year degree. You may want to follow a pre-law track, though this is not strictly necessary.

After you have finished your schooling, you will need to be approved by your local bar or law society. This process can differ from one place to another, though you will typically need to take an exam. Your local bar or law society may also require you to take additional classes or impose other requirements. After you have satisfied all of these requirements, you may practice law.

The final step to become a legal aid lawyer is to seek employment with the legal aid service in your area. Each country has its own procedure to offer these types of services, and hiring is often competitive due to limited resources. In the United States, each state has one or more entities that are responsible for providing legal aid. To become a legal aid lawyer, you will need to find employment with one of these state or local legal aid clinics or law firms. In the United Kingdom, the legal services commission is responsible for providing legal aid.

Another option you may consider is doing pro bono work. Many people are denied access to free legal services due to income requirements or a lack of resources for civil cases. By providing pro bono services as a part of your normal legal practice, you can offer the same types of services as a legal aid lawyer. Some areas have requirements that all lawyers participate in some type of pro bono work.