How to Become an Estate Planning Attorney
How to Become an Estate Planning Attorney
If you are passionate about helping individuals plan for the future and navigate the complexities of financial and legal matters, pursuing a career as an estate planning attorney might be the right path for you. Estate planning attorneys play a crucial role in assisting clients with drafting wills, setting up trusts, and planning for end-of-life decisions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become an estate planning attorney:
1. Decide Whether you want to go to an ABA Accredited School or a State Accredited School
The first step towards becoming an attorney is to decided whether you will go to an ABA school or a state accredited school. This is important because there are several tradeoffs that must be considered for each option. An ABA school requires a Bachelor’s degree and taking the LSAT while a State accredited school does may have no LSAT requirement at all and will let you in with an Associates degree. ABA schools are 3 year programs and State accredited schools sometimes offer 4 year programs with classes at night which allows you to work during the day. Other considerations are cost, quality of education, scholarships available and jurisdictions you plan on practicing in.
2. Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
The first step towards becoming an estate planning attorney is to earn a bachelors or associates degree from an accredited university. While there is no specific major required for law school admission, many aspiring attorneys choose to study pre-law, political science, or a related field. Philosophy is also a great choice because the way classes are taught is very similar to law school.
3. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
To gain admission to law school, you may need to take the LSAT exam. Your LSAT score, along with your undergraduate GPA, will play a crucial role in the law school application process.
4. Gain Admission to Law School
Here, the choice you made in step one will determine what type of school you apply for. It is important to choose a school that fits in with your lifestyle and budget. You may not get into your school of choice so applying to more schools is advisable.
5. Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree
After passing the LSAT and gaining admission to law school, you will need to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree program. During law school, will likely be required to take classes in wills, trusts, and real Property Law. Taking elective classes or clinics related to estate planning such as Tax Law, Elder Law, and Disability Law will help prepare you even more for your career as an estate planning attorney.
4. Gain Experience Through Internships or Clerkships
While in law school, consider gaining practical experience through internships, paralegal roles, or law clerk positions at law firms specializing in estate planning or by working as a clerk for a judge who handles probate cases. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of an estate planning attorney.
5. Pass the Bar Exam
After graduating from law school, you will need to pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice law. Each state has its own bar exam requirements, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific exam format and content for the state in which you intend to practice.
6. Consider Obtaining Specialized Certifications
While not required, obtaining specialized certifications in estate planning, such as becoming a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA), a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), real estate agent, or Bar Certified Estate Planning Expert can enhance your credentials and showcase your expertise in this area.
7. Build a Network and Establish a Practice
Once you have obtained your law license, focus on building a strong professional network within the estate planning community. Joining local bar associations, attending conferences, and connecting with other estate planning professionals can help you establish your practice and attract clients.
Becoming an estate planning attorney requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. By following these steps and staying informed about the latest laws and regulations affecting estate planning, you can embark on a rewarding career helping clients protect their assets and secure their legacies for future generations.
If you or anyone you know are interested in becoming an estate planning attorney and have questions about the process feel free to contact us and we will gladly answer any questions you have!
