Become a Lawyer Accountant
To become a lawyer and accountant, you will need to obtain two degrees: a juris doctorate, or law degree, and a bachelor's degree in accounting. In order to receive licensing as both a lawyer and Certified Public Accountant, you will need to take state exams in both disciplines. Here are some tips to assist in navigating the process to a dual career.
Instructions
1. Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. In order to work in accounting, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or other financial field. You also must complete a bachelor's degree before you may be admitted to law school.
2. Gain professional accounting experience. In order to become a certified public accountant
(CPA), you must have professional experience in bookkeeping or accounting. The specific time frames vary by state, but are generally no less than two years. Some college internships may count towards this requirement.
3. Take the LSAT. One to two years before you plan to attend law school, you will need to take the Law School Admissions Test, which is a three-part standardized test that measures your reading compression, critical thinking, and logic skills.
4. Apply to law school. To apply to law school, submit your college transcripts and letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors from your accounting internships. Prepare a personal statement discussing your interest in law and accounting.
5. Take courses in taxation, real estate, and finance. During law school, focus your studies on legal disciplines that combine accounting and the law. You will also need coursework in contracts and civil litigation.
6. Apply to your state's bar. Before you may practice law, you will need to pass your state's bar exam, which will test your knowledge of ethics and basic legal principles. You will also need to submit an application that discloses your criminal history and educational background and provide written character references.
7. Take your state's CPA exam. After you have begun to practice law and have worked full-time in accounting for time frame required by your state, you will need to take a licensing exam. You will then be considered a Certified Public Accountant.
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