How to Become a Medical Lawyer

Should I Become a Medical Lawyer?

Lawyers who practice medial law may work on cases that deal medical practitioner negligence, violation of patient confidentiality or criminal activity involving patient abuse and misuse of prescription drugs. The field of medical law is a broad discipline that falls under the practice of personal injury, medical malpractice, and health care law. Therefore, a medical lawyer is an attorney who focuses their practice on one or more of these areas.

Lawyers of all kinds, including those who specialize in medical-related practice, write legal documents, research laws, present a client's case to a judge or jury, and negotiate settlement agreements. These professionals work in office settings on a full-time basis. Some travel to meet with clients and attend hearings is required. Working overtime hours is common for this profession.

Career Requirements

Degree Level	Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Degree Field	Law
Experience	Varies; at least 2 years experience may be sufficient for some positions; more advanced roles may request 5 to 10 years of experience
Licensure	All states require licenusre
Key Skills	Research, writing, speaking, interpersonal, negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills
Salary	$133,470 per year (2014 average salary for all lawyers)

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CareerOneStop, HG.org, Online Job Postings (August 2015)

Step 1: Graduate from a Bachelor's Degree Program

Most law schools require that applicants possess a bachelor's degree. Law students typically complete programs in economics, government or history; although, no specific field of study at the undergraduate level is required. Aspiring medical lawyers might consider completing a bachelor's degree program in health care administration, health studies or health humanities. These programs introduce students to the clinical, legal and other aspects of the health care system, knowledge of which may prove beneficial when working as a medical lawyer.

Step 2: Prepare for and Take the LSAT

Undergraduate students usually complete the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) during their junior year. The LSAT is a half-day exam that tests an aspiring lawyer's critical thinking, analytical reasoning and reading skills. Students may increase their test scores by completing a prep course that provides test taking techniques and familiarizes them with the contents of the exam.

Step 3: Complete Law School

About three years of full-time study is required to complete law school. Programs emphasize basic law concepts during the first year, such as criminal, constitutional and property law as well as torts. In the final two years, students can take elective classes like medical research ethics and the law, medical malpractice and public health law. During this time, they also gain practical experience through judicial internships and other fieldwork. Depending on the school, students may be able to concentrate their studies in law and health sciences, health law or biomedical law. These concentrations may cover coursework, such as elder law, food and drug law, science and the law, personal injury litigation and disability law.

Success Tip:

Complete a medical-legal clinical experience. Some schools have established clinics that focus on medical law-related issues. Law students can participate in these clinics and gain hands-on experience dealing with the types of issues that might arise in the field.

Step 4: Pass the Bar Exam

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that all states require lawyers to be licensed. To become licensed, individuals must usually pass a bar exam and a professional responsibility exam. The format of each state's bar exam differs, but may include multiple days of testing of both multiple choice and essay questions.

Success Tip:

Prepare for the bar exam. Preparing to take the bar exam by completing a prep course may increase an individual's chances of passing on the first attempt. Prep courses often last several weeks and provide instruction about the types of law tested on the exam.

Step 5: Work as a Lawyer

Law firms, universities and the government hire attorneys to handle personal injury, medical malpractice or health care law issues. Sometimes, several years of experience is required to work in a particular specialty, such as medical malpractice. However, new lawyers can gain the expertise needed by starting their careers in document review or research roles that involve medical law.

Step 6: Consider Earning a Master of Laws Degree

Licensed lawyers can earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Health Care Law or Global Health Law. These programs include coursework and sometimes clinical experiences or internships. Classes may cover topics like law and science, health care reform law, the fundamentals of health law and public health law. Obtaining this degree can demonstrate to prospective employers a candidate's commitment and expertise in laws relating to the medical field.