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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 01/18/23
Are you planning on becoming a medical lawyer? Read on to find out how to become a medical lawyer and the steps you need to take to become one.
Healthcare can be both a beneficial and complex industry. Like any other field, it can be susceptible to legal discourse. With that being said, medical lawyers are needed to represent both the medical industry and patients.
If you're reading this article, you're probably interested in becoming a medical lawyer. This guide covers the steps to becoming a medical lawyer, the requirements, and the median salary for a medical lawyer. Let’s get started!
Below are the steps you need to complete to become a medical lawyer.
Before becoming a medical lawyer and attending law school, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Law schools don’t require a specific major, so you can study any field. However, many aspiring lawyers choose a major related to their intended legal specialization.
For instance, someone who's planning on becoming a medical lawyer may major in public health. Regardless of the major you choose, you must keep your GPA up, as that’s what truly matters!
To apply to law school, students typically need to submit some form of standardized test. The most common one used is the LSAT. This test tests a person's logic, reasoning, and comprehension skills and consists of multiple-choice questions.
Once you've completed the LSAT, you can apply to law schools. Certain law schools have a minimum LSAT score you must have to apply.
What is the GRE? GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination and is required by most graduate programs for admission. Some law schools allow applicants to take the LSAT or the GRE.
Here is a list of law schools that accept the GRE:
While more and more schools are accepting the GRE, the LSAT is still the dominant test!
Once you've completed the LSAT or GRE and been accepted into law school, you must complete your law degree. Many students also explore ways to gain extra support with your application to ease the transition. If you're taking a full-time course load, law school takes three years to complete. In law school, students take classes in administrative law, legal research and writing, and contract law.
In their final two years of law school, students can take elective classes on medical malpractice and public health law. You’ll also have the opportunity to partake in internships to gain real-life experience in the legal field.
Some law schools offer students the chance to concentrate their studies in the health field, such as health law, law and health sciences, or biomedical law.
In order to practice law in the U.S., you must pass the bar in your jurisdiction. State bar exams are challenging, so you’ll need to spend a significant amount of time preparing for your test.
Typically, six to eight weeks of dedicated study time is enough, but that’s only if you’re actively studying full-time throughout.
Students in law school must absorb as much knowledge as possible because that knowledge will help them pass the bar exam.
Many licensed medical lawyers also obtain a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in either health care or global health law. Earning an LL.M. gives a lawyer a competitive advantage in the professional field, and some jobs may ask for it. Many of these programs offer clinical experiences or internships in addition to class work.
These programs typically cover topics such as health care reform law, law and science, and public health law.
Here are the requirements you need to become a medical lawyer.
Undergraduate degree: typically takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree. You can major in anything; however, it may be beneficial to major in something healthcare- or science-related.
Law degree: typically takes three years to complete if taking a full-time course load. Students participate in internships and fellowships during these three years to gain experience in the field.
Bar exam: is a requirement to practice law. The bar exam is notorious for being difficult, so significant preparation is needed before taking this exam.
Medical lawyers are like any other lawyers, but they specialize in health law. Health law is an area of law that focuses on malpractice lawsuits, public policy, health regulations, and patient rights.
Medical lawyers represent patients, healthcare providers, and the overall healthcare industry. Below are some areas medical lawyers may focus on:
Medical lawyers deal with a wide range of issues within the medical field.
The average salary for a medical lawyer in the U.S. is $100,626 a year. The following table shows the median salary and percentiles for a medical lawyer’s salary.
Typically, medical lawyers with more experience have a higher earning potential compared to those with not as much experience.
In terms of job outlook, the employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033.
If you still have questions after reading this guide, check out these frequently asked questions.
It takes seven to eight years to become a medical lawyer. It takes four years to complete an undergraduate degree, three years of law school, and one year for a Master of Law (optional).
According to ZipRecruiter, the annual salary for top medical lawyers is around $131,000.
Yes, pursuing a career as a medical lawyer can be highly rewarding. It offers the opportunity to advocate for patients, influence public health policies, and drive meaningful change in healthcare. With the legal profession projected to grow by 5% over the next decade, the demand for skilled medical lawyers is expected to remain strong, making it a promising career choice.
Becoming a medical lawyer may take time and dedication, but the payoff is well worth it. Once you start practicing, you'll have the chance to make a real difference in healthcare and public health policy!
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
