How to Become a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

To become a medical malpractice lawyer, you must satisfy a series of academic, professional and certification requirements, including law school and continuing legal education. Experience in the medical field and/or a medical malpractice law firm will assist your goals of becoming a medical malpractice lawyer. 

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Choose a major that will provide you with a strong foundation for the field of medical practice law. Pre-med courses and business law are possible options.

2. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Prepare for the test by enrolling in a prep course or studying an LSAT prep book. Achieving a high score on the LSAT will increase your chances of admission into a high-quality law school. 

3. Apply to law schools. Choose law schools that offer a greater number of courses in medical malpractice law. 

4. Work as an assistant or intern in a medical malpractice law firm. While in law school, gain experience in your desired field by interning in a medical malpractice law firm. Coming in contact with the issues and documents will help to set a foundation for your future work.

5. Finish law school and take the bar exam. You must pass the bar in order to practice as a lawyer. 

6. Gain experience as a lawyer. Apply to medical malpractice law firms. The law firms may require you to take classes in the medical field to become well versed in medical issues and terminology so that you can understand the nuances of each case.  

7. Become board certified. The American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) offers board certification for attorneys who want to practice in this field. The requirements include passing a written exam, completing continuing legal education hours and providing references from judges and attorneys.