Studying law in USA universities as an undergrad?

I'm confused about how law studies work in the USA. Can someone outline the path to studying law here, starting from undergrad to law school? Do I need to major in something specific first?

The path to becoming a lawyer in the United States generally includes pursuing an undergraduate degree, taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), attending law school, and passing the bar examination.

In your undergraduate studies, you can major in virtually any field. There are no declared "pre-law" majors, unlike pre-med or pre-engineering. That being said, certain majors like Political Science, History, English, Philosophy or Economics can give you a solid foundation for the skills you'll need in law school. These include critical reading, logical reasoning, writing effectively, and understanding complex social issues.

Your GPA is a critical component of law school admission, so it's important to do well academically no matter your major. Other elements that law schools assess include: rigor of coursework you've taken, your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, internships, and recommendation letters.

After finishing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to take the LSAT, a standardized test that assesses critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. The LSAT is usually taken in your junior or senior year of college, depending on when you plan to apply to law school.

Subsequently, you'll be ready to apply to law school, which typically lasts three years. After graduating from law school, you'll need to pass the bar examination in the state where you intend to practice. Each state has different requirements for taking the bar exam and different passing standards.

In sum, the most vital aspects are to perform well academically, show a strong interest in law through your activities, and build relationships with mentors who can attest to your suitability for the field.