Ever wondered what it takes to become a student loan lawyer in Michigan? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
As a student loan lawyer, you help people navigate the complicated world of student loan law and solve their debt problems.
You’ll specialize in helping clients with loan forgiveness, repayment plans, default resolution, and even bankruptcy.
It’s a challenging job, but if you are passionate about helping others, becoming a student loan lawyer in Michigan can be a great career path.
If you’re up for the challenge, read on to find out precisely what it takes to join this growing field.
How to Become a Student Loan Lawyer in Michigan
For various reasons, becoming a lawyer in Michigan can be an attractive career choice.
Michigan lawyers earned an average annual salary of $127,030 as of May 2022 (According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Certain regions in Michigan offer even higher salaries, with the Midland area averaging $184,610 and the Battle Creek metropolitan area at $161,010 annually.
Aside from the money, being a lawyer can be satisfying. You can offer pro bono work which provides free legal services.
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Whether aiming for profit, non-profit, or pro bono work, following these steps will guide you toward becoming a Michigan lawyer:
1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Law Major
To pursue a career in law in Michigan, you must meet specific educational requirements.
The Michigan Board of Law Examiners mandates completing at least two years of undergraduate education before applying to law school.
Also, most American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law schools require a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in law school.
Hence, it’s vital to check the specific requirements of the law school you wish to attend.
Law schools don’t require a particular undergraduate major for admission. Some universities offer a “pre-law” major, but pre-law advisors can help you choose the best courses to prepare for law school.
Here are some key points to consider:
School Accreditation
Your undergraduate education must be completed at an accredited college or university recognized to grant degrees in its state.
In addition, accreditation should be verified through the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.
Coursework and Skills
While no specific pre-law educational program exists, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and ABA recommend specific coursework and skills.
The following Courses are beneficial for pre-law students:
- Introductory Law,
- Criminal Justice,
- Political Science,
- Government,
- Mathematics,
- Economics,
- American and World History,
- Urban Development,
- International Studies,
- Sociology, And
- Oral and Written Communications
Undergraduate majors in the relevant fields mentioned above can provide a strong foundation for success in law school.
2. Sit for the Law School Exams
The next step to become a Student loan lawyer in Michigan is to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), a standardized admission test for law schools.
The LSAT is offered multiple times per year worldwide. Preparation materials, including sample questions and practice tests, are accessible on the LSAT website.
Michigan offers LSAT exam prep courses and in-person tutors to help you prepare.
The LSAT consists of reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning sections and includes a writing sample as an essay.
While the essay is not scored, it will be submitted to the law schools you apply to.
To apply for the LSAT, you can do it online through the LSAC (Law School Admission Council) and pay the $190 examination fee.
The LSAT is offered twice a week, three times a year at various test centers across Michigan, including universities like the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and more.
Passing LSAT scores range from 120 to 180, and the average scores accepted by Michigan law schools vary.
LSAT scores are mailed about three weeks after completing the exam.
3. Apply and Get Accepted to Law School
You’re now prepared to begin the application process for law school. While ABA (American Bar Association) approval isn’t mandatory, your chosen school must be considered “reputable and qualified” under Michigan regulations.
Over 200 ABA-approved law schools are available throughout the United States. Only schools approved by the ABA are considered reputable and qualified.
ABA-Accredited Law Schools in Michigan include the following:
- University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Detroit
- University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor
- Michigan State University College of Law, East Lansing
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing
- Wayne State University Law School, Detroit
During law school, you will need to gain experience by:
Internships
Look for internships at law firms specializing in student loans and debt or legal aid clinics during law school.
This hands-on experience will expose you to the intricacies of student loan law and allow you to build your expertise.
You’ll also forge connections that could lead to job offers after graduating.
Apply for Entry-Level Roles
Apply for entry-level roles as a student loan paralegal or law clerk at private firms focusing on student loan law.
In these positions, you’ll gain insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of student loan attorneys and work directly under their supervision.
Get a Mentor
Develop a mentorship relationship with an established student loan lawyer. Ask them questions about their work, shadow them in court, and get feedback on your student loan cases.
A mentor can offer guidance to help fast-track your career. In return, offer to assist them with research, filing, or other tasks. It’s a win-win situation.
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3. Pass the Bar Exam
After graduating from law school, you must pass the bar exam. Passing the bar exam allows you to practice law in the state.
The Michigan bar exam includes the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).
There are several options for bar exam preparation in Michigan, such as the Essay Master Course by AmeriBar and the Michigan Bar Exam Prep Course by Barbri.
The Michigan bar exam is a two-day exam. Day one consists of fifteen state law essay questions covering various topics, while day two focuses on the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) with 200 multiple-choice questions.
Before applying for the Michigan bar exam, review the steps on the State Bar of Michigan website.
The application process involves submitting the required fees and documents electronically.
However, before sitting for the bar exam, you must pass the MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam) with a score of 85 or more. It is offered multiple times per year in Michigan.
Bar exam scores are mailed about eight weeks post-exam, and successful candidates will be listed on the Michigan Courts website.
You’ll be notified of the oath ceremony to enter the Michigan Bar upon passing.
After admission to the bar, you must apply for membership in the State Bar of Michigan and pay annual dues.
Exceptions to the Bar Exam
Some exemptions exist to writing the bar exam and getting admission into the Michigan Bar.
These exceptions include being licensed to practice law in another jurisdiction, having actively practiced law there for three of the past five years, and meeting other requirements.
4. Start Practicing
After passing the bar, you are now a licensed attorney in Michigan. With your Michigan bar membership, you can become a student loan lawyer in Michigan.
You can consider starting your legal practice, joining an existing firm, or working as legal counsel for a for-profit or non-profit company.
How To Build Your Practice and Help Clients
Once you’ve established your practice, it’s time to start helping clients and building your reputation.
Building a reputation as a skilled student loan lawyer takes dedication, empathy, and a desire to help clients navigate challenging situations.
By providing valuable counsel and advocacy, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those with education debt.
Market Your Services
- Create a professional website highlighting your experience and credentials. Prominently feature the areas of student loan law you focus on.
- Build profiles on sites like LinkedIn, Avvo, and Lawyers.com. Engage with others in the legal community and join relevant groups.
- Send introductory letters to college financial aid offices, student advocacy groups, and non-profits explaining your services. Offer to give educational presentations.
- Place ads on Google, Facebook, and local radio stations targeting those with student loan debt.
Negotiate With Lenders and Apply for Relief Programs
Work with your client’s student loan servicers and lenders to obtain lower monthly payments, interest rates, and total balances.
Submit applications for income-driven repayment plans, deferment, forbearance, discharge, and loan forgiveness like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Handle any appeals or disputes.
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Continue Your Education
Laws and regulations change often. Stay up-to-date with the latest student loan legislation, repayment/forgiveness programs, and compliance issues.
Complete regular continuing legal education courses. Join professional associations to network and share/gain knowledge.
Conclusion
While the path to becoming a student lawyer in Michigan requires significant time, money, and effort, the rewards of helping students navigate this complicated area of law and find resolutions to their loan issues can be highly fulfilling.
If you have a passion for helping others and untangling complex legal matters, a career as a student loan lawyer may be perfect for you.
Consider whether you have the determination and patience to complete the necessary education and licensing.
If you do, go for it – the world needs more advocates to help needy students.
