In order to become a lawyer in San Diego, an attorney must complete at least four years studying law with an accredited institution, and must pass the written bar exam for the state of California.

The bar exam varies from state to state, and lawyers must qualify to practice law in each state he or she intends to practice in prior to undertaking any professional legal cases. All attorneys are also required to sit and pass a multi-state bar exam before beginning practice. Once a lawyer is licensed to practice law, he or she is legally permitted to take on any case, regardless of experience.

Of course that doesn't mean an instant transformation to partner status in a law firm. Like most professions, attorneys must work their way up the ladder within their law firm as well. Those who don't wish to spend years as a legal assistant may consider opening their own law practice, however it is likely to be more difficult to build a client base as a brand new lawyer in a brand new practice.

There are many different kinds of law practiced.

A firm specializing in personal injury consists of attorneys who legally advise and represent individuals who have been injured as a result of the actions of another. Personal injury lawyers are exceptionally knowledgeable about personal injury laws, enabling the injured party to claim compensation from the individual or company responsible for his or her injuries through a lawsuit.

A firm specializing in business law is extremely diverse, as business lawyers need to be experts in banking and finance law, business formation and organization, business negotiations, business planning, transactional business law, acquisition, merger, divestiture and sale of businesses, and business litigation, as well as environmental, intellectual property, labor and civil law areas.

Family law firms take care of the legal handling of such delicate and sensitive issues as divorce, legal separation, domestic violence, child custody and visitation disputes, child support, property division, parentage proceedings, guardianships, adoptions, stepparent adoptions, and grandparents' rights.

There are numerous other varieties of law practiced. All are relatively high stress professions, but can be very rewarding, both emotionally and financially. But remember, if you decide a career in a San Diego Law Firm is right for you, get ready for a lot of school, study and tuition costs.