Are you in class 12 and wondering what's next career-wise? If you've ever dreamed of representing someone in the courtroom or helping people with legal challenges, you might be cut out to be a lawyer! So here is everything you should know to set foot on the thrilling journey that is this career choice right after your intermediate exams.

Why Consider Law After Your FSc/FA?

A lot of friends went for the path of engineering or medicine because of parental pressure, but for me, law seemed more interesting. I mean, think about it—lawyers solve puzzles daily; they help people when they are in crises (and that can pay very well too).

Lawyers are the most dignified profession in Pakistan. The mere fact that you enter a room and tell people you are a lawyer means that you will have their full attention. Additionally, contrary to the way that the majority of doctors work inside medi­cal institutions, attorneys have the authority to operate basically anywhere—courts, big businesses, and government homes—or even start a business.

The best part? Law gives you options. You don't have to spend your whole career doing the same thing. You can switch between criminal cases and corporate work or even become a judge later.

What You Need to Do Right After FSc/FA

Step 1: Focus on Your Intermediate Results

Your FSc/FA marks matter for law school admissions. While you don't need 90% like pre-medical students, aim for at least 60-65% to get into good law colleges. If you're studying humanities subjects like political science, history, or sociology, that's actually helpful for law school.

Step 2: Prepare for LAT (Law Admission Test)

Here's something many students don't know—you can't just walk into law school with your FSc certificate. You must pass the LAT exam first. This test happens 3-4 times every year, so you have multiple chances.

The LAT includes:

• Essay writing (very important!)

• General knowledge questions

• Basic English and Urdu

• Simple math

Start preparing at least 3 months before the exam. Read newspapers daily, practice writing essays, and work on your English. The good news? You only need 50 out of 100 marks to pass.

Step 3: Choose Your LLB Program

You have two options, but honestly, everyone should go for the 5-year LLB program straight after intermediate. Here's why:

5-Year LLB Program:

• More detailed course coverage

• Better job opportunities later

• Time for internships and practical experience

• Most employers prefer 5-year graduates.

The 3-year program exists for people who already have BA/BSc degrees, but it's rushed and intense. Since you're coming straight from FSc/FA, the 5-year program is definitely your best choice.

Picking the Right University

This decision will shape your entire career, so choose carefully. Here are some top options:

Government Universities:

• Punjab University Law College, Lahore

• University of Karachi

• University of Peshawar

• Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad

Private Universities:

• LUMS (expensive but excellent)

• International Islamic University

• University of Chenab (good and affordable)

Don't just look at rankings—consider the fees, location, and whether they have good moot court facilities. Visit the campuses if possible and talk to current students.

What You'll Study in Law School

Forget what you see in Indian dramas—real law school is quite different! You'll study subjects like:

Year 1: Basic law subjects like criminal law, contract law, and constitutional law Years 2-3: More complex topics like civil procedure, evidence law, and company law
Years 4-5: Specialized subjects and your final thesis

The best part about law school? You'll participate in moot courts where you argue fake cases like real lawyers. This is where you discover if you're cut out for courtroom work.

You'll also do internships during summer breaks. Try to get into good law firms—even if it's unpaid, the experience is worth it.

After Your LLB: The Real Journey Begins

Pass the LAW-GAT Exam

After your LLB, you must clear another test called LAW-GAT. This exam tests your understanding of Pakistani law and legal principles. It's harder than LAT, so start preparing in your final year.

Complete Your Six-Month Training

You can't become a lawyer immediately after your degree. You must work under a senior lawyer for six months as a "pupil." This is where you learn how things actually work in courts.

Choose your mentor carefully. A good senior lawyer will teach you practical skills like

• How to draft legal documents

• Court procedures and etiquette

• How to handle difficult clients

• Time management in legal practice

Get Your License

After training, apply for your license from the local Bar Council. Once you get it, congratulations—you're officially a lawyer! You can now practice in district courts and session courts.

Career Options That Will Excite You

Traditional Court Practice

Many new lawyers begin their careers defending criminal cases, resolving civil disputes, and managing family issues in local courts. It will be thrilling but tough—you will meet all sorts of folks and resolve extremes of circumstances.

Earnings: Fresh lawyers make PKR 25,000-50,000 monthly, but this grows quickly with experience.

Corporate Law (The Money Maker)

Big companies need lawyers for contracts, business deals, and compliance issues. This work pays very well—experienced corporate lawyers can earn lakhs per month.

The downside? Long hours and lots of paperwork. But if you're good with numbers and business concepts, this could be perfect.

Government Jobs

You can join government service through CSS or provincial exams. Government lawyers get steady salaries, job security, and respect. You might even become a judge one day!

Specialized Areas (Future-Proof Options)

• Cyber Law: With Pakistan going digital, cyber lawyers are in huge demand.

• Environmental Law: Climate change issues create new legal opportunities.

• International Trade: CPEC projects need lawyers who understand international law.

Skills You Need to Succeed

Communication is everything.

You need to be vocal, and you need to write well. If you’re quiet or don’t like public speaking, law is going to be tricky for you. But with practice, these skills can be learned.

Join the debate society at your school, take part in public speaking competitions, and read many books. Remember: The more you use your voice, the stronger lawyer you become.

Logical Thinking

Lawyers are basically professional problem-solvers. You have to look at complicated facts, discern patterns, and devise workable solutions.

If you like puzzles, chess, or asking questions about how things work, chances are you have the mindset for law.

Hard Work and Patience

Law is NOT an overnight success business. You may struggle over the first few years, working small cases and making little money. But if you give it time, the rewards are great.

The Reality Check: Challenges You Should Know

It's Competitive

Every year thousands of law graduates pass out of Pakistan. You have to be better than the average person—make good grades, learn practical skills, and cultivate connections with people in the legal community.

Irregular Income Initially

Unlike fixed salary jobs, legal practice income can be variable. Some months, you might make good money; others, not so much. Prosecute options, and keep some savings.

Stressful Work

Dealing with others’ legal problems is emotionally exhausting. You will face angry clients, aggressive adversaries, and occasionally corrupt officials. Strong mental health is important.

Financial Reality—What Can You Actually Earn?

Fresh Graduate: PKR 25,000-60,000 per month After 2-3 Years: PKR 50,000-100,000 per month
Experienced Lawyer: PKR 100,000-500,000+ per month Top Corporate Lawyers: Lakhs per month

Remember, these are potential earnings. Your actual income depends on your skills, specialization, location, and how hard you work.

Is Law Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you enjoy reading and research?

• Are you comfortable speaking in front of people?

• Do you like helping others solve problems?

• Can you handle stress and pressure?

• Are you willing to work long hours sometimes?

If you answered "yes" to most questions, law could be a great fit.

Your Action Plan Starting Now

This Year (Class 12):

• Focus on getting good intermediate marks

• Start reading newspapers daily

• Practice essay writing

• Research law colleges and their admission requirements

After FSc/FA Results:

• Register for the LAT exam

• Start serious LAT preparation

• Visit law college campuses

• Talk to current law students if possible

During Law School:

• Join moot court competitions

• Do internships every summer

• Build relationships with professors and seniors

• Consider what specialization interests you.

Final Thoughts

The journey of becoming a lawyer in Pakistan, however, is a challenging but rewarding one. You get to help people, be paid well, and potentially improve society. The legal world needs fresh faces, fresh ideas, and a good sense of ethics to achieve that balance.

Forget the idea that law is easy or glamorous—it is not. Pick it because you truly have a passion for the goal—solving problems, fighting for justice, and assisting people who need help with an extremely complicated system.

It takes around 7-8 years after FSc/FA to become a successful lawyer, but every step teaches you to become an excellent lawyer. If you're prepared to sweat and persevere, law can provide a career that is both fulfilling and well-remunerated.

Start preparing now, and who knows? Maybe in a few years, you'll be the lawyer helping other people solve their biggest problems. Good luck with your decision!