To do law school It's the dream of many students. It's no wonder that the course is highly sought after and competition for places is fierce. In addition to being very traditional, the degree offers excellent career opportunities for those who graduate with a bachelor's degree in the field.
Law is the science dedicated to applying and enforcing laws, as well as all legal guidelines of a country. Its objective is to maintain good relationships between individuals and groups within society.
Want to pursue this profession? In this post, you'll understand what it's like. law school, This book covers what is studied in the field, the career possibilities, the profile of a professional in this area, and how the OAB exam works. We wish you a great read.
What is law school like?
The Law degree is a bachelor's degree program and lasts 5 years. It has an important peculiarity: the academic diploma alone is not enough to authorize the recent graduate to practice law.
In addition to completing a degree recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC), a bachelor's degree holder must pass the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) exam. Only after this process can they practice as a lawyer, prosecutor, or judge, for example.
The best law schools are those authorized with the highest possible score by the MEC (Concept 5). It is also important to highlight that the subjects that are part of the curriculum have a high theoretical load and require students to study extensively, spend long periods reading, and have a good capacity for concentration.
In general, the first two years of the course are known as the basic cycle, in which subjects with theoretical content are taught. After this period, more specific subjects in the area begin to be taught.
Typically, law courses are based on theoretical classes and practical activities. In this case, students apply their knowledge and develop, from their experience, the ability to argue and speak. There is no doubt that both characteristics are essential to excel in the profession.
How long does law school last?
Graduation has average duration of five years, with theoretical and practical training. In Law schools in São Paulo, This period includes essential content and market experiences.
By understanding How long does law school last?, he is It's easier to plan your career and your next steps.. Therefore, choosing among the best Law schools in São Paulo It makes all the difference in your professional preparation.
In addition to the length of the training period, it's important to consider internships, bar exams, or competitive exams after graduation. Knowing How long does law school last? It helps align expectations when choosing one of the Law schools in São Paulo more structured.
What do people study in Law?
As we have seen, law school is divided into a basic and specific cycle of subjects. These stages are fundamental for building a solid knowledge base and a complete education.
In addition to traditional subjects, some colleges offer contemporary approaches to entrepreneurship, conciliation and mediation techniques, process management, environmental education, coaching, and minority rights. ESEG, for example, also offers projects to encourage scientific initiation and social practice.
It is also important that the university knows how to work with the intersections between law and technology. After all, these areas of law are becoming increasingly intertwined, and this union aids the legal activities of any professional, whether they are lawyers, prosecutors, judges, police officers, etc.
Understand how the course works from the first to the last year.
First year of Law
During the first two semesters of the course, the main general concepts of Universal Law are taught. Professors also introduce the technical aspects and basic procedures of the profession.
The main subjects in the first and second semesters of the course are:
- General Education;
- Constitutional Law I;
- Philosophy and Ethics;
- Economy;
- Introduction to Law and the Structure of Justice;
- Political Science and General Theory of the State;
- Criminal Law I;
- Forensic Psychology;
- Constitutional Law II;
- Philosophy and History of Law;
- Civil Law I.
Second year of Law
From the second year of the course onwards, general theories end and specific concepts begin. Law becomes better understood in all its aspects. It is also the year in which students begin to produce more complex papers.
Other subjects from the third and fourth semesters:
- Criminal Law II;
- Civil Law II;
- Sociology;
- Administrative Law I;
- General Theory of Procedure;
- Criminal Law III;
- Civil Law III;
- Research Methodology;
- Criminal Procedural Law I;
- Administrative Law II.
Third year of Law
At this stage, the course still focuses on specific theories. In addition to specialization in the subjects already studied in the second year, new concepts are introduced. Civil and Criminal Law subjects are particularly noteworthy.
Among the subjects studied in the fifth and sixth semesters are:
- Criminal Procedural Law II;
- Civil Procedural Law I;
- Technology Laboratory;
- Civil Law IV;
- Consumer Law;
- Business Law;
- Criminal Procedural Law III;
- Civil Procedural Law II;
- Civil Law V;
- Labor Law and Procedure I.
Fourth year of Law
In the penultimate year of the law course, the goal is to prepare professionals to work in the market, and theory begins to give way to practice. In the fourth year, you will have subjects such as:
- Civil Law VI;
- Civil Procedural Law III;
- Labor Law and Procedure II;
- Process Management;
- Social Security Law;
- Legal Practice I;
- Civil Law VII;
- Tax Law I;
- Mediation and Conciliation;
- Legal Practice II;
- Minority Rights;
- Global Law.
Fifth year of Law
In the final year of law school, the emphasis is on advancing the study of legal practices, writing a thesis, engaging with complementary theories, taking entrepreneurship classes, pursuing elective courses, and beginning the mandatory internship.
Other subjects:
- Civil Law VIII;
- Economic and Regulatory Law;
- Tax Law II;
- Financial Law;
- Entrepreneurship;
- Arbitration;
- Legal Practice III;
- TG I;
- International Law;
- Environmental Law;
- Optional 1 and 2;
- Multidisciplinary Project;
- Legal Practice IV;
- TG II.
Areas of practice in Law
A law graduate can work in a variety of fields. Some sectors are traditional and have been around for a long time. Others are recent and are gaining more and more space as society transforms.
Below, you will learn about main areas of Law so that it is possible to determine with greater certainty which is the best path to follow according to your preferences.
Civil Law
This area encompasses the basic norms that govern our daily lives. Civil Law aims to regulate private relationships between citizens. A lawyer working in this field defends the civil rights of their clients. When someone feels wronged in any matter (such as inheritance issues), they should seek assistance from a professional in this sector.
The laws in question are found in the Brazilian Civil Code, which guarantees certain basic rights. These include rights concerning individuals (determination of legal age, preservation of image and honor, among others), families (involving family matters such as alimony, divorce, marriage, etc.), and property.
Environmental Law
Those who choose Environmental Law Works with issues related to environmental legislation. The lawyer can provide consulting services to companies with the aim of assisting them with their economic activities and helping them to operate in accordance with environmental laws.
In this way, the professional is responsible for establishing contact between organizations and official environmental agencies. In addition to preparing environmental reports, it is possible to create technical opinions in order to obtain the necessary licenses for companies to carry out their activities.
Commercial Law
Commercial Law is the area that deals with the rules that ensure the proper functioning of relationships between companies, employees, and the market. Therefore, the lawyer works with the legal aspects of the organization, ensuring that the work is carried out in accordance with the current legal system. They also prevent risks and assist in the strategic planning of new opportunities in the legal field.
A commercial lawyer seeks to establish and maintain harmonious business relationships with all participants in the venture, including employees, consumers, competitors, and the environment. The goal is to uphold fairness and honesty, in accordance with the laws stipulated in the Penal Code.
Digital Law
This segment refers to the set of norms, knowledge, and applications of legal relations conducted in the online environment. Digital Law defines rules and parameters to ensure that interactions on the Internet are harmonious. One of the main objectives of this area is to curb harmful conduct that leads to the perpetrator being held liable for the problems caused.
Because it is a relatively recent field, it still has few regulations governing the issue. However, changes occur every year, and new laws, decrees, and regulations addressing the topic emerge in the legislature, such as the Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights (Marco Civil da Internet).
Criminal Law
This sector specifically deals with crimes and offenses. It is the area of law responsible for establishing and applying penalties to citizens who violate existing laws. The main objective of this action is to guarantee social peace.
Criminal offenses are divided into misdemeanors or crimes (more serious) and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors can be unintentional (culpable) or intentional (dolus), and the individual who committed the crime may be imprisoned or have to pay fines. Some examples of this type of offense are homicide, robbery resulting in death, femicide, and theft.
In contrast, minor offenses are less serious and result in maximum sentences of 5 years imprisonment (in an open or semi-open regime). Examples include illegal gambling (jogo do bicho) and dangerous driving.
This segment is very broad, and professionals can work directly with cases involving robbery, kidnapping, and others. In addition, it's possible to deal with tax and social security crimes.
The lawyer is responsible for defending clients against accusations. On the other hand, the police investigator's role is to investigate and solve the crime. Finally, the public prosecutor gathers evidence so that the judge can apply the correct sentence.
Contract Law
Contract Law is a branch of Civil Law that governs all agreements made between individuals, according to the legal order. Its objective is to establish, extinguish, or modify a legal relationship of a patrimonial nature, through the definition of predefined rules.
To achieve this, the lawyer works in the negotiation, analysis, drafting, and review phases of commercial, civil, and financial contracts, helping the client to close an excellent deal with commercial and legal security.
Professionals can also train to handle legal claims related to breach, validity, and default of contractual provisions.
Job market for those with a law degree.
The job market for law graduates is broad. There are Opportunities in the public and private sectors.. In the first case, the professional can work as a prosecutor, judge, public attorney, or police officer. All positions are filled through competitive public examinations.
In the private sector, professionals must have a license from the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) to practice law. Additionally, there are many opportunities in education, working as a teacher. Many preparatory courses and universities seek law graduates, either to teach content for undergraduate courses or specific subjects for competitive exams.
Public administration
The public sector offers many opportunities for those who wish to work in the legal field. Its main advantages are good salaries and job security, known as tenure—in the case of members of the Public Prosecutor's Office and judges.
For this reason, the competition is very high, with more than 200 people applying for each position. This requires years of study and dedication from candidates. Most public service exams also require that professionals have passed the required examination. OAB Exam.
Private initiative
The private sector also offers good job opportunities for those who wish to enter the field. legal career. Despite being competitive, the market has a high demand for professionals who intend to defend citizens in different types of legal actions.
In the private sector, for example, it is important that the lawyer be approved in OAB Exam. However, it's not always easy to pass the exam on your first try. For this reason, make the most of what you learn in college and in preparatory courses if you want to be better prepared. This will allow you to enter the job market faster.
Those who wish to work as law professors can pursue an academic career, doing postgraduate studies such as master's and doctoral degrees. In this field, it is even more important to have broad knowledge and constantly invest in professional development.
Legal Salary
According to 2025 data, the average salary of a lawyer in Brazil ranges from R$$ 5,400 to R$$ 5,600 per month for a 41-hour work week, according to an official survey by [source missing]. Salary Portal.
In public positions, such as prosecutors and public defenders, remuneration can exceed R$ 21,000, reaching up to R$ 27,000.
Starting salaries in the private sector generally range from R$2,000 to R$4,000 for junior lawyers, and increase to R$6,000 to R$8,000 at the mid-level, reaching R$9,000 to R$12,000 or more for specializations and senior profiles. São Paulo and the Federal District are the locations that pay the best salaries in this field.
Salary growth throughout one's career remains consistent: experienced lawyers working in high-demand areas (such as Tax, Corporate, or Digital Law) frequently achieve earnings that more than double or exceed their initial salary, especially if they combine expertise with good client acquisition opportunities or strategic positions.
It's important to remember that salary progression reflects a successful career path. The better the academic background and the more experience a professional has, the better the job opportunities will be.
Challenges in the field of Law
In times of economic instability, many companies hold back on investments. To overcome these uncertain scenarios, it is essential that lawyers create alternatives to go beyond the competition.
To achieve this, it's important to adopt innovative measures. Among them, it's possible to:
- Develop strategies to improve service to the target audience;
- Becoming familiar with the clients' field of activity contributes to providing a more specialized service.;
- Renegotiate contracts, aiming for the best solutions for both the client and the firm;
- Investing in creativity can increase job opportunities. A lawyer, for example, can apply digital marketing strategies.
Furthermore, studying should be part of the daily routine of legal professionals. This point is important for both the private and public sectors.
Read also: Law school: is it worth it?
Profile of a Legal Professional
It is essential that law students enjoy reading. After all, the academic journey consists of a high volume of reading, theoretical materials, and consultation of legal codes. This routine will continue throughout the practice of the profession. In addition, other characteristics are essential.
Good communication
In addition to reading, it is essential to be able to clearly convey all the information you have learned throughout your years of study. Therefore, knowing how to communicate well is one of the main characteristics of a law graduate.
In general, communicative people express their ideas well. They are able to capture the attention of listeners and interact appropriately in any situation. This skill is very important for anyone who wants to work in this field—after all, you will certainly have to make public arguments and defend your point of view and your theses.
If you don't particularly enjoy public speaking, there are techniques that can help you train your communication skills. With determination and persistence, it's possible to improve your weaknesses and enhance your strengths.
Teamwork
One word that aptly defines the work of legal professionals is interdisciplinarity. To work on a case or lawsuit, a lawyer must complete several steps, requesting expert reports, gathering documents, searching for evidence and facts, among other actions.
To do this, it's necessary to interact with the client, talk to people, and seek the opinions of other professionals. In other words, in many situations, it's necessary to leave the office and learn how to work as part of a team.
Of course, at times it's necessary to isolate oneself and maintain focus, especially when drafting documents and legal briefs. However, lawyers must be aware of the need for others in their work. Therefore, if you want to excel in the field, take advantage of law schools in São Paulo to participate in group activities and start practicing this type of skill.
Constant updating
With technology, the speed at which we exchange information has greatly increased. Going a day without internet access can mean missing out on many events happening around the world. And this is reflected not only in our daily lives, but also in the field of law.
Every day, the courts make different decisions that alter the perception of issues. Therefore, lawyers must always be well-informed about new developments and changes in legislation. Ideally, this should happen in real time, as each ruling can significantly impact the defense strategies of potential clients.
For this reason, it is essential that professionals in the field enjoy staying up-to-date. Reading about topics relevant to the profession should be a daily habit, so that you remain informed about all the news that directly impacts your work.
Power of argumentation
As you can see, lawyers work with the presentation of ideas all the time. After preparing a good defense, the professional must present it. To do this, it is essential to know how to argue very well.
In most cases, a lawyer defends or accuses someone, which requires great argumentative skills—and moreover, clear and precise arguments. Otherwise, the professional will not be able to convince the jury of their purpose and may inevitably lose an important case, destabilizing their career.
Unfortunately, this is still very common in the field of Law. Sometimes, the professional was an excellent student, received good grades, created an impressive resume, and mastered the subject matter, but lacks strong argumentation skills.
Therefore, this is another important skill that you should develop during your undergraduate studies. This way, your chances of excelling in the field and becoming a good lawyer are much greater!
OAB Exam
The OAB Exam aims to evaluate and certify that law graduates are qualified to practice law. Many students have doubts about how the exam works and are apprehensive about the assessment. The evaluation consists of two stages administered on different days.
The first phase consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, and the second phase has 4 essay questions. Students must achieve 50% points to pass the first stage. On the final day, a score of 60% is required to pass the exam.
Every 3 years, the Brazilian Bar Association awards the OAB Recommends seal to law schools that have achieved good results in the bar exam and the National Student Performance Exam (Enade).
When should I take the OAB exam?
The exam can be taken as soon as the student completes the course of Bachelor of Laws, Even if he hasn't graduated yet, it's also possible to take the exam in the final year of undergraduate studies or in the last two semesters.
Importance of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB)
The OAB exam helps maintain a high level of quality in the legal profession. The exam is fundamental for selecting the best professionals. After all, many law graduates receive their degrees every year, and without this evaluation, the Brazilian legal system would not be of such a high standard.
The exam is highly difficult and allows for the selection of good students and graduates who are capable of effectively defending others. Therefore, it is important to dedicate oneself to completing a good course at a good educational institution.
Conclusion on everything about the Faculty of Law.
A law school It opens many doors for those who wish to work in the field. Students can choose to specialize in a specific area, open their own office, or take a public service exam.
To have a more complete resume, it is essential to invest in a course offered by an institution recognized by the market.
Want to pursue an excellent degree with an innovative curriculum? Visit our website and learn more. Law course at ESEG.
