Choosing a path of study these days in something of a harrowing prospect, as many industries have started down a path of relentless outsourcing and automation, causing the loss of jobs in many of these fields. It’s hard to justify laying out serious cash to commit to a specific degree, when it is possible that there might not be many open positions waiting for you after the completion of your studies.

The question, and rightfully so, has become this: which areas offer the best prospect of stable employment, both in terms of job security and open positions at any given time?

These days, employment for solicitor jobs has been one of the fields that has remained steady as other industries has declined. The world will always need dedicated and caring individuals to protect people from travesties of justice, so if adding value to society while enjoying a handsome salary are both things that are important to you, then a career in law is something that you should seriously consider.

In order to stand in the courtroom and represent your clients with the passion you imagine during your vivid daydreams, you’ll need to get into a decent law school first. The process behind how to get into law school is a bit more involved than what it takes to merely get into university, so pay close attention to the following steps, and before long, you’ll be learning from some of the brightest legal minds in the world on your way to becoming a superstar solicitor.

1) Pick a field of study that emphasizes reading and the development of critical thinking skills

Don’t let those knocking Bachelor of Arts degrees dissuade you from studying it, as many of the programs essential to success in law hail from this end of the academic spectrum. Think about what kind of law you wish to practice, and allow this to influence your choice of major. Those looking to become a public defender might want to major in sociology, while those thinking about corporate law may want to major in economics or business.

All students angling to get into law school should at least take a few courses in philosophy and journalism, as these subject areas will school you in the art of critical thinking and asking pointed questions, both of which are essential to being an excellent solicitor.

2) Register with the LSAC, prepare for and take the LSAT

The LSAC is the organization that administers the LSAT examination, which is a test that you must take before applying to any law school. Once you have created an account with them, you will receive reminders about LSAT examination times and places, and you will have access to LSAT prep materials that are recommended for those taking the test.

3) Search for a law school that meets your needs

So you aced your LSAT… congratulations! Now for the final step, which is a crucial one. Law school is not cheap by any means, and barring winning the birth lottery by having the backing of wealthy parents, or snagging a full ride scholarship, you’ll likely be taking out a hefty loan that will take many years to pay back.

Be sure the school you choose offers the variant of law you wish to practice, at a price that is reasonable for the education that you will be receiving. While some areas of the law will offered by most schools, some of them will be renowned in the country or the world for certain sub-disciplines.

Get exemplary reference letters from mentors and professors that will bolster your case, and apply as early as January to give yourself the best possible chance of acceptance. The latter will allow you to apply to multiple schools with ease without rushing, giving your application the polished look that will give you the edge over your equally motivated competition.