Many students in Pakistan dream of becoming lawyer. It’s a respected profession with good career growth. However, one of the most common questions students ask is: How long does law school take? The answer depends on the type of program, university, and even your future goals.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different routes to becoming a lawyer in Pakistan and how much time each path takes. Whether you plan to join law school after FSC or after completing your bachelor’s degree, this article will help you understand your options clearly.
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1. 5-Year LLB Program After Intermediate
In Pakistan, the most common route to becoming a lawyer now is the 5-year LLB program. After completing your Intermediate (FA/FSc/A-Levels), you can directly apply for admission into this law program.
This program is recognized by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and includes general subjects in the beginning and law-specific subjects in later years. Most universities in Pakistan, including Punjab University, Quaid-e-Azam University, and private universities like LUMS, offer this degree.
So, how long does law school take after FSC in Pakistan? The answer is 5 years.
2. 3-Year LLB Program After Bachelor’s (Now Phasing Out)
In the past, students could do a 3-year LLB after completing their BA or BSc. However, this route is now not encouraged by the Pakistan Bar Council, and many universities have stopped offering it.
Still, some private law colleges may offer it, but it might create issues in getting your license from the bar council later. So, it’s better to go for the 5-year program if you are just starting out.
So, how long does law school take after BA in Pakistan? Technically 3 years, but it’s not the recommended path anymore.
3. Admission Process Takes Extra Time
Getting admission to a law college is not as easy as it used to be. Before starting your LLB program, you must clear the LAT (Law Admission Test). This test is conducted by HEC (Higher Education Commission) of Pakistan and is mandatory for all law applicants.
Preparing for the LAT and waiting for the results can take a few extra months, so it’s good to start planning early. If you miss a test session, you might have to wait several months for the next one.
This means, law school may officially take 5 years, but including the admission process, it might take around 5.5 years.
4. What Happens After Law School in Pakistan?
Completing your LLB is a big achievement, but you’re not a practicing lawyer just yet. After graduation, you must:
- Apply for a license with your provincial bar council (e.g., Punjab Bar Council)
- Complete internship or apprenticeship under a senior lawyer (usually 6 months)
- Pass the Bar Entry Test (conducted by PBC)
- Attend some legal training sessions
All of this takes another 6 to 12 months, depending on how fast you complete each step.
So, if we add everything, from the first year of law school to getting your license, the total time is around 6 to 6.5 years.
5. LLM or Masters in Law (Optional Step)
Many students ask if they should go for an LLM after completing LLB. In Pakistan, doing an LLM is optional. It is helpful if you want to become a lecturer, judge, or legal researcher.
LLM usually takes 1 to 2 years, depending on whether you do it full-time or part-time. Universities like Punjab University and International Islamic University offer strong LLM programs.
But remember: LLM is not required for becoming a practicing lawyer in Pakistan.
6. Studying Law Abroad and Returning to Pakistan
Some Pakistani students choose to study law in the UK, USA, or other countries. In the UK, students usually do a 3-year LLB after A-Levels or a 1-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) if they already have a bachelor’s degree.
After returning to Pakistan, these students must clear the Pakistan Bar Council equivalency test to get their license. This can take 6 months or more, depending on the process.
So if you’re wondering, how long does law school take abroad and then practice in Pakistan? The full process might take 4 to 5 years, including local licensing steps.
7. Your Choice Impacts Your Timeline
In the end, the total time it takes depends on the path you choose:
| Route | Duration |
| 5-Year LLB (after Intermediate) | 5 Years |
| 3-Year LLB (after BA, not recommended) | 3 Years |
| Bar Council Process After LLB | 6–12 Months |
| Optional LLM (for research/teaching) | 1–2 Years |
| Law Abroad + Equivalency in Pakistan | 4–5 Years total |
So, How Long Does Law School Take in Pakistan?
To sum it up: If you are starting your law journey after Intermediate, you’ll need at least 5 years to complete your LLB. Then, add another 6 to 12 months to get licensed. So the total time is around 6 to 6.5 years for most students.
If you are planning to study law abroad, or want to do an LLM later, your journey might be a little longer.
Conclusion: How Long Does Law School Take for Students?
If you are serious about a career in law, it’s important to understand the full timeline. The LLB program takes 5 years, and then you need 6 to 12 months for bar council registration and training. Optional steps like LLM can add more time.
So when planning your future, keep in mind: how long does law school take depends on your path — but most students spend 6 to 6.5 years from start to practice.
Take your time to choose the right law college, prepare for LAT, and make a strong plan for your legal career in Pakistan.
FAQs
Q1. How long does law school take in Pakistan after FSC?
It takes 5 years to complete the LLB program after Intermediate in Pakistan.
Q2. Is the 3-year LLB still valid in Pakistan?
It is still offered in some colleges, but it’s not preferred by the Pakistan Bar Council anymore.
Q3. How long does it take to become a lawyer in Pakistan?
Around 6 to 6.5 years, including law school and licensing.
Q4. Do I need to do LLM after LLB?
No, LLM is optional. It’s useful for teaching or research but not required for practice.
Q5. Can I study law abroad and practice in Pakistan?
Yes, but you will need to clear the PBC equivalency test before getting your license.