Your Guide to Becoming a Class Action Litigator

Imagine holding a corporation accountable for widespread fraud or securing justice for thousands of people harmed by a defective product. This is the reality for class action lawyers who litigate on behalf of a group with similar legal claims. These trial attorneys operate at the intersection of complex legal strategy and high-stakes advocacy.  

Class action litigators typically work on a contingency basis. This means they receive a portion of the award if the lawsuit is successful but charge their clients no fees if it isn’t. This financial structure allows individuals with limited resources to take on powerful entities. Common issues in class action litigation include illegal hiring or salary practices, dangerous or defective drugs or products (such as motor vehicles, machinery, toys, and electronics), environmental or health concerns, and financial fraud. 

If you are driven to handle massive cases that shape industries and protect consumers, this path offers immense professional satisfaction. 

What Does a Class Action Litigator Do? 

The day-to-day life of a class action litigator involves rigorous investigation, strategic planning, and aggressive advocacy. 

Your primary responsibilities will include: 

• Conducting Initial Case Investigations: Determining if claims have merit and if they affect enough people to warrant class action. 
• Seeking Class Certification: Arguing before the appropriate court that a group of plaintiffs is similar enough to be treated as a class or group. 
• Drafting Complaints, Answers + Counterclaims: Creating the foundational legal documents that drive cases forward. 
• Managing the Discovery Process: Propounding and responding to interrogatories and document requests to uncover critical evidence. 
• Conducting + Defending Depositions: Questioning witnesses and experts to build cases or dismantle the opposition's defense. 
• Drafting Motions + Memoranda of Law: Writing persuasive arguments to settle legal disputes before trial. 
• Determining Overall Trial Strategy: Deciding how to present the narrative to a judge or jury for maximum impact. 
• Conducting Settlement Negotiations: Engaging in high-stakes discussions to resolve cases favorably without a full trial. 
• Performing Jury Selection: Choosing impartial juries that will hear cases fairly. 
• Appearing + Arguing for Clients in Federal/State Court: Serving as the voice for thousands of plaintiffs in the courtroom. 

You might find yourself working within nonprofit and legal services organizations or private public interest law firms. These roles allow you to combine legal expertise with a passion for social justice, directly impacting the lives of many through a single legal action. 

6 Steps to Becoming a Class Action Litigator 

Becoming a powerhouse in the courtroom requires a structured educational path and continuous professional development. Here's how to get there. 

1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree 

There is no specific “pre-law” major required, but you need a bachelor's degree to apply to law school. Focus on courses that build research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Political science, history, English, and economics are solid choices. Excelling academically and achieving a high GPA is crucial, as it will be a key factor in your law school applications. 

2. Pass the LSAT 

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a critical component of your law school application. A high LSAT score opens doors to prestigious institutions, which can be advantageous when seeking roles in competitive litigation firms. Dedicated preparation is essential for success and to demonstrate your readiness for the rigorous curriculum of law school. 

PowerScore LSAT prep from BARBRI ensures a comprehensive LSAT prep experience. Our expert guidance is coupled with powerful strategies for mastery of all LSAT concepts.   

3. Select a Law School to Obtain Your JD 

After successfully passing the LSAT, you will apply to law schools to earn your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This is typically a three-year program.  

Admissions consulting services from BARBRI help you get noticed by your target law school(s) and ensure you never miss an application deadline. 

To specialize in class action litigation, focus on law school electives related to civil procedure, torts, and complex litigation to build a strong foundation. 

4. Earn an LLM (Optional) 

While not strictly mandatory, obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in a specialized area like trial advocacy or dispute resolution can set you apart in a crowded job market. It demonstrates a deeper level of expertise to potential employers. 

5. Pass the Bar Exam 

Upon graduating with your J.D., you will then prepare to pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice. This comprehensive test evaluates your knowledge of U.S. law and your ability to apply it. Passing the bar exam is the final gateway to your legal career. Trusting a proven bar review course is essential to ensure you pass. 

BARBRI has prepared more students for this critical test than all bar review courses combined. Our tailored programs give you the confidence and knowledge to succeed. Explore BARBRI bar prep or U.S. bar prep for international lawyers.  

6. Participate in Continuing Legal Education 

The learning does not stop after the bar exam. To maintain your license and stay competitive, most states require you to participate in continuing legal education (CLE). Laws regarding class certification and consumer protection evolve constantly. Taking specific continuing legal education for class action litigation courses ensures you remain sharp and compliant. 

BARBRI offers specialized CLE courses for litigators that provide the in-depth knowledge needed to remain trusted experts. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Class Action Litigator? 

The timeline to enter this field is significant but rewarding. It generally takes about seven years of post-secondary education to become a lawyer: four years for a bachelor's degree and three years for a law school degree. 

After graduating, you may spend several months preparing for and passing the bar exam. Once licensed, becoming a lead class action litigator often requires several more years of practice to gain the necessary experience and reputation.  

What Skills Does a Class Action Lawyer Need? 

Beyond a deep understanding of the law, you will benefit from a specific set of interpersonal and practical skills: 

• Complex project management of cases, plaintiffs, documents, and teams 
• Strategic thinking to anticipate defense tactics and judicial rulings 
• Resilience and patience (class action suits can drag on for years) 
• Communication and negotiation skills 

How to Progress Your Litigation Career 

Start by seeking out senior attorneys who have successfully litigated major class actions. Their guidance and mentorship on strategy and career moves can be invaluable. It’s best to specialize in a niche, such as environmental torts or securities fraud. This makes you the “go-to” expert in that specific area of litigation. 

Stay active in professional organizations and the litigation community. Never stop learning with CLE for class action and other litigators. 

How Much Do Class Action Litigators Earn? 

Compensation in this field can be substantial, though it varies widely based on experience and the success of the cases. According to the Law Crossing legal job website, the median salary among U.S. litigation attorneys is about $86,000. 

However, class action litigators, particularly those in private practice working on contingency, often see earnings significantly higher than the average, especially when a large settlement is reached. Successful partners in top firms can earn well into the seven figures. 

Help at Every Stage of Your Legal Learning Journey 

Your drive to become a class action lawyer deserves the best preparation available. From the moment you decide to tackle the LSAT, through the rigors of law school, to the final hurdle of the bar exam, BARBRI provides the authoritative preparation you need to succeed. 

But we don't stop there. Once you are licensed, we support your growth with specialized CLE programs designed for your specific career goals. Whether you need continuing legal education for class action litigation or general compliance credits, we offer a unified, superior learning experience.  

Be empowered at every step of your legal learning journey with BARBRI.