So you want to be a criminal defense attorney? What do you need to do and/or have in order to achieve this? Well that’s what we’re here to learn, there are several steps to becoming a criminal defense lawyer. Some of what you have to do is hard, some is easy. Some of what you need to have is natural, others can be learned. So what does it take to become a criminal defense lawyer? Well…

First, decide if being a lawyer is right for you. Many students’ sign up for law school thinking it will be an easy way to fast money with a cozy corner office, however there is actually nothing easy about it. If you have a passion for justice, are determined, and are good with handling conflict, criminal defense may be the career for you. Defense Lawyers work long hours, cope with lots of stress and struggle with the opposing counsel, client, bosses and judges. You can see if law is good for you by shadowing a lawyer, preferably in criminal defense.

Secondly is the education, possibly the hardest barrier to surpass. There is a lot of education involved in being a criminal defense lawyer. While many would-be lawyers study political science or pre-law, this might not be the best choice. Getting into law school requires applicants to take the law school admissions test (LSAT). The Journal of Economic Education 1998 found that students who major in physics, math, philosophy, religion, and economics do best on the LSAT. Next, get a bachelor\’s degree. All attorneys must first go to law school, and to get into law school you\’ll need a bachelor\’s degree. The next step is to enroll in Law School. This can be especially difficult depending on which law school you want to attend. Once enrolled, the next step is obviously to complete law school. This is the probably the hardest and without a doubt the most time consuming aspect to becoming a criminal defense lawyer.

Next is the experience you’ll undoubtedly need in the courtroom one day. The easiest and most effective way to get this experience is to apply for a position as a clerk in a law related office. Getting a job as a legal aid, in public defender\’s office, prosecutor\’s office, or appellate practice firm are ideal. Judicial clerkships are also excellent choices, especially if the judge hears criminal cases. Judges, court systems, prosecuting attorney and, preferably, criminal defense firms are all great places to gain valuable experience.

You’ll also have to pass the Bar exam, this can be the hardest part in becoming a criminal defense lawyer. There are prep classes you can take in order to help prepare you for the exam. Another idea is to set up a study group with other people to help learn in a more diverse environment.

The first thing you need to have in order to become a criminal defense attorney is drive and determination. Years of schooling and working in low level positions is a tough proposition, you don’t want to go into this lightly. You have to devote a good portion of your life before you’ll even get your foot in the door of a law firm.

A thirst for knowledge is absolutely necessary in becoming a criminal defense lawyer. This may seem similar to the education mentioned above but the learning doesn’t stop when you graduate. Law is a constantly changing and evolving field and requires continuous learning and research in order to keep up with the latest laws and standards.

Becoming a criminal defense attorney is not easy but can absolutely be worth the work if it’s what you truly want to do.

Stacey Schmidt is the divorce and family law attorney for Schmidt and Gladstone. For more information, visit http://www.schmidtgladstone.com.

Stacey Schmidt is lead council for the Schmidt & Gladstone Law Firm. For more information on Criminal defense, divorce, immigration and family law please visit us at http://www.schmidtgladstone.com

Stacey Schmidt is lead council for the Schmidt & Gladstone Law Firm. For more information on Criminal defense, divorce, immigration and family law please visit us at http://www.schmidtgladstone.com

Author Bio: Stacey Schmidt is lead council for the Schmidt & Gladstone Law Firm. For more information on Criminal defense, divorce, immigration and family law please visit us at http://www.schmidtgladstone.com

Category: Legal
Keywords: criminal defense lawyer, criminal defense attorney, best criminal defense