The legal system plays a fundamental role in protecting the rights of individuals. Working in the legal profession is often viewed as a lucrative and rewarding career. There are many areas that a layer can specialize in. One area that is both challenging and lucrative is criminal law. A criminal lawyer has the opportunity to work in legal defense, prosecution, and even pursue a career as a trial judge.
Criminal lawyers, or criminal attorneys, advise and represent those who are accused and charged with a criminal act. They present evidence, advocate for their client by arguing on their behalf in court, and also make sure their clients' rights are not violated. Like other lawyers, criminal lawyers must follow a strict code of conduct and ethics.
There are a number of educational steps one has to take in order to obtain a successful career as a criminal lawyer:
1.) The educational requirements to become a criminal lawyer are normally 4 years of undergraduate study followed by 3 years of law school. A bachelor's degree is required for law school admission. Courses taken in a number of different in areas is considered an asset. Courses can include: English, social studies, political science, public speaking, government, philosophy, and history, are useful. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can be very valuable when applying to law school. One may also want to consider volunteering or working in some area of criminal law.
2.) The next step of a career path to criminal law is to apply to an accredited and recognized law school. You first have to take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. The LSAT exam is used as a standard assessment tool by law schools. The LSAT is given four times per year at hundreds of locations across North America. The test is designed to assess an applicant's propensity for practicing law.
3.) Acceptance by most law schools depends on the applicant's LSAT scores, the applicant's undergraduate school's standing in the education community, and prior work or volunteer experience. There may also be a personal interview. Once accepted into law school, there is three years of intensive study. At the end of the three years, one will acquire a law degree. Law school graduates receive the degree of juris doctor. (J.D.) Generally, one cannot work as an attorney until taking and passing the bar exam. Each state has its own bar exam. Graduates will need to pass the bar exam in the state(s) where they intend to practice law. After passing the bar exam, a license to practice law will be granted, and one can begin to practice criminal law in that state. A person must be licensed to practice law in the courts of any state or other criminal field. Many states also require applicants to pass a separate written ethics examination. Graduate lawyers usually begin their careers as associates working with experienced criminal lawyers or trial judges.
Criminal law is one area that is seen as a successful career choice. Criminal law is a challenging career but plays an important role in ensuring that the judicial system maintains and promotes equality and justice for all.
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