Becoming A Criminal Law Lawyer: Steps To Take

Criminal lawyers play a crucial role in the justice system, defending individuals and organisations facing criminal charges. The path to becoming a criminal lawyer is challenging and extensive, requiring a strong academic background, practical experience, and a commitment to upholding justice. This paragraph will outline the key steps and requirements for those aspiring to enter this demanding but rewarding field.

Undergraduate degree

To become a criminal lawyer, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. While it is not necessary to major in criminology or criminal justice, you may find these subjects helpful for confirming your passion for the subject and widening your knowledge.

Instead, it is recommended that you choose a major that you are genuinely interested in to help you maintain a high GPA. You should also choose diverse electives to prove your academic talent. For example, you may want to consider taking psychology courses to learn more about human behaviour, English courses to hone your writing skills, communications courses to strengthen your argumentative skills, and history courses to learn about American laws. Other recommended subjects include government, computer science, sociology, and social studies.

A bachelor's degree in law from an accredited university or college is also an option. You can pursue an LLB degree, which focuses solely on legal studies, or a BA LLB degree, an integrated bachelor's course that also includes arts subjects. After completing a bachelor's course, you are eligible to start your independent practice or work for a legal firm.

Gain experience

Gaining experience is a crucial step in becoming a criminal lawyer. Aspiring criminal lawyers should aim to build a strong resume by seeking out opportunities to develop their skills and gain exposure to the legal field.

One way to gain experience is through internships. Internships with public defenders, criminal defence attorneys, judges, or law firms can provide valuable insights into criminal law and help build connections in the field. Many law schools offer externship programs, allowing students to work with criminal judges or federal judges and observe how judges decide cases. Judicial externs may also have the opportunity to research case laws, draft bench orders, and watch oral arguments.

Another way to gain experience is by working as an associate or clerk for a criminal defence attorney. Summer associate positions or clerkships during law school can provide hands-on experience and allow aspiring lawyers to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Established firms often advertise summer associate positions through career centres at law schools, but students can also take the initiative to send their resumes and transcripts directly to firms.

In addition to internships and associate positions, aspiring criminal lawyers can gain experience through clinical opportunities. Many law schools offer clinics where students can work under the supervision of a clinical faculty member to provide legal services to individuals in the criminal justice system. Participating in law school clinics allows students to develop their legal skills and gain exposure to criminal law cases.

Volunteer work and pro bono opportunities are also valuable ways to gain experience and give back to the community. Volunteering with social service agencies or working in the courtroom can enhance one's resume and demonstrate a commitment to serving others.

Overall, gaining experience through internships, associate positions, clinical opportunities, and volunteer work is essential for aspiring criminal lawyers. These experiences provide practical skills, legal knowledge, and a network of connections that can greatly benefit those pursuing a career in criminal law.

LSAT exam

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a criminal lawyer. It is a standardised test administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and is designed to assess your reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills. The test is an integral part of the law school admission process in the United States, Canada, the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a growing number of other countries.

The LSAT is offered four times a year, in February, June, September, and December. The test is divided into two parts. The first part consists of three scored sections—two sections of Logical Reasoning and one of Reading Comprehension—and an unscored experimental section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. The second part of the LSAT consists of an unscored argumentative writing essay, which can be taken separately online. The entire exam lasts for 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 10-minute break after the second section.

The Logical Reasoning sections test your ability to analyse and evaluate arguments and draw valid inferences from sets of facts or assertions. Each item has its own paragraph-length stimulus (a short passage) and its own question stem. The Reading Comprehension section includes four passages, each with a set of 5-8 questions to answer. One of the passages is a comparative reading question, where two shorter passages present different points of view on a shared topic.

The LSAT is known for being a challenging exam. To prepare, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the different types of questions and the exam format. Taking practice tests and sample exams is a great way to improve your performance. You can also purchase LSAT prep materials, such as study guides and practice tests, or seek tutoring services from test prep companies.

It is important to note that the LSAT is just one component of your law school application. Other factors, such as your undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, and personal statement, will also be considered by admissions committees. However, a strong LSAT score can increase your chances of admission to your desired law school and open up more scholarship opportunities.

Complete a Juris Doctor (JD)

After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to be accepted into a law school. Once you have been accepted, you will need to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which typically takes three years.

When choosing a law school, opt for one that provides the best resources and opportunities to succeed in criminal law. For example, select a school that allows you to focus on criminal law or offers a wide range of courses in this field. Additionally, choose a school that offers experiential learning opportunities where you can gain practical experience working on real criminal law cases.

During your Juris Doctor degree, it is essential to maintain high grades and build solid connections with your peers and professors. These connections and good grades will be beneficial when you start your job search after graduation.

It is also advisable to spend your summers pursuing internships, clerkships, or other employment opportunities related to criminal law. These experiences will enhance your resume and provide valuable hands-on experience.

Furthermore, while completing your JD, you will need to take the Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), which is a requirement in almost every jurisdiction. The MPRE ensures that you meet the ethical and professional conduct standards to practice law. Students typically take this exam during the summer of their second or third year when they have more time to dedicate to their studies.

Pass the bar exam

Passing the bar exam is the final step to becoming a criminal lawyer. It is a challenging and extensive exam that requires significant preparation and effort to pass. The exam is known to be overwhelming and extensive, so diligence and focus are crucial. While the specifics of the exam may vary depending on the state, it generally involves a written examination.

The bar exam is typically held twice a year, once in the summer (around June or July) and once in the winter (around February). It consists of a multiple-choice test and an essay portion, spread over two days. Some states have created their own unique exams, while many others have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). Passing the UBE allows you to transfer your score to other states that have also adopted it, which can be advantageous if you want to practice in multiple jurisdictions.

To prepare for the bar exam, ensure that you have a strong understanding of criminal law and procedure, evidence, and other relevant legal areas. Consider taking courses or participating in study groups specifically designed for bar exam preparation. Additionally, practice analysing and evaluating evidence, as this is a critical skill for criminal lawyers.

It is also important to maintain your well-being during the preparation process. The bar exam can be mentally and emotionally challenging, so make sure to take care of yourself and stay focused and motivated.

Frequently asked questions