Criminal Defense Lawyer Job Description

Criminal defense lawyers are the professionals to turn to when an individual has been arrested for committing a crime.  Although anyone can defend himself or herself in a court of law, most people seek out the counsel of a trained criminal defense lawyer to represent them in court.

Education

Criminal defense lawyers must complete seven rigorous years of school.  After high school, criminal defense lawyers are required to obtain a four-year college degree. Students are able to choose any from any undergraduate disciplinary. A passing score on The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for admittance into any law school approved by the American Bar Association.  Law school programs commonly last for three years.  Once law school has been completed, the criminal defense lawyers will receive their juris doctor (J.D.).  In order to practice law criminal defense lawyers must be admitted to the bar in the state of which they plan to practice.

Career

Many criminal defense lawyers begin their career working for the public defense office.  The government pays these criminal defense lawyers for defending those clients accused of a crime.  Criminal defense lawyers may also work in a large law firm or in a private practice.

Workday

Criminal defense lawyers spend their workdays preparing for their clients day in court.  A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer gathers information on the case by interviewing witnesses and the client.  If the client is being detained the criminal lawyer will have to visit the jail in order to conduct the interview.  Criminal defense lawyers must also interview prospective jurors and investigate any evidence on the case.