How to Be a Civil Defense Lawyer
Lawyers represent individuals, companies or estates in a court of law. Defense lawyers attempt to convince a court of law that their defendant is not guilty of the crime they are accused of. Civil defense attorneys are attempting to convince the court that they are not financially responsible for whatever crimes or actions they are accused.
- Get an undergraduate degree.
Obtaining an undergraduate degree is the first step to becoming a
civil defense lawyer. Most lawyers obtain undergraduate degrees in English, criminal justice, economics or political science. - Get good grades, be active and
research law schools. Grade point average is an important
determinant of who gets into law school. Admissions committees look
at students who have good grades and are involved in their campus
activities and community at large. - Take the Law School Admission
Test, known as the LSAT. This three and a half hour standardized
test is used by the majority of law schools to assist in determining
admission. LSAT scores range from 120-180 and scores over 165 are
considered competitive. - Get into law school. Apply to at
least three schools. Select the school you feel suits your interests
the best. - Intern at a law firm specializing
in civil defense. Most law firms will allow interns to work in the
office and in this way you can observe civil defense trials and
hearings to get better acquainted with the process. - Graduate law school and take the
bar exam. To practice as an attorney in any state you will need to
take and pass the bar exam. This exam is usually one or two days and
is available a few times a year. - Research firms. Not all firms
offer criminal defense, so find some in your area that do. Finding a
firm can help you get a mentor in the area, and find a job within
the field. You may have to take a job as a regular defense attorney,
but it will still be good practice for future career as a civil
defense attorney.