How to Become a Defense Lawyer
Being a defense lawyer is a rewarding career that requires that you are detail oriented and want to help others. If you are seeking to become a defense lawyer, it is important to have dedication and patience as the career path can be a long and trying journey.
- Enroll in an accredited university or college. You want to major in field that requires critical thinking skills, reading and writing such as English, political science or criminal justice. Be sure to get good grades as the undergraduate coursework sets the foundation for your career path.
- Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Many students take this during their junior year of undergraduate study. Devote time to studying and adequately preparing for the test. The LSAT along with your GPA can determine whether or not you get into the law school of your choice.
- Apply to Law School. Try to choose a school that has a strong criminal background. If you are attending full time, it usually takes about three years to complete. Take elective courses that will further enhance your understanding of defense law.
- Intern at law firms, especially those specializing in defense, while attending law school. This will help you get a better understanding of law practices.
- Pass the bar exam after you graduate. This needed in order to practice law. Prepare for the exam by taking review courses if needed. The bar exam is intensive and covers many areas of law. The exam is not the same in all states. Some states have different requirements than others
- Obtain a job with a law firm or with the state. Many recent graduates start out as prosecutors then become defense lawyers, as these positions are easier to obtain for recent graduates. You could also consider working pro bono to gain experience.