How to become a good & successful lawyer ?

Question

I'm taking my options this year and want to be a lawyer when I'm older but I don't know what to pick. Also I've heard that you have to study in college for about 4 years then have to study in law school for 3 years. But I'm not sure when I have to take my A-levels, does this mean I have to stay i nschool for another 2 years in sixth form for my a-levels ?

Answer 1

Pick traditional, academic subjects and do the best you can.  Then take your a levels in the same way, grades are more important than subjects, but avoid the very soft options, such as drama, business studies, etc

Then get into a good uni, any in the top ten or so should be ok.

While you are there, or sooner, do at least one mini-pupillage with a barrister and one summer placement with a good firm of solicitors.

You then need to do one year's post graduate training, and one or two years' vocational training depending on whether you want to be a barrister (one year) or a solicitor (two years).

good luck

Answer 2

These days you need a law degree most universities have a law department decided which one you would like to go to then ask them which options you need  

Answer 3

You are not from the US evidently as we don't speak of A levels so I am not sure what that is. I can speak to in the US though.

You have high school. Then you go to college - 4 years.  Liberal arts is fine but can be in more specific area.  Psychology, management, English are all good subjects for undergraduate level.  Need to be able to think well, read well and be able to think logically.  Getting good grades sure helps you get into law school.  And of those who do get in, about 1/3 will fail out the first year as first year is the worst year in law school.  But before you get there you take the LSAT (you can brush up on test taking and logic and that helps).  If you do well or also have good grades and do fairly well,  you may get into law school but you need to apply several places.  Thee are day and night programs.  You get through faster in day programs but can work and go through at night.  First year is advisable not to work.  I did and got through anyway, but is not easy and I missed out on honors as I got too many B's and C's my first year - even C+ hurts.  But after frist year, it is usually much easier - I got A's and B's then.  To get in, my L

SAT wasn't the greatest but I had on paper a 4.0 average as some of my college work was essay rather than letter grade and that didn't count one way or the other and I had a 4.0 otherwise. I had taken one or two clases at a time.  I didn't graduate from lawschool until I was 50 - big mistake.  I worked 10 years and retired and am still paying school loans.  SO GO WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG.  You have to be able to discern between things, on little issues as may be given one side of an argument and must argue while another is given other side of an argument.  Didn't so much right or wrong as how you argue it and what you use as precedent.  It was fun.  I didn't actually practice law but was working with a unionand doing negotiations, problem solving, grievances, arbitrations - quasi law.  You do have to get with a firm and work  your way up.  And you must take classes in continuing education every year (or have requirements for every 2 years from the bar).  So if you don't like school, might want to look at something else as a lawyer is always learning.  I loved learning.    

It is rewarding though.  I liked helping people so I guess that is why I like to answer questions on here.  I am no longer an attorney. When I retired, I put my registration on hold with the state Supreme Court.  Otherwise it would cost me an increasing amount of money each year and I would have to continue my education to keep it in effect.  I didn't intend to practice as I was moving out of state and would have to pass he bar in the state where I am and that would be more expense and not worth my effort.  Though I am still interested in law.  

Now as to good and successful --- documentation is important and disclosure.  Be sure to tell the client the options and let them choose and put it in writing to them as to their choices and the costs.  That helps you stay out of trouble. And no excessive drinking and no drugs.  Big problem with attorneys and in the states there are substance abuse clases, and funny thing is so many get togetherrs have drinking.  Doesn't make sense as alcohol is often a big factor in malpractice claims.  Good luck to you. If you do go to law school, don't quit.  Let them fail  you out but don't quit.  Remember that the person who got a C is still called attorney or Esquire.  The first year is the tough one and once you get past that it should be smooth sailing. Contract is a bear and Paper Chase, the movie and tv show,  is about right.

Answer 4

Have a conscienceectomy.