Lawyers?? What's you job like?

Question

In your opinion what is the best type of lawyer? I mean I'm looking into criminal defense. But I just chose this in a short period of time and I need some feedback. I'm 13 and we're doing a project on different occupations we want, and I'm just lost in the attorney choices.

But my question is whats in your opinion the best lawyer field?

What things do you require to become this type of lawyer and what do you mainly need to know?

How many years of experience?

Thanks so much

Answer 1

I have always found it so amusing how many people are unaware at just how many fields of law there is.

Most lawyers will never see the inside of a court room. They may work in contracts, or in advocacy. They may prep witnesses or work in juror selection. They may teach, or work for a non profit.

Personally, I feel the best field of law is in the public sector. I worked for the FBI for 7 years out of law school and then went to work with various non profit organizations, as I do now.

To become a lawyer, you need to get a bachelors degree. Then you have to go to law school and get a Juris Doctor. These two degrees are about 7 years of education. Then you must pass a bar exam. And you must continue to stay up to date with law changes.

Criminal law, as you are interested in, is quite common to be attracted to. You need to be a good litigator. You have to be able to think on your feet, be able to master knowledge of your case and everything that pertains to it, even the things which seem unimportant. You must also be willing to learn new things all the time. A diverse knowledge is crucial to any type of law you may practice. You must also know all the current laws in the locality and federal laws which pertain to the case, and know them well enough to see if they can be worked with in your favor.  

Once you get your degree and pass the bar, you are a lawyer. If you chose to work in a firm, you will usually spend 3 years working along side an experienced lawyer and then become jr.partner.