How to Become a Criminal Lawyer?

How to Become a Criminal Lawyer?



Criminal cases are on the rise and highly trained professionals are

required to ensure the judicial system upholds and promotes equality and

justice for all people. This is the job of criminal lawyers.

What does a criminal lawyer do?



Criminal lawyers (also called criminal attorneys) are generally either

criminal defense lawyers or prosecutors. Criminal defense lawyers represent


people who have been accused and charged with committing criminal activity.


They are advocates and argue on their client's behalf. They present


evidence and ensure there is no violation of the client's rights. W
hen

presenting facts, criminal lawyers must do so in a way to show favorable

reflection on the client. They also provide advice to their clients about


legal rights and responsibilities and suggest courses of action.

Prosecutors represent the state and present evidence and facts to prove the


accused client is guilty of the crime.



Criminal lawyers also spend a lot of time outside the courtroom where they


conduct research, conduct interviews, and gather facts to prepare for

presenting their case.

What kind of training does a criminal lawyer need?



Criminal lawyers usually must complete 4 years of undergraduate education


and 3 years of law school. Many aspiring criminal lawyers complete their

undergraduate education in criminal justice. Law school applicants must

also complete the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The test assesses the

applicant's tendency to practice law. Law school involved intensive
study and grants the juris doctorate degree.



Law school graduates must pass a written bar examination to become licensed


to practice. Requirements often vary by state, but most states also require


graduates to pass a separate ethics examination. Many states also require


applicants to pass a one-time Multi-state Performance Test to evaluate

practical skills. Criminal lawyers must stay current on legal developments


and many states require continuing education.

What are the prospects for a career as a criminal lawyer?



Employment of lawyers is projected to grow about as fast as average for all


professions, increasing 11% from 2006 to 2016 (1). Population growth and

the increase in criminal cases will drive job growth.



Job prospects are expected to be good with keen competition. The best

prospects will be for criminal lawyers with degrees from highly regarded

law schools.

How much do criminal lawyers make?



As of October 2009, criminal lawyers with less than 1 year experience

earned annual salaries between $45,172 and $69,870. Those with 1 to 4 years


experience earned annual salaries between $50,737 and $81,194 (2).



A career as a criminal lawyer is an excellent choice for people who have a


strong interest in criminal justice. Criminal lawyers must be able speak

with ease and authority and think quickly on their feet when presenting

cases in trials. They must be familiar with strategy and the rules of the


courtroom to accurately and effectively present their case. Perseverance,


reasoning ability, critical thinking, and creativity are also essential

qualities.



Edited by: Lawyer Asad