What is Criminal Law ?
Criminal lawyers, also commonly known as criminal defense lawyers, work to defend individuals or organizations that have been charged with committing a crime. Criminal lawyers have a large scope of duties and responsibilities, however most commonly they will defend their clients in state, federal, or appellate court.
How to Become a Criminal Lawyer
To become a criminal lawyer you must first obtain a bachelor degree, then go on to attending law school. This process can take about seven years and then after completing law school criminal attorneys must pass the bar examination in the state they wish to practice in. Additionally, some criminal lawyers seek a board certification from the National Board of Legal Speciality Certificate. The NBLSC is a non-profit organization that is accredited by the American Bar Association.
Possible Job Opportunities in Criminal Law
One entry level position I found to be very interesting is a Deputy City Attorney, these attorneys work to prosecute misdemeanors and infractions within a specific cities line. To get hired for this position most cities require at least one year experience in a city or government law position. Some additional position requirements include the ability to negotiate with other parties, prepare clear and concise legal documents, ability to communicate with peers, among other things. All these qualities are very important for a criminal defense lawyer to have so they can appropriately defend their clients and carry out their duties effectively.
Here is a link to possible job opportunities in this field
Importance of Obtaining Internships While in Law School
Law students often obtain internships while in law school to gain the necessary experience to get a good job like the one I explained above. Some of the most common internships in relation to criminal law is working with public defenders, a lot of internships are available at the public defender’s office because they are always in need of extra hands.
Writing in the Field of Law
Writing is a huge factor in law school and in the field of law, in relation to job requirements many firms want applicants who have excellent writing capabilities. Most firm, including the specific entry level position I found, require applicants to include a writing sample. The exact type of writing sample required is usual not specified, however most job would like to see your best legal work. Meaning, they want to see either a legal brief, memorandum, or any legal/policy related work. Being a well-written lawyer is very important, especially in criminal law, because much of what lawyers do is about persuasion. If a lawyer had multiple typos and unfinished sentences with no clear thesis or direction that would take away from his or her persuading abilities. Therefore, it is really important that law students and lawyers are always attempting to improve their writing skills so they are able to advance in the profession.
Career Opportunities in Family Law
What is Family Law?
Family law focuses on many personal issues such as, adoption, divorce, child custody, among other issues. Attorneys practicing family law represent their clients most commonly in family court proceeding or by negotiation a deal with the other side.
How to Become a Family Attorney
To become a family law attorney you must follow the same guidelines as I have highlighted in the criminal lawyer section, however many family law attorneys receive a special certification. This special certification serves the purpose of highlighting an attorneys specialty, for example an attorney can receive a certificate specifically in child custody issues.
Possible Job Opportunities in Family Law
One entry level position for a family attorney is working at a local law firm, I found one specific job posting for a small law firm in Sacramento. This firm requires applicants to have at least 3 years previous experience in the field of family law. They also seek attorneys who have excellent people skills, because this job requires the ability to communicate with clients who are maybe facing minimal to extreme emotional pressures due to private matters. This job also requires job candidates to be organized, detail oriented, and be able to multitask. One major quality that this firm is looking for is the ability to work independently with little supervision. This is an important quality in the field of law, because usually each attorney is working on their own cases so the firm wants someone who is able to handle a case on their own.
Here is a link to possible job opportunities in this field
Internship Opportunties
The most common internships I could find in relation to the field of criminal law was most law students will work with their local family lawyers. Going to your local lawyers while in law school is highly effective because most of them are very willing to help prospective lawyers and they have a lot of inside knowledge of the field. Like I explained above many law school and firms want applicants that have extensive legal writing skills.
The Importance of Writing in this Field
Legal writing is important in family law, because family lawyers are required to write up numerous documents and if skills are lacking it could affect their clients chances of winning a case. Verbal skills are also very important in family law because these lawyers are faced with very sensitive matters, so they must be able to use their words to be sensitive in the matters at hand.
So You Want 2 Study Law? 