To become a criminal defense attorney, one must complete law school, pass the local or regional attorneys exam, and take courses in criminal law, criminology, and psychology. Understanding forensic science and attending an accredited law school is also important. After graduation, passing the state or regional exam is necessary, and working in a law firm can provide valuable experience.
A criminal defense attorney handles criminal law cases including felonies, driving under the influence (DUI) and murder. To become a criminal defense attorney, you will have to complete law school and pass the local or regional attorneys exam. Most students interested in pursuing a career in criminal defense take extensive courses in that area of law and may even choose to attend a school with a dedicated program.
Once you decide to become a criminal defense attorney, you must start the appropriate educational program. When planning your degree studies, you should choose courses that complement your choice. An undergraduate student planning to become a criminal defense attorney should take courses in political science, in addition to courses related to criminology and psychology, if available.
A student planning to become a criminal defense attorney can benefit greatly from understanding forensic science, including DNA testing. Undergraduate science courses, such as biology and chemistry, should be a big part of your curriculum. Most importantly, make sure the graduate school you attend is an accredited school.
During the final year of your degree, you must choose a law school. There are many factors to look at when choosing a law school to become a criminal defense attorney, including costs. If you don’t have a law school in mind, compare the curriculum of several schools and choose the one that best fits your needs and expectations. In many places, you will need to take an entrance test before you can attend law school. In the US, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for most schools.
Law schools, like undergraduate law schools, have a set curriculum depending on the field you choose. Courses required to become a criminal defense attorney include those in criminal law, evidence, prosecution and defense, and investigation. Make sure you meet all of your school’s requirements to successfully complete your degree.
After you graduate from law school, take the exam for the state or region in which you want to practice. After passing the exam, you have to decide if you want to work in a law firm or if you want to be a sole practitioner. If you work in a small business, chances are you are exposed to many areas of the law, which benefits your work as a criminal defense attorney. If you work for a big company, you start at the bottom rung and usually only work in your field. Working with a firm offers the benefit of tapping into the knowledge of experienced attorneys, whereas single practice does not.
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