Want to Become a Felony Attorney?
If you're interested in a career as a felony attorney, the article below will provide you with a basic outline of the road ahead. Read on to learn more.
Felony attorneys are lawyers who prosecute individuals who have been accused of felony crimes. They must finish a college degree,
law school and become a licensed practitioner in the area in which they are interested in practicing. Most law degrees will require 3 years to finish, and as such, becoming a felony attorney typically takes a period of 7-8 years of full time education after a high school diploma is obtained. In this article, we will walk you through the process involved in becoming a felony attorney.
Step 1: Finish your bachelor's degree. Individuals hoping to deal in felony case areas generally choose a major in psychology, criminal justice, political science or sociology.
Step 2: Take and pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). This test is a standardized exam that deals with reading comprehension, logic and critical thinking. Most prospective lawyers typically take this exam one or two years prior to their law school career.
Step 3: Choose a law school and apply. Most of these institutions typically require their students to hand in 2-3 recommendation letters from past employers and professors, previous college transcripts, and a letter of intent from the applicant. Those interested in pursuing a career in this type of field should use this letter as an opportunity to discuss their personal and professional interests in this particular legal field.
Step 4: Take classes that deal with criminal law curriculum. Students hoping to get into the felony case field should place their focus on criminal procedure and law during their time at law school. Additionally, they should make a point to take part in extracurricular activities that deal with public speaking skills, due to the fact that criminal attorneys who deal with felonies will make frequent court appearances.
Step 5: Complete and turn in the bar application. Graduates of law school are required to be licensed prior to handling courtroom felony cases. Every state has their very own set of application procedures and guidelines that specify exactly who is qualified to practice law. The bar or licensure application will ask questions pertaining to criminal backgrounds, academic history and work records. Additionally, some states require those applying for the bar to provide access to their credit history.
Step 6: Take and pass the bar exam. This exam is a comprehensive test that covers the legal understanding and knowledge of the graduate pertaining to professional guidelines. After a student has successfully passed the bar exam, they will then be afforded the ability to begin dealing with clients.
Step 7: Apply for an internship with an established and reputable law firm. This is a great way to get your foot in the door while gaining some real world experience. Most students begin applying while they are still engaged in their studies. The more connections and experience you obtain, the better your chances will be in landing a job as a felony attorney right out of law school.