how do become a lawyer and what is like?
156096
Be greedy and don't cheat yourself thinking that you going to help others to make justice, PLEASE!\n\nThe Lawyer career is one of the most profite profession on this earth, but in the other ...they're all going to go to hell...\n\n;)
399744
If you want a law degree that will actually allow you to practice law in the United States, you should look solely at ABA law schools. \nHere in the States, actually practicing law requires that you take (and pass) a 'bar exam' after completing law school (you actually take a portion of the exam while still in law school, but the big part is after). These exams are administered on a state level, so that if you want to practice law in California, you must pass the California bar exam. Some states have what is called reciprocity that makes it so states will accept a bar exam  score(or a certain amount of legal experience) from another state. You can find out about a state's reciprocity bydoing a quick search, or visiting the website for that state's bar assosciation. \nThe problem with non-ABA schools is that only two or three states will even allow you to take the bar exam unless you attend an ABA accredited law school. That said two of those states are California and Florida. You should look at the bar pass rates for the schools as well, since unless you pass the bar you can't practice law in the states.\nIf you do end up having to take the LSAT I have heaps of advice on that (I scored in the 99.9th percentile).\nyoungnedofthehill@yahoo.com
877713
To become a judge you have to graduate from college, then go to law school. Once you graduate from law school you have to take and pass the Bar association exam to become a practicing lawyer. Some judges are appointed (i.e Federal judges) and some are elected. But nonetheless you have to be a lawyer first.
844964
Well, you have to the Bar exams in the U.S if you want to be a lawyer.
101700
You need a four year batchelor's degree, a three year Juris Doctorate degree and then you need to pass a state (or federal) bar exam.\n\nThere used to be an avenue by which you could clerk in a law office for a number of years but the last state in the union did away with it several years ago.
1061447
Know? Lots and lots. Most of the required knowledge is covered through the professional degree of Juris Doctor (JD). To earn the JD, in the US you need to get into, attend, and pass law school. Most states require an ABA-accredited school, which is a 3-year program (some do it in as little as 2.5, some 4+).\n\nThen, after graduating, you need to study for and pass the bar exam (one per state that you intend to be licensed in). This is a 2-3 day substantive test that makes sure you know how to think like a lawyer. The specific subjects vary by state, but most of them (though not all) will be subjects you have taken in law school. Most people (including me) spend 2-3 months full time after graduation just studying for the bar. \n\nMost states also require you pass a Professional Responsibility (ethics) test, which separately tests your knowledge of the ethical duties of being an attorney. Most states also require a moral character determination, where you have to convince the state you are ethical, and that your friends think you are ethical.\n\nAs far as general knowledge, public speaking is necessary for litigators and those who want to practice in a court or to teach. Writing and research are essential, and school only covers the rough edges of this. One of the reasons I spend so much time on Yahoo Answers (while studying for the California Bar in July) is to practice my writing abilities. Any practice helps.\n\nBut most importantly, to be a good lawyer (not to pass the bar, but to actually succeed), you need to be able to separate your emotional reactions from your logic. You need to be able to look at issues from many different perspectives, including those you may be personally opposed to. This gives you the ability to prepare not only your side, but to prepare against the other side.\n\nThe same skill applies when representing a client whose views you may not agree with. This is less of an issue in the corporate world, but even there you need to be able to explain to friends and co-workers that your represent the company, not them, and that anything they tell you can be disclosed to the company.\n\nLawyers operate under strict ethical requirements, including absolute loyalty to your clients, candor (truthfulness) to the court and in all business proceedings, and constant studying. Violation of these requirements is grounds for being disbarred, which means potentially never practicing law again. Sadly, many of these ethical constraints get muddied bent and often broken as attorneys practice, largely because that's what other lawyers do and following the rules with integrity puts you at a tactical disadvantage.\n\nIt's a difficult profession, and a long road. Many who graduate from law school use their degree for something else, like politics or corporate compliance, or undergraduate teaching. But the law is like the sea -- some people may hate it, but for others it gets into your blood. Even those of us who hate litigation find other ways to practice, such as being a corporate attorney. It's not for everyone, but at its core it is a noble profession.\n\nGood luck.
20394
Sounds like you're referring to a criminal lawyer.  You'd need a strong English background to hone your communication skills, plus social sciences and anything to do with crime or the law.  Universities with a pre-law program have a curriculum that will guide you better than anything.
856132
Those attorneys are called probate attorneys, but most general practice firms have that under their umbrella of practice. To be a probate attorney you have to do the same thing as any other attorney, finish law school and pass the bar exam in your respective state. When in law school though, if someone knows what they want to specifically practice, there is always the availability to take courses that concentrate on that specific area.
943447
You already know, I assume, that you first need a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years. Then, as others have noted, it's three years in law school. Then comes the fun of passing the California bar exam, purported to be one of the toughest in the nation.
847582
Sorry, but if your question represents the best English you can muster, you will not make a good lawyer.  Contrary to what several people have said here, it does take smarts to make a good lawyer.  A person of average intelligence will make a poor lawyer and, frankly, will get eaten alive by other, smarter, lawyers.
288478
You have to find out the specific requirements for your desired law school.  Expect: a 4-year degree with a good grade point average, a good score on the LSAT, and alot of money for tuition.\n\nBest wishes
706689
As a paralegal, I can do anything your attorney can do except represent you in court.  I cannot accept a case, set a fee, or give legal advice.  I must know a wide variety of legal concepts, be organized, have an understanding of state and local rules, be diplomatic and trustworthy.  I also have a Bachelor of Science degree with a paralegal major...not necessary but it gives a great edge when competing for a job.
181534
In the U.S., most law schools will tell you that you need a four-year degree from an accredited college or university, then most states require a juris doctor from an accredited law school before taking the bar exam. Law School is usually three years, but there are four year part-time programs as well. Each state's requirements are different.\n\nGo to college and get a degree in an field that interests you. Don't do Poli-Sci or Criminal Justice just because you want to be a lawyer, unless that is what you are really interested in. Then decide where you want to practice and determine what the requirements are for that area. Go to a law school that meets the requirements for the area, but choose the school that meets your needs. Harvard will get you a great paying job when you graduate, but most of us couldn't get in, state schools are generally pretty good, will get you average jobs and won't cost a fortune.\n\nCheck out the source link, it is the best source of info on law school.\n\nGood luck!
795926
Arguing and debating is a minuscule part of law.  Most law is filing the same forms over and over again and finding pertinent case law.  Trials are not about arguing but going in front of a rude judge and pleading your client's case.   What area you end up practicing in depends on what job you get after you get out of law school and it is so competitive that you take whatever you get.\n\nIt is possible for you to become a lawyer.  Many people go to law school at your age and older.  \n\nI went to law school with no legal exposure and hated it.  I suggest you work in a legal office or court environment first to see if you like the field.
322921
In Ca. you need an AA Degree with 36 units of law credits then you can go to law school, which only a few are accepting just an AA.  Most times, a BA degree is needed first which is four years at college, then on to law school.  Law school is four years and intense.  The hardest part I think is passing the STate Bar Exam after you're all done and many fail it their first few times.\nYou need to find the laws in your own state.  Get on the web and look for your states bar assiciation and call them, they can give you the criteria or it may be on their web site.  Another way is to simply call an Attorneys office tell them you are interested in becoming an attorney and would like to know what the states law is on education for it...................good luck.............
916902
First, you need to need a bachelor's degree (or undergraduate degree).  Then need to get accepted into law school  (graduate degree).  You'll spend a total of 6 to 8 years past your high school diploma.\n\nMost law students have an undergraduate degree in Pre-Law, History, Criminal Justice, or Political Science; however, this isn't necessary to get excepted into law school.
217611
First you must get a bachelor's degree or the equivilant.  Many aspiring lawyers major in Pre-Law, although you could major in almost anything you like.  A pre-law major may make it easier to get into law school however, which is step number two.\n\nAfter getting your four-year degree, you must then be accepted into an accredited law school (and pass of course).  Most law programs are about one to two years of full time study (depending on the work load you take on).\n\nAfter graduating from law school, you must then pass the dreaded bar exam.  You should expect to study for at least a few months before taking it, and very few people pass the entire exam on the first attempt.\n\nAfter that you are a lawyer!  Now you can look desperately for work that you don't despise and endure the hatred of almost everyone in the world!  Good luck.  :-)