Criminal Lawyers

High School

If you plan to become a criminal lawyer, take classes such as government, history, psychology, computer science, sociology, and social studies. Speech and English (especially writing) courses will also be especially useful because criminal lawyers must be excellent communicators. A foreign language will come in handy if you work with clients who do not speak English as a first language, although court systems provide interpretation services to defendants and plaintiffs.

Postsecondary Education

A law degree and admission to the bar of the state you wish to practice is required to work as a criminal lawyer.

Most employers prefer candidates with at least two years of practice in criminal and civil law. Trial experience is a must. In addition to their work, many attorneys gain experience via pro bono work, volunteer opportunities, and community service.

More than 200 law schools in the United States are approved by the American Bar Association. Most law schools require that applicants take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), where prospective law students are tested on their critical thinking, writing, and reasoning abilities.

While in law school, take classes in criminal procedure and evidence, as well as any classes that provide experience in oral advocacy, trial advocacy, and moot court. While classroom work is important, valuable experience in these areas can also be gained through clinics, internships, and volunteer opportunities. A degree of juris doctor (J.D.) or bachelor of laws (LL.B.) is usually granted upon graduation from law school.

Certification

Some lawyers choose to earn a master of laws (LL.M.) degree, an advanced law certification that helps them advance professionally. LL.M programs, which typically last one year, are offered in many areas—such as general law, criminal law, litigation/trial advocacy, and prosecutorial science. A first law degree is required for admission to LL.M. programs. Visit https://www.lsac.org/llm-other-law-program-applicants for more information. Visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/llm-degrees_post_j_d_non_j_d/programs_by_school for a list of LL.M. specialties and the law schools that offer them.

Other Education or Training

The American Bar Association, National Association for Law Placement, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Women Lawyers, National District Attorneys Association, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, and state and local bar associations offer a variety of continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.

Most prosecutor offices, public defender offices, and law firms provide in-house continuing education opportunities to their employees.