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What are some good colleges to go to if I want to be criminal lawyer?

I'm in 9th grade and always wanted to be a criminal lawyer and I really want to go to a good college that will help me become the lawyer I want to be.

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Iryna’s Answer

Hi Samantha!

Pursuing a career as a criminal defense lawyer is a commendable goal, and selecting the right colleges can be a pivotal step in your journey. Here’s a guide on the types of colleges and programs to consider, along with some specific schools known for pre-law and law programs.

Step 1: Focus on Undergraduate Education
To become a lawyer, you'll first need to complete an undergraduate degree. While there's no specific major required for law school, consider focusing on areas that help develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. Here are some recommended fields of study:
Political Science
Criminal Justice
History
Philosophy
Sociology

Notable Colleges for Undergraduates
Harvard University
Prestigious programs in political science and government, with strong support for pre-law students.

Yale University
Offers a liberal arts education with excellent resources for aspiring lawyers.

University of Chicago
Known for its rigorous academic environment and strong political science program.

Georgetown University
Located in D.C., it's great for those interested in law and policy, with strong connections to legal internships.

Stanford University
Offers a broad-based education with strong courses in ethics, political science, and public policy.

University of California, Berkeley
Known for its criminal justice and political science programs, especially strong in social justice themes.

University of Michigan
Excellent law school and a strong undergraduate program in political science and criminal justice.

New York University (NYU)
Focuses on urban policy and legal studies with great pre-law resources.


Step 2: Law School
After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend law school. Be sure to choose accredited law schools that offer robust criminal law programs.

Top Law Schools for Criminal Defense
Harvard Law School
Highly regarded in criminal law, offering extensive resources and clinics.

Yale Law School
Known for its focus on legal theory and public interest law, including criminal defense.

Stanford Law School
Offers opportunities to engage in criminal defense work through clinics.

University of Chicago Law School
Focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to legal education, with a strong criminal law program.

Columbia Law School
Offers a well-rounded curriculum with opportunities to specialize in criminal law.

Georgetown University Law Center
Located in D.C., providing access to federal and local criminal law cases.

American University Washington College of Law
Provides excellent programs in criminal law and advocacy skills.


Step 3: Gain Experience
Internships/Clerking: Seek internships with law firms, public defenders, or legal aid organizations throughout college.
Participate in Debate: Join school debate clubs or mock trial teams to develop your argumentation skills.
Volunteer: Get involved in community service or organizations related to criminal justice.

As a 9th grader, it’s great to have your career goals set early! Focus on maintaining strong academic performance, engaging in extracurricular activities that build relevant skills (like debate or volunteer work), and exploring colleges known for strong pre-law or criminal justice programs. This preparation will lay a solid foundation for your journey to becoming a criminal defense lawyer!
Good luck!
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Jim’s Answer

Hi Samantha,

All universities above are good choices. My nephew graduated from Georgetown University, and he loved it there. In DC, you can also find a lot of work or internships.

Good luck!
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Kevin’s Answer

Hi Samantha,

If you want to work in criminal law, the best option will be a law school that has the lowest possible cost of attendance. That means trying to get the most scholarship awards from your schools, which means getting as close to a 4.0 (or a 4.3 if your school does A+'s) and as high of an LSAT score as possible. Please check out https://www.lsd.law/ to see scholarship offers of students based on GPA and LSAT score.

The LSAT is the Law School Admissions Test, and doing well on it requires at least a semester of studying. I recommend taking it your junior year.

Also, just know that the state you go to law school is likely the state where you will practice law, unless you go to a T-14 (top 14) school.

Please feel free to reach out at any time in the future for advice or support, happy to help you on your journey.

Sincerely,

Kevin Corkran-Itagaki
Boston College Law School '23, barred in Massachusetts
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A.’s Answer

Hello Samantha! Firstly, let's talk about your grades. It's really important to keep your focus sharp, especially in subjects such as English, history, and social studies. Doing well in these areas will give you a strong foundation.

Secondly, keep your curiosity alive by reading and exploring. Dive into books about law and criminal justice. This will not only deepen your understanding but also keep your passion burning.

Lastly, and most importantly, never lose your sense of curiosity. Work hard and always remember that you could be the one standing in court one day, fighting for justice. The world is in need of passionate lawyers like you, who are starting early on their path.
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