How long does it usually take to become a lawyer with expertise in a particular field?

Aleisha,

The reason you cannot find an answer is because there isn't one! Seriously! While some types of law are heavily involved in litigation, others may not be. If one earns a reputation through litigation, cases can take five years, or longer, to work their way through the system. So, if you are fortunate enough to get to handle a really good case your first year practicing, and you work on that case for five years, there's your answer. I would speculate a minimum of five years. Probably closer to ten. A lot depends on the complexity of the cases you get, and the various twists and turns those cases take!

It could be that you could become an expert on one aspect of a particular field of law. Let's say you become really good at writing pre-nuptial agreements. That could be something that other lawyers refer their clients to you, because they know you are good. But, perhaps you are trying to handle a sticky divorce, where your client was cheating on their spouse, and is trying to get custody of the children. Even though you are in Family Law, and are really good at some things, you know of another lawyer who has a reputation for handling these types of cases, so, you might refer the case to them, or, ask them to serve as "co-counsel" with you, so you can still handle the case and learn along the way.

It is important to realize that once you pass the bar, and start practicing law, you will be initially overwhelmed by how much you do NOT know. You will know how to find it, but it won't all be committed to memory. If you want to be known as an expert in your field, you will need to network with other lawyers who already hold that status. You will be amazed at how much you can learn from them! Look for "list - serves" : private e-mail lists where attorneys can ask each other questions and share ideas. I belong to one that handles Civil Rights cases, and it is mind-boggling the amount of information, and research, these lawyers freely share with each other - all in the interest of doing the best possible job they can for their client!

You can look for ways to get a head-start. Find some good internships while in law school. Get a position on the school's law journal. Start out with your state's Child Protective Services unit, or the District Attorney's office.

It's great to see that you are so motivated to be the best that you can be! Once you get there, please remember to offer support to those coming up behind you - and of course, we will be looking for your comments here on CareerVillage!