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Do public defenders have the same requirement as lawyers (Bar exam, etc) ?
Aren't they technically government employees? Does that require any extra effort or tasks? #lawyer #attorney #criminal-defense
3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Some public defenders are gov't employees, where others are private practitioners appointed by the courts to handle certain cases for indigent clients. It is an excellent way to start out a career in law. It's not always just about money. You will be exposed to a wide variety of cases, learn the realities of plea bargaining (most cases don't go to trial), and see how often innocent people plead guilty because they are afraid to take their chances with the judicial system.
Prosecutors are also gov't employees, and of course, they are on the other side, trying to send people to prison or jail. They too are overworked many times, and I have seen them in trial totally unprepared, because the case has dragged out for two years, and changed prosecutors three times.Most lawyers do not stay with the prosecutors office for their entire careers, they use it as a stepping stone, often, to go into criminal defense.
People pay a lot of money for a criminal defense attorney.
Nicole Gainey
Nicole’s Answer
As the others responded, yes all lawyers need to get there JD (Juris Doctorate) degree either by attending law school or in some states by working an apprenticeship program (rare but possible) and then passing the bar exam. During law school if you are considering criminal law it’s a good idea to intern (work for an organization (short term) for class credit or nominal pay) to see if it is a good fit for you, gain networking contacts, and job skills and to make you more attractive to employers when you graduate. Best of luck to you going forward!
Nicole recommends the following next steps:
Jesse H
Jesse’s Answer
Short answer: Yes. Public defenders are also required to take the bar and have a J.D.