2 answers
Graciela
Student
Castroville, CA
16
Questions
Asked
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Prosecution Lawyer/ Lawyers /Attorneys questions for career?
I have a question for those careers.
How did you prepare for your career?
It would also be appreciated if you can leave your name, your job title, and what company you work for. Thank you.
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2 answers
Sheli DeNola
Contract Lead
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sheli’s Answer
Hi Graciela,
I work on commercial contracts for a top 5 technology company. I had the benefit of knowing that I wanted to do transactional law (as opposed to litigation) when going to law school, so when I focused on classes that would give me the skills I knew I needed.
I think when it comes down it the key is focusing on courses that cover topics your need for your specialization, and seeking out work experience and internships in those areas.
Also law requires good writing and research skills regardless of what specialization you choose, so finding professional and educational experiences that give you both is a great starting point.
All the best,
Sheli
I work on commercial contracts for a top 5 technology company. I had the benefit of knowing that I wanted to do transactional law (as opposed to litigation) when going to law school, so when I focused on classes that would give me the skills I knew I needed.
I think when it comes down it the key is focusing on courses that cover topics your need for your specialization, and seeking out work experience and internships in those areas.
Also law requires good writing and research skills regardless of what specialization you choose, so finding professional and educational experiences that give you both is a great starting point.
All the best,
Sheli
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Graciela,
You prepare for a career in law by going to college and getting a 4-year degree in any field of your choice. I usually recommend that you pick something you would enjoy doing should you end up not going to law school. It could be something relevant to the type of law you want to practice - for example, biological/medical degree if you want to go into medical malpractice.
I also recommend that you truly learn grammar - I have seen several cases that turned on grammatical interpretation of statutes, and, I was totally lost. Also take a course in Logic - usually in the Philosophy Department. Perhaps a course on Latin vocabulary. Maybe an acting class or club - Definitely a speech class, get well versed in technology, join the debate team. If your school has a PreLaw club, join that. If they offer Moot Court, take that class (it's a mock trial -really cool!!) Get really good grades. Try to develop a relationship with your professors - they will need to write you letters of recommendation for law school.
Sometime, I think in your junior year, you will take the LSAT - Law School Admissions test. It is HARD. There is a whole section called Logic Games. You have to know how to do these problems, as, the test doesn't give you much time. Use whatever study resources you can find. There are professional companies that offer classes. this is not the sole determinant on what law school you get into, but, it IS important.
That brings up another point. If you have certain schools you'd like to attend, research their admission standards and try to start working on meeting them while in college.
Also, if you want to be a criminal prosecutor, you might take a class or two in criminal justice. But, don't worry about trying to learn criminal law, as they will teach that to you in law school.
Kim
You prepare for a career in law by going to college and getting a 4-year degree in any field of your choice. I usually recommend that you pick something you would enjoy doing should you end up not going to law school. It could be something relevant to the type of law you want to practice - for example, biological/medical degree if you want to go into medical malpractice.
I also recommend that you truly learn grammar - I have seen several cases that turned on grammatical interpretation of statutes, and, I was totally lost. Also take a course in Logic - usually in the Philosophy Department. Perhaps a course on Latin vocabulary. Maybe an acting class or club - Definitely a speech class, get well versed in technology, join the debate team. If your school has a PreLaw club, join that. If they offer Moot Court, take that class (it's a mock trial -really cool!!) Get really good grades. Try to develop a relationship with your professors - they will need to write you letters of recommendation for law school.
Sometime, I think in your junior year, you will take the LSAT - Law School Admissions test. It is HARD. There is a whole section called Logic Games. You have to know how to do these problems, as, the test doesn't give you much time. Use whatever study resources you can find. There are professional companies that offer classes. this is not the sole determinant on what law school you get into, but, it IS important.
That brings up another point. If you have certain schools you'd like to attend, research their admission standards and try to start working on meeting them while in college.
Also, if you want to be a criminal prosecutor, you might take a class or two in criminal justice. But, don't worry about trying to learn criminal law, as they will teach that to you in law school.
Kim
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Graciela