3 answers
Madison
Student
Columbus, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
694 views
how can i prepare for being a lawyer?
how do i become a lawyer? how can i prepare as an 8th grader?
3 answers
Michael Geers
Attorney
2
Answers
Monument, Colorado
Updated
Michael’s Answer
First you should learn the most famous phrase an attorney uses when answering (almost) any question - "It depends".
The answer to the question may vary depending on the type of law you want to practice. Perhaps you don't know what type of law at this point in your consideration. That's perfectly fine. A more focused and specific answer would "depend" on what type of law.
However, here are two areas to focus on in the 8th grade, that will apply regardless of the type of law you might practice in the future:
1. Read.
Reading is an essential part of lawyering, but not just any reading. Read with a discriminating eye. Read with a pencil in your hand and underline, circle, and take notes on what you read (this is how you will study cases, documents, and begin to draft responses). Read more than your friends. Be wise in what you choose to read, but read. Your ability to rapidly read and decipher meaning, intent, and evaluate credibility. Which leads me to number two.
2. Practice discernment.
That is - learn to forestall any knee-jerk reaction or response to what you read and hear. Evaluate the content first, BEFORE responding. Avoid emotional reactions to writings and audio and videos that are meant to elicit an emotional response from you. You are practicing being an attorney. Your first thought should be - where's your evidence? Someone writes or makes a statement you think - what is your source? Where is your proof? Is your evidence valid or simply an emotionally-based opinion? Learn to respectfully challenge and question assertions that are not accompanied by valid, verifiable sources and evidence. This is what a judge will do, so this is a great time in your life to begin practicing and being aware of what it is that a judge will expect from any legal documents or statements you might make in court.
Not all attorneys go to court. In fact, the majority of attorneys don't ever go to court. Unless you are a litigator or on the defense side of things whose job it is to go to court. Many attorneys work in an office drafting, responding, critiquing written documents of some type. This is why reading with a critical eye is great practice while in 8th grade.
Read with discernment. Write with discernment. Speak with discernment. One of the first things you will learn in law school where you are trained to think like a lawyer is - things aren't always what they seem absent further and appropriate investigation. Investigate claims. Research what people say as if it is fact. Is it a fact? Who says? Is that source reliable? Where did they hear it? Is it always that way? What are the surrounding circumstances? Can you an imagine a set of circumstances where the statement might not be true? Was this investigated without bias? This type of thinking, practiced now, will help you prepare for the wonderful world of being an attorney.
The law is a vast and interesting area to explore. Have fun. Don't take yourself too serious. And good luck, I'm rooting for you!
The answer to the question may vary depending on the type of law you want to practice. Perhaps you don't know what type of law at this point in your consideration. That's perfectly fine. A more focused and specific answer would "depend" on what type of law.
However, here are two areas to focus on in the 8th grade, that will apply regardless of the type of law you might practice in the future:
1. Read.
Reading is an essential part of lawyering, but not just any reading. Read with a discriminating eye. Read with a pencil in your hand and underline, circle, and take notes on what you read (this is how you will study cases, documents, and begin to draft responses). Read more than your friends. Be wise in what you choose to read, but read. Your ability to rapidly read and decipher meaning, intent, and evaluate credibility. Which leads me to number two.
2. Practice discernment.
That is - learn to forestall any knee-jerk reaction or response to what you read and hear. Evaluate the content first, BEFORE responding. Avoid emotional reactions to writings and audio and videos that are meant to elicit an emotional response from you. You are practicing being an attorney. Your first thought should be - where's your evidence? Someone writes or makes a statement you think - what is your source? Where is your proof? Is your evidence valid or simply an emotionally-based opinion? Learn to respectfully challenge and question assertions that are not accompanied by valid, verifiable sources and evidence. This is what a judge will do, so this is a great time in your life to begin practicing and being aware of what it is that a judge will expect from any legal documents or statements you might make in court.
Not all attorneys go to court. In fact, the majority of attorneys don't ever go to court. Unless you are a litigator or on the defense side of things whose job it is to go to court. Many attorneys work in an office drafting, responding, critiquing written documents of some type. This is why reading with a critical eye is great practice while in 8th grade.
Read with discernment. Write with discernment. Speak with discernment. One of the first things you will learn in law school where you are trained to think like a lawyer is - things aren't always what they seem absent further and appropriate investigation. Investigate claims. Research what people say as if it is fact. Is it a fact? Who says? Is that source reliable? Where did they hear it? Is it always that way? What are the surrounding circumstances? Can you an imagine a set of circumstances where the statement might not be true? Was this investigated without bias? This type of thinking, practiced now, will help you prepare for the wonderful world of being an attorney.
The law is a vast and interesting area to explore. Have fun. Don't take yourself too serious. And good luck, I'm rooting for you!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Madison,
How to Prepare for Becoming a Lawyer as an 8th Grader
Becoming a lawyer is a rewarding and challenging career path that requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. If you are an 8th grader interested in pursuing a career in law, there are several steps you can take to start preparing for this profession early on.
1. Focus on Academic Excellence: One of the most important aspects of preparing for a career in law is to excel academically. As an 8th grader, focus on your studies and strive to maintain high grades in all subjects, particularly English, history, government, and social studies. Developing strong writing and analytical skills will be beneficial for your future legal career.
2. Participate in Debate or Mock Trial Clubs: Engaging in extracurricular activities such as debate or mock trial clubs can provide valuable experience in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation – all essential skills for a successful lawyer. These activities can also help you gain insight into the legal profession and develop a passion for advocacy.
3. Volunteer or Intern at Law Firms: Consider reaching out to local law firms or legal organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities or internships. By gaining firsthand experience in a legal setting, you can learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of lawyers and get a sense of whether this career path is the right fit for you.
4. Read Books on Law and Legal Issues: Aspiring lawyers can benefit from reading books on law, legal issues, famous court cases, and the justice system. This can help you deepen your understanding of the legal field and familiarize yourself with key concepts that are foundational to the practice of law.
5. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Critical thinking is a crucial skill for lawyers as they analyze complex legal issues and develop arguments to support their positions. Practice critical thinking by engaging in logic puzzles, debates, or philosophical discussions to sharpen your analytical abilities.
6. Seek Mentorship from Legal Professionals: Reach out to lawyers or legal professionals in your community and ask if they would be willing to mentor you as you pursue a career in law. Having a mentor can provide guidance, advice, and insights into the legal profession that can be invaluable as you navigate your educational and professional journey.
By following these steps and actively engaging with opportunities to learn more about the legal field, you can begin laying the foundation for a successful career as a lawyer from an early age.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Bar Association (ABA): The American Bar Association is one of the leading professional organizations for attorneys in the United States. Their website provides valuable resources for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law, including information on educational requirements, pathways to becoming a lawyer, and tips for aspiring legal professionals.
Law School Admission Council (LSAC): The Law School Admission Council is responsible for administering the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and providing resources for individuals seeking admission to law school. Their website offers guidance on preparing for law school, understanding the application process, and exploring different areas of legal practice.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive data on various occupations, including information on job outlooks, salary potential, educational requirements, and industry trends for lawyers. This source can provide valuable insights into the current state of the legal profession and what aspiring lawyers can expect as they pursue their careers.
These authoritative sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on how to prepare for becoming a lawyer as an 8th grader.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
How to Prepare for Becoming a Lawyer as an 8th Grader
Becoming a lawyer is a rewarding and challenging career path that requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. If you are an 8th grader interested in pursuing a career in law, there are several steps you can take to start preparing for this profession early on.
1. Focus on Academic Excellence: One of the most important aspects of preparing for a career in law is to excel academically. As an 8th grader, focus on your studies and strive to maintain high grades in all subjects, particularly English, history, government, and social studies. Developing strong writing and analytical skills will be beneficial for your future legal career.
2. Participate in Debate or Mock Trial Clubs: Engaging in extracurricular activities such as debate or mock trial clubs can provide valuable experience in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation – all essential skills for a successful lawyer. These activities can also help you gain insight into the legal profession and develop a passion for advocacy.
3. Volunteer or Intern at Law Firms: Consider reaching out to local law firms or legal organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities or internships. By gaining firsthand experience in a legal setting, you can learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of lawyers and get a sense of whether this career path is the right fit for you.
4. Read Books on Law and Legal Issues: Aspiring lawyers can benefit from reading books on law, legal issues, famous court cases, and the justice system. This can help you deepen your understanding of the legal field and familiarize yourself with key concepts that are foundational to the practice of law.
5. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Critical thinking is a crucial skill for lawyers as they analyze complex legal issues and develop arguments to support their positions. Practice critical thinking by engaging in logic puzzles, debates, or philosophical discussions to sharpen your analytical abilities.
6. Seek Mentorship from Legal Professionals: Reach out to lawyers or legal professionals in your community and ask if they would be willing to mentor you as you pursue a career in law. Having a mentor can provide guidance, advice, and insights into the legal profession that can be invaluable as you navigate your educational and professional journey.
By following these steps and actively engaging with opportunities to learn more about the legal field, you can begin laying the foundation for a successful career as a lawyer from an early age.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Bar Association (ABA): The American Bar Association is one of the leading professional organizations for attorneys in the United States. Their website provides valuable resources for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law, including information on educational requirements, pathways to becoming a lawyer, and tips for aspiring legal professionals.
Law School Admission Council (LSAC): The Law School Admission Council is responsible for administering the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and providing resources for individuals seeking admission to law school. Their website offers guidance on preparing for law school, understanding the application process, and exploring different areas of legal practice.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive data on various occupations, including information on job outlooks, salary potential, educational requirements, and industry trends for lawyers. This source can provide valuable insights into the current state of the legal profession and what aspiring lawyers can expect as they pursue their careers.
These authoritative sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on how to prepare for becoming a lawyer as an 8th grader.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Thank you for the advice.
Madison
Jonathan Whitcomb
Credit Analyst
63
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Concentrate on engaging with activities you love in school and cultivate a routine of attaining high grades. It could be beneficial to devote a day observing the workings of a law firm to ensure it aligns with your aspirations. Remember, the reality is often different from what you see on TV. My first encounter with a courtroom, which was merely a long table in the judge's office, was a revelation. It's far from glamorous. It's crucial to understand the real duties of a lawyer to confirm it's truly what you aspire to pursue.
Thank you for the advice, Jonathan.
Madison
Delete Comment
Flag Comment