2 answers
Manuel
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What education and skills do I need to have to become a lawyer?
I’m 13 years old in 8th grade, and want to know what skills and education I would need to become a good lawyer.
2 answers
Bob Echols
Retired lawyer and ethics officer--current blogger and author of the For Our Friends the Animals quartet.
28
Answers
Fairhope, Alabama
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Hello, Manuel.
I note with pleasure that in your amplification sentence under your main query, you've asked what education and skills are requisite to becoming a GOOD lawyer.
The education necessary to becoming a lawyer, or a good lawyer, will be generally be the same; others who answer your question I suspect will provide you with a great deal of information on education, so let me home in on skills for being the best attorney you can be.
Being a lawyer requires that you be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
So, find ways of improving your public speaking skills; take debate classes, go out for school plays, volunteer to give speeches. Work on you conversation skills--learn to provide oral communication that is clear, concise and understandable. Only by practice will you improve.
The same for writing--practice, practice, practice. Remember in a legal document a single word can change the meaning of the document, or the advice you are giving a client, so work on writing clearly and with precision.
And now to a skill many lawyers don't possess or need to improve upon: listening. You cannot adequately represent or assist a client unless you have a complete understanding of the client's problems. That understanding only comes from being a patient and complete listener, so with your family and friends, classmates and teachers, practice listening closely and completely. Work on curbing the tendency we all have (espcially lawyers) to interrupt a client before s/he has finished.
And now one more skill: service. Being a lawyer is a calling of service. We exist to render advice and counsel to others, to serve them. We perform under a professional duty of service. So work on finding ways in your life to provide services to others. Work on it until providing service becomes second nature to you.
Finally, Manuel, lawyers operate under a moral duty to act ethically. Our word is our bond, whether spoken or written. There is no room in the legal profession for anything other than honesty, timeliness, total integrity, total commitment to excellence in every legal action. So always do the right thing in your life. Always be truthful, be prompt, be diligent, be thorough in all that you do. That will help prepare you for legal work.
Manuel, I wish you a great future!. I truly enjoyed my career as an attorney, and if you choose that profession, and prepare yourself with the right skills and education (that topic others will comment on for you, I know!) you will be a great success!
All the best and may God bless you!
I note with pleasure that in your amplification sentence under your main query, you've asked what education and skills are requisite to becoming a GOOD lawyer.
The education necessary to becoming a lawyer, or a good lawyer, will be generally be the same; others who answer your question I suspect will provide you with a great deal of information on education, so let me home in on skills for being the best attorney you can be.
Being a lawyer requires that you be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
So, find ways of improving your public speaking skills; take debate classes, go out for school plays, volunteer to give speeches. Work on you conversation skills--learn to provide oral communication that is clear, concise and understandable. Only by practice will you improve.
The same for writing--practice, practice, practice. Remember in a legal document a single word can change the meaning of the document, or the advice you are giving a client, so work on writing clearly and with precision.
And now to a skill many lawyers don't possess or need to improve upon: listening. You cannot adequately represent or assist a client unless you have a complete understanding of the client's problems. That understanding only comes from being a patient and complete listener, so with your family and friends, classmates and teachers, practice listening closely and completely. Work on curbing the tendency we all have (espcially lawyers) to interrupt a client before s/he has finished.
And now one more skill: service. Being a lawyer is a calling of service. We exist to render advice and counsel to others, to serve them. We perform under a professional duty of service. So work on finding ways in your life to provide services to others. Work on it until providing service becomes second nature to you.
Finally, Manuel, lawyers operate under a moral duty to act ethically. Our word is our bond, whether spoken or written. There is no room in the legal profession for anything other than honesty, timeliness, total integrity, total commitment to excellence in every legal action. So always do the right thing in your life. Always be truthful, be prompt, be diligent, be thorough in all that you do. That will help prepare you for legal work.
Manuel, I wish you a great future!. I truly enjoyed my career as an attorney, and if you choose that profession, and prepare yourself with the right skills and education (that topic others will comment on for you, I know!) you will be a great success!
All the best and may God bless you!
Thank you for the advice, Bob.
Manuel
Avinash Chandran p
Career Exert
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
By following the below path, you can become a lawyer.
note - There are different types of lawyers like - medical Lawyers, educational Lawyers, etc. So concentrate on which field you want to specialize in, eg if you want to become a medical lawyer then you have to focus on medical / health-related subjects, it's not necessary but recommended.
1. Educational Requirements
A. Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor's)
Field of Study: There's no mandatory field of study, but many students choose majors in political science, history, English, or other humanities and social sciences. These fields help develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.
Duration: Typically 3-4 years.
B. Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.)
LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws): This is the standard law degree in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and India.
J.D. (Juris Doctor): In the United States, the J.D. is the standard professional degree for lawyers.
Duration: Usually 3 years (for a J.D. or LL.B. as a graduate degree). In some countries, an LL.B. may be obtained directly after high school, taking 3-4 years.
C. Bar Examination
Purpose: To practice law, you must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you intend to work. This exam tests your knowledge of the law and your ability to apply it.
Preparation: Bar prep courses are commonly taken after law school to help prepare for this rigorous exam.
2. Skills Required
A. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and interpret laws and regulations.
B. Research Skills
Proficiency in legal research to find relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents.
C. Communication Skills
Written Communication: Drafting legal documents, writing briefs, and preparing memos require strong writing skills.
Oral Communication: Lawyers must be able to articulate arguments persuasively and communicate effectively with clients, judges, and colleagues.
D. Negotiation Skills
Negotiating settlements and agreements on behalf of clients.
E. Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to develop strategies to address legal challenges and find solutions for clients.
F. Time Management
Managing multiple cases and deadlines efficiently.
G. Attention to Detail
Precision in drafting documents, contracts, and other legal materials.
3. Practical Experience
A. Internships and Clerkships
Working as an intern or clerk in a law firm, government agency, or court provides hands-on experience and exposure to real legal work.
B. Moot Court and Mock Trials
Participating in these activities during law school helps you practice litigation and courtroom skills.
C. Legal Clinics
Many law schools offer clinics where students can work on actual cases under supervision, providing valuable practical experience.
4. Continuing Education
Even after becoming a lawyer, continuing legal education (CLE) is essential to stay updated on new laws, regulations, and legal practices.
By following this educational path and developing these skills, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a successful career as a lawyer.
note - There are different types of lawyers like - medical Lawyers, educational Lawyers, etc. So concentrate on which field you want to specialize in, eg if you want to become a medical lawyer then you have to focus on medical / health-related subjects, it's not necessary but recommended.
1. Educational Requirements
A. Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor's)
Field of Study: There's no mandatory field of study, but many students choose majors in political science, history, English, or other humanities and social sciences. These fields help develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.
Duration: Typically 3-4 years.
B. Law Degree (LL.B. or J.D.)
LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws): This is the standard law degree in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and India.
J.D. (Juris Doctor): In the United States, the J.D. is the standard professional degree for lawyers.
Duration: Usually 3 years (for a J.D. or LL.B. as a graduate degree). In some countries, an LL.B. may be obtained directly after high school, taking 3-4 years.
C. Bar Examination
Purpose: To practice law, you must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you intend to work. This exam tests your knowledge of the law and your ability to apply it.
Preparation: Bar prep courses are commonly taken after law school to help prepare for this rigorous exam.
2. Skills Required
A. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and interpret laws and regulations.
B. Research Skills
Proficiency in legal research to find relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents.
C. Communication Skills
Written Communication: Drafting legal documents, writing briefs, and preparing memos require strong writing skills.
Oral Communication: Lawyers must be able to articulate arguments persuasively and communicate effectively with clients, judges, and colleagues.
D. Negotiation Skills
Negotiating settlements and agreements on behalf of clients.
E. Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to develop strategies to address legal challenges and find solutions for clients.
F. Time Management
Managing multiple cases and deadlines efficiently.
G. Attention to Detail
Precision in drafting documents, contracts, and other legal materials.
3. Practical Experience
A. Internships and Clerkships
Working as an intern or clerk in a law firm, government agency, or court provides hands-on experience and exposure to real legal work.
B. Moot Court and Mock Trials
Participating in these activities during law school helps you practice litigation and courtroom skills.
C. Legal Clinics
Many law schools offer clinics where students can work on actual cases under supervision, providing valuable practical experience.
4. Continuing Education
Even after becoming a lawyer, continuing legal education (CLE) is essential to stay updated on new laws, regulations, and legal practices.
By following this educational path and developing these skills, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a successful career as a lawyer.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Manuel
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