3 answers
Samantha
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
12
Questions
Asked
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If I'm interested in being a criminal lawyer or a career in law, what types of jobs, experiences, or skills are employers looking for on a resume ?
I'm in the 9th grade and have plans of being a criminal lawyer. I want to make sure I stand out for colleges and different workplaces with some experiences and skills that I have.
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Samantha,
There are several parts to this question, all with conceivably different answers.
1. landing jobs while in high school
2. getting selected for college
3. landing jobs while in college
4. being selected for law school
5. landing jobs while in law school
6. getting a job as an attorney
I wouldn't try to think too far ahead!
Basically, you want to show that you are a dependable and hard worker, that you have integrity, and that you push yourself to learn more. HS jobs are about being a good worker who shows up and gets along with others, always willing to go the extra mile, volunteer to cover if someone needs off, and GREAT at customer service! You want to keep your grades up, and challenge yourself with honors/AP classes. Good grades in easy classes won't easily get you where you want to go. Get involved in a few extracurriculars, and try to be in a leadership role.
Once in college, don't get too busy working that your grades suffer. School definitely comes first! Once you graduate college, HS activities will not be as helpful in finishing your education/training. So, college is what really matters.
Besides jobs, I'd look at things like Police Explorers, or the Citizens Police Academy. See if you can do ride-alongs with police officers. Go to seminars with guest speakers from the Innocence Project. Volunteer on searches for missing people. Work on meeting people and them getting to know you by name. Connections help. Try to get to know your professors. You will one day be asking them for letters of recommendation. Work on voter registration drives. Again, try to work your way into positions of responsibility.
Don't necessarily follow the often recommended degree plan of Political Science. Too many people do that. Do something different. If you will be defending or prosecuting criminals, understand the things that will be being debated- things like how blood alcohol readings work, how long it takes a car to stop on wet pavement (was this in fact a vehicular homicide, or, would even a sober driver have hit this pedestrian?) You will learn law in law school. Work on understanding science. Or business financial records. Or technology - and what records were erased, when, and how? In HS, and college, work on honing your time management and study skills, you will need them!
hope this is of some help - best of luck!
There are several parts to this question, all with conceivably different answers.
1. landing jobs while in high school
2. getting selected for college
3. landing jobs while in college
4. being selected for law school
5. landing jobs while in law school
6. getting a job as an attorney
I wouldn't try to think too far ahead!
Basically, you want to show that you are a dependable and hard worker, that you have integrity, and that you push yourself to learn more. HS jobs are about being a good worker who shows up and gets along with others, always willing to go the extra mile, volunteer to cover if someone needs off, and GREAT at customer service! You want to keep your grades up, and challenge yourself with honors/AP classes. Good grades in easy classes won't easily get you where you want to go. Get involved in a few extracurriculars, and try to be in a leadership role.
Once in college, don't get too busy working that your grades suffer. School definitely comes first! Once you graduate college, HS activities will not be as helpful in finishing your education/training. So, college is what really matters.
Besides jobs, I'd look at things like Police Explorers, or the Citizens Police Academy. See if you can do ride-alongs with police officers. Go to seminars with guest speakers from the Innocence Project. Volunteer on searches for missing people. Work on meeting people and them getting to know you by name. Connections help. Try to get to know your professors. You will one day be asking them for letters of recommendation. Work on voter registration drives. Again, try to work your way into positions of responsibility.
Don't necessarily follow the often recommended degree plan of Political Science. Too many people do that. Do something different. If you will be defending or prosecuting criminals, understand the things that will be being debated- things like how blood alcohol readings work, how long it takes a car to stop on wet pavement (was this in fact a vehicular homicide, or, would even a sober driver have hit this pedestrian?) You will learn law in law school. Work on understanding science. Or business financial records. Or technology - and what records were erased, when, and how? In HS, and college, work on honing your time management and study skills, you will need them!
hope this is of some help - best of luck!
Akhilesh Unde
14
Answers
Updated
Akhilesh’s Answer
It’s fantastic that you’re planning your future career as a criminal lawyer so early! Building skills, knowledge, and experiences now will help you stand out to colleges and future employers. Here are some areas to focus on to strengthen your resume:
1. Academic Excellence
Focus on Social Studies, Government, and English: Courses that emphasize critical thinking, analysis, reading comprehension, and writing will lay a strong foundation.
Advanced Classes: Take advanced courses in history, government, and literature if available. Honors or AP classes demonstrate that you challenge yourself academically.
Research Skills: Law requires strong research abilities. Join any academic research or debate programs that help you practice gathering information, evaluating sources, and forming arguments.
2. Public Speaking and Debate
Debate Club: Debate builds skills in constructing arguments, understanding opposing viewpoints, and speaking persuasively—all critical in law.
Model United Nations (MUN): MUN is similar to debate and hones your research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
Speech and Drama: Participating in public speaking or drama activities will improve your comfort speaking in front of groups, an essential skill in law.
3. Volunteer Work and Community Service
Court Observer Programs: If allowed in your area, attend local court hearings to understand the legal process and criminal cases.
Volunteer with Legal Aid Societies: Many cities have legal aid organizations where you can volunteer and learn more about the legal needs of low-income communities. It’s a great way to show your commitment to justice.
Community Service: Show empathy and engagement in your community, which will reflect your commitment to social issues and justice.
4. Internships or Part-Time Jobs in Law
Law Firm Internship: Some law firms offer internships for high school students or early graduates. If they allow observation of casework, it’s a fantastic experience.
Local Government or Courthouse Internship: Some government programs and courthouses have internships or volunteer roles for high school students.
Police Department Youth Programs: Some police departments have programs or internships for youth interested in criminal justice, where you can learn about law enforcement.
5. Writing and Research Skills
Join a Newspaper or Write a Blog: Write for your school newspaper or start a blog about current events, social issues, or the criminal justice system. Good writing skills are essential in law.
Research Projects: Take on research projects that require deep analysis of issues, particularly in criminal justice, law, or government.
6. Leadership Roles
Student Council or Leadership Clubs: Leadership experience shows initiative and will help you develop skills in teamwork, organization, and persuasion.
Volunteer Leadership: Lead a project or organization in your community to show your commitment to social causes and your ability to inspire and organize others.
7. Specific Skills to Build
Analytical Thinking: Practice analyzing situations from different perspectives, as lawyers often have to build arguments from various viewpoints.
Communication: Both writing and speaking are crucial in law. Work on becoming clear and concise, yet persuasive, in your communication.
Time Management: Balancing multiple responsibilities will be essential in both college and legal careers. Show you can manage academics and extracurriculars.
8. Shadowing or Mentorship Programs
Shadow a Lawyer: If you have any family or community connections with lawyers, see if you can shadow them for a day or ask them about their career path.
Find a Mentor in Law: Some organizations match students with mentors in their chosen fields. A mentor can help guide you on experiences, college choices, and more.
9. Extracurricular Activities Related to Law and Justice
Youth Court Programs: Some communities offer youth court or teen court programs where high school students act as “jurors” or learn about the legal process.
Social Justice or Human Rights Clubs: These are great for showing that you care about justice and equality—important traits for a future lawyer.
Starting early with these activities will set you up for a standout resume. Colleges and future employers will see that you’re committed, proactive, and genuinely interested in law. Keep records of your experiences, write down what you learned, and be ready to explain how each activity developed your skills and passion for law.
1. Academic Excellence
Focus on Social Studies, Government, and English: Courses that emphasize critical thinking, analysis, reading comprehension, and writing will lay a strong foundation.
Advanced Classes: Take advanced courses in history, government, and literature if available. Honors or AP classes demonstrate that you challenge yourself academically.
Research Skills: Law requires strong research abilities. Join any academic research or debate programs that help you practice gathering information, evaluating sources, and forming arguments.
2. Public Speaking and Debate
Debate Club: Debate builds skills in constructing arguments, understanding opposing viewpoints, and speaking persuasively—all critical in law.
Model United Nations (MUN): MUN is similar to debate and hones your research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
Speech and Drama: Participating in public speaking or drama activities will improve your comfort speaking in front of groups, an essential skill in law.
3. Volunteer Work and Community Service
Court Observer Programs: If allowed in your area, attend local court hearings to understand the legal process and criminal cases.
Volunteer with Legal Aid Societies: Many cities have legal aid organizations where you can volunteer and learn more about the legal needs of low-income communities. It’s a great way to show your commitment to justice.
Community Service: Show empathy and engagement in your community, which will reflect your commitment to social issues and justice.
4. Internships or Part-Time Jobs in Law
Law Firm Internship: Some law firms offer internships for high school students or early graduates. If they allow observation of casework, it’s a fantastic experience.
Local Government or Courthouse Internship: Some government programs and courthouses have internships or volunteer roles for high school students.
Police Department Youth Programs: Some police departments have programs or internships for youth interested in criminal justice, where you can learn about law enforcement.
5. Writing and Research Skills
Join a Newspaper or Write a Blog: Write for your school newspaper or start a blog about current events, social issues, or the criminal justice system. Good writing skills are essential in law.
Research Projects: Take on research projects that require deep analysis of issues, particularly in criminal justice, law, or government.
6. Leadership Roles
Student Council or Leadership Clubs: Leadership experience shows initiative and will help you develop skills in teamwork, organization, and persuasion.
Volunteer Leadership: Lead a project or organization in your community to show your commitment to social causes and your ability to inspire and organize others.
7. Specific Skills to Build
Analytical Thinking: Practice analyzing situations from different perspectives, as lawyers often have to build arguments from various viewpoints.
Communication: Both writing and speaking are crucial in law. Work on becoming clear and concise, yet persuasive, in your communication.
Time Management: Balancing multiple responsibilities will be essential in both college and legal careers. Show you can manage academics and extracurriculars.
8. Shadowing or Mentorship Programs
Shadow a Lawyer: If you have any family or community connections with lawyers, see if you can shadow them for a day or ask them about their career path.
Find a Mentor in Law: Some organizations match students with mentors in their chosen fields. A mentor can help guide you on experiences, college choices, and more.
9. Extracurricular Activities Related to Law and Justice
Youth Court Programs: Some communities offer youth court or teen court programs where high school students act as “jurors” or learn about the legal process.
Social Justice or Human Rights Clubs: These are great for showing that you care about justice and equality—important traits for a future lawyer.
Starting early with these activities will set you up for a standout resume. Colleges and future employers will see that you’re committed, proactive, and genuinely interested in law. Keep records of your experiences, write down what you learned, and be ready to explain how each activity developed your skills and passion for law.
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
41
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi! Former law student here. It's great you're thinking ahead as a 9th grader, but I honestly wouldn't worry too much about that right now if I were you. Both Kim and Akhilesh have given excellent advice, but I would just add that even if you do not have any specific experience in criminal justice prior to entering law school, you won't necessarily be at a disadvantage because you will have plenty of opportunity during law school to take criminal law classes (criminal law is a required first-year course, and in your second and third year, you will likely be able to take electives such as criminal procedures and trial advocacy). Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in internships and externships in the local PD or state/district attorney office during law school. Depending on the law school you go to, you might even have the opportunity to take part in clinics, which would be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience dealing with real-life cases.
As long as you show a genuine interest in a career in criminal law by taking relevant classes during law school and completing internships, I think you should be able to get your foot in the door. Best of luck!
As long as you show a genuine interest in a career in criminal law by taking relevant classes during law school and completing internships, I think you should be able to get your foot in the door. Best of luck!