Do you aim to have an exciting and challenging legal career that will keep you on your toes most of the time? Then worry not, as becoming a defense attorney is the best legal career that can satiate your hunger for an adventurous legal career.
In this article, we will provide all the information that will allow you to become a successful defense attorney within the United States.
What Is A Defense Attorney?
Defense attorneys are lawyers who tend to represent defendants and accused parties within a court. One of the major roles of defense attorneys tends to focus on protecting their clients from the claim that they have been accused of. Moreover, a defense lawyer also plays a role in developing appropriate defenses that will save their client from criminal or civil liabilities.
Defense lawyers are observed to have an elaborative practice depending on their area of practice. This means these lawyers are known to represent either individuals or corporations within the court.
Generally, whenever we hear the term “defense lawyer,” we think of criminal defense lawyer who are known to represent the accused individual. On the other hand, in practice, defense attorneys tend to serve a variety of roles in the legal industry, depending on their area of specialization.
There are circumstances where defense attorneys are also observed for their ability to work as in-house counsel for organizations like insurance companies or other business establishments that might be sued by third-party individuals.
Steps To Become A Defense Attorney In The US
You might think applying yourself to a law school will allow you to become a defense attorney within the US. But there are other hurdles and steps that will enable you to become a successful defense lawyer within the United States.
The process of becoming a defense lawyer in the US is as follows:
Step 1: Earn A Bachelor’s Degree
Typically, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college to attend a law school in the US. But, you might wonder why generally? This is because most law schools in the US require a bachelor’s degree to get admission.
However, you will find some law schools that do not require a bachelor’s degree to get admission. But we advise that you get a bachelor’s degree to apply for the best law schools the nation has to offer. Additionally, going through the process of attaining a bachelor’s degree will groom you to become a successful defense lawyer.
Traditionally, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in political science, criminal justice, or history if you are planning to become a defense attorney in the future. We will also advise that you take your extracurricular activities seriously while earning your bachelor’s degree.
Joining a club or volunteering in social services, or acquiring work experience can allow you to have the upper hand while applying to a law school.
Step 2: Sit For The LSAT
During or after earning your undergraduate degree, you will also need to sit for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) for being able to get into a law school. The LSAT will allow you to prove your logical and analytical reasoning capacities which are essential for becoming a successful lawyer.
So, it is necessary that you effectively prepare for your LSAT to get admission into a law school as soon as possible after earning your bachelor’s degree.
Step 3: Attend And Graduate From A Law School
Once you have acquired the educational experience and taken the LSAT, you are now eligible to attend a law school. While attending law school, you will be able to attain your Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This is a three-year program where you will be involved in learning all the laws and processes of becoming a successful lawyer.
Make sure you are involved in learning some of the listed subjects while earning your J.D. degree to become a successful defense attorney within the US.
- Criminal law
- Torts
- Civil procedure
- Legal research
- Property law
- Contract law
Having these core subjects while earning your J.D. degree will assist you in determining the subject you are willing to specialize in to become a defense lawyer.
We also advise you to get into certain extracurricular activities like participating in a moot court or being a part of a legal clinic to have a practical idea of becoming a defense attorney. As the field is highly concentrated on litigation, it is highly required that you take part in extracurricular activities to gain prior experience as a defense lawyer during the early years.
Step 4: Pass The Bar Exam
After you have completed your law school, it is important that you pass the bar exam before you become a licensed defense lawyer. The bar exam in the US varies from one state to another.
Due to this, it is vital that you keep a check on the curriculum and the requirements that are required for passing the bar exam in your state or the state you are seeking to become a defense lawyer.
Additionally, a bar exam is only held twice a year, so make sure you are effectively prepared for the exam to pass with the passing marks. It is also advisable that you take assistance from various legal study materials to have a better understanding of all the questions that are questioned in the bar exam.
Step 5: Gain Work Experience
Now you have acquired both the degree and the license for becoming a defense attorney. But, you will have to gain work experience for the purpose of becoming a successful defense lawyer.
Now you will have to apply to law firms to acquire a job as a professional defense lawyer. By having a job, you will be able to acquire professional experience that will enhance your skills as a defense lawyer.
Salary Of A Defense Attorney In The US
The average salary of a defense lawyer in the US on an annual basis has been estimated at $127,990.
If you have the right knowledge and skills, along with years of experience, you will be able to earn more than the average salary estimated for defense lawyers in the US.
And It’s A Wrap
Becoming a defense attorney can be a rewarding career with a lot of experience in courtrooms. So, if you are someone who has an interest in the field of litigation, then becoming a defense attorney will be the most appropriate legal field for you.
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Jyoti Jha is a freelance SEO content writer for tech , health, and education-related content. With 5 years of experience in the industry, I am creating high-quality content that captivates readers and delivers value.
