Becoming a criminal lawyer involves several steps that include education, training, and gaining relevant experience, here are some things to know.
1
Enroll in a four-year undergraduate program, while there is no specific major required, courses in criminal justice.
2
Prepare for and take the LSAT, which assesses your critical thinking, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning skills.
3
Complete the three-year program, focusing on courses related to criminal law, constitutional law, and evidence.
4
Participate in internships, clinics, or externships during law school to gain hands-on experience in criminal law.
5
Prepare for and pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice law, the bar exam tests your knowledge of general legal principle.
6
Consider starting your career as a public defender, prosecutor, or joining a private law firm that specializes in criminal defense.
7
Consider obtaining board certification in criminal law if offered in your state to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.