When you see all these handsome lawyers on TV shows like LA Law, sitting in their fancy offices, driving these flashy cars, have you ever realized what they’ve been through in terms of time, years of education, money, certifications? , etc.? .
Let me describe the lawyer training course. Formal educational requirements for attorneys include a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar exam.
Competition for admission to most law schools is intense. Prospective lawyers must develop proficiency in writing and speaking, reading, research, analysis, and logical thinking, skills necessary to be successful both in law school and in the profession.
Regardless of specialization, multidisciplinary training is recommended. Courses in English, foreign languages, public speaking, government, philosophy, history, economics, mathematics, and computer science, among others, are useful. Students interested in a particular aspect of the law may find related courses helpful. For example, prospective patent attorneys need a strong background in engineering or science, and prospective tax attorneys need extensive knowledge of accounting.
Acceptance by most law schools depends on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate an aptitude for the study of law, usually through good undergraduate grades, the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), the quality of the applicant’s undergraduate school, any previous work experience, and sometimes a personal interview.
During the first year or year and a half of law school, students generally study foundation courses, such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, tort, civil procedure, and legal drafting. In the remaining time, they may opt for specialization courses in subjects such as tax, labor or corporate law. Law students often gain hands-on experience by participating in school-sponsored legal clinic activities; at school moot court competitions, in which students present appellate arguments; in practice trials under the supervision of experienced lawyers and judges; and through research and writing on legal topics for the school’s law magazine.
Law school graduates are awarded a doctor of law (JD) degree as their first professional degree. Advanced law degrees may be desirable for those planning to specialize, research, or teach. Some law students pursue joint degree programs, which typically require an additional semester or year of study. Joint degree programs are offered in a number of areas, including law and business or public administration.
After graduation, lawyers must stay informed about legal and non-legal developments that affect their practice. Currently, 40 states and jurisdictions require continuing legal education (CLE). Many state and local law schools and bar associations offer continuing education courses that help lawyers stay abreast of recent developments.
The practice of law implies a great responsibility. People planning careers in law would like to work with people and be able to earn the respect and trust of their clients, associates, and the public. Perseverance, creativity, and reasoning skills are also essential for attorneys, who often analyze complex cases and handle new and unique legal problems.
Lawyers held about 695,000 jobs in 2002. About 3 in 4 lawyers were in private practice, either in law firms or individual practices. Most of the remaining attorneys held positions in the government and in corporations and non-profit organizations.
(Source: http://www.bls.gov)
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