When you see all these handsome lawyers on TV series 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 Lawyers 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 attorneys must develop proficiency in writing and speaking, reading, research, analysis, and logical thinking – skills necessary to be successful in both law school and the profession.
Regardless of specialty, 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 useful. For example, future patent attorneys need a strong background in engineering or science, and future tax attorneys must have extensive accounting knowledge.
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 Admission 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 core subjects, such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, torts, civil procedure, and legal writing. In the remaining time, they may opt for specialized courses in areas such as tax, labor or corporate law. Law students often gain practical experience by participating in school-sponsored legal clinic activities; in school mock court contests, in which students conduct appellate arguments; in practice trials under the supervision of experienced lawyers and judges; and through research and writing of legal issues for the school’s law magazine.
Graduates of law school are awarded a doctor of jurisprudence (JD) as their first professional degree. Advanced degrees in law may be desirable for those planning to specialize, research, or teach. Some law students pursue joint degree programs, which generally require an additional semester or year of study. Joint degree programs are offered in a number of areas, including law and business administration or public administration.
After graduation, attorneys 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 attorneys stay abreast of recent developments.
The practice of law involves great responsibility. People planning careers in law must want 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 practice privately, either in law firms or in individual practices. Most of the remaining attorneys held positions in government and in corporations and non-profit organizations.
(Source: http://www.bls.gov)
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