When people have any problem regarding the law, they can contact a lawyer for advice. A person can hire a lawyer to start a case against someone else or to help with a case that has been launched against them.

If the case goes to court, the lawyer will represent their client in court. The lawyer will use their knowledge of the law to convince the court that the client is on the right side of the argument.

Lawyers also help people “settle out of court.” This means that both sides agree to a punishment ahead of time so that they will not have to go to trial.

Let’s “bang the gavel of knowledge” to discover more about this impressive career.

What Do I Need to Be a Lawyer?

The first thing you will need to be a lawyer is a great appreciation for the law. You will also need to have a strong desire to help people.

While you are in school, you will also want to focus on subjects relevant to becoming a lawyer. These subjects include;

• Classes that emphasize organized research and persuasive writing
• Critical study of others’ books.
• Courses that build vocabulary.
• Students should take classes that look at how human behavior interacts with institutions; sociology, political science, psychology, and history.
• Science and math classes sharpen analytical thinking.
• Coursework that trains students to read large amounts of information is vital.

Stick with honors or advanced placement courses and read as much as possible to prepare for the rigors of law school. It’s also important to keep your grade-point average high so that you have your choice of colleges and eventually law school.

What Skills Will Help Me Be a Great Lawyer?

All careers require a person to be a specific way. To be a lawyer, it helps to have the following skills;

Analytical skills. Lawyers help their clients resolve problems and issues. As a result, they must be able to analyze massive amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.

Interpersonal skills. Lawyers must win the respect and the confidence of their clients. They do this by building a trusting relationship so that clients feel comfortable enough to share personal information related to their case.

Problem-solving skills. Lawyers must separate their emotions and prejudice from their clients’ problems. This is so they can objectively evaluate the case. You will want to have excellent problem-solving skills to prepare the best defense for a client.

Research skills. Lawyers need to be able to find those laws and regulations which apply to a specific matter. They do this to provide the appropriate legal advice for their clients.

Speaking skills. Lawyers must be able to present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries. This skill is important because a lawyer is speaking on behalf of their clients.

Writing skills. Lawyers need to be precise and specific when preparing documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

What Type of Schooling Do I Need to Become a Lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer usually takes seven years of full-time study after high school; four years of undergraduate education, followed by three years of law school.

Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

A bachelor’s degree is required for entry into most law schools, and courses in English, public speaking, government, history, economics, and mathematics are useful.

Almost all law schools, particularly those approved by the ABA, require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This test measures applicants’ aptitude for the study of law.

A J.D. degree program includes courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing. Law students may choose specialized courses in areas such as tax, labor, and corporate law.

What Can You Do as a Lawyer?

Once you have a degree in law, you can specialize in many areas. These include;

Environmental lawyers deal with issues and regulations that are related to the environment. For example, they may work for advocacy groups, waste disposal companies, or government agencies to help ensure compliance with relevant laws.

Tax lawyers handle a variety of tax-related issues for individuals and corporations. They may help clients navigate complex tax regulations so that clients pay the appropriate tax on items such as income, profits, and property.

Intellectual property lawyers deal with the laws related to inventions, patents, trademarks, and creative works, such as music, books, and movies.

Family lawyers handle a variety of legal issues that pertain to the family. They may advise clients regarding divorce, child custody, and adoption proceedings.

Securities lawyers work on legal issues arising from the buying and selling of stocks, ensuring that all disclosure requirements are met.

Is the Law the Right Career for You?

Becoming a lawyer will take a lot of hard work and plenty of schooling. But just think, once you have your law degree, you may put a bad guy in jail or set an innocent person free.