7 answers
Stephanie
Student
Mesquite, Texas
1
Question
Asked
2428 views
What do I need to become a lawyer specialize in criminal law?
Im currently a high school student that will graduate with a 2 year college associate degree in criminal justice but I just want to know like what degree I need and more.
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7 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1831
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Stephanie!
In addition to the suggestions made by Dennis, I'd recommend exposure to the law enforcement world - see if you can do a ride-along with the police. Attend the Citizen's Police Academy https://www.cityofmesquite.com/443/Citizens-Police-Academy.
If you have time, consider volunteering in some capacity. There is a second-chance program for offenders, which will give you exposure to offenders and the challenges they face: https://medc-tori.org/get-involved/
Also, if you are not certain about law school, consider becoming a paralegal - they do a lot of work to help the attorneys. Since you will already have an AA, you could go back to school for a Paralegal Certification. If you do, you would want to attend a program approved by the American Bar Association- https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/paralegal-resource-directory1/?path=%2Fcontent%2Faba-cms-dotorg%2Fen%2Fgroups%2Fparalegals%2Fparalegal-resource-directory&q=texas
Since you are already two years ahead, I want to sort of encourage you to slow down a little. If you are going to go to law school, you will want to make sure you have a solid foundation first - and I'm not just talking about academics. You will need to be efficient at going to school and managing a household - budget, groceries, etc., and tending to your personal and emotional health - nutrition and exercise. You will want to have good study and organizational habits.
As to major - major in whatever you want! Law schools don't require everyone to major in Political Science or Criminal Justice. Think of all the different types of crimes there are - if you want to specialize in white collar crime, major in business. Computer Crimes? Cybersecurity. Law School will teach you law. They don't teach you these fields though. I usually recommend you major in whatever it is you want to be doing if you end up not going to law school - even the best of plans are de-railed by things like family emergencies.
Lots of options available to you - best of luck!
Kim
In addition to the suggestions made by Dennis, I'd recommend exposure to the law enforcement world - see if you can do a ride-along with the police. Attend the Citizen's Police Academy https://www.cityofmesquite.com/443/Citizens-Police-Academy.
If you have time, consider volunteering in some capacity. There is a second-chance program for offenders, which will give you exposure to offenders and the challenges they face: https://medc-tori.org/get-involved/
Also, if you are not certain about law school, consider becoming a paralegal - they do a lot of work to help the attorneys. Since you will already have an AA, you could go back to school for a Paralegal Certification. If you do, you would want to attend a program approved by the American Bar Association- https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/paralegal-resource-directory1/?path=%2Fcontent%2Faba-cms-dotorg%2Fen%2Fgroups%2Fparalegals%2Fparalegal-resource-directory&q=texas
Since you are already two years ahead, I want to sort of encourage you to slow down a little. If you are going to go to law school, you will want to make sure you have a solid foundation first - and I'm not just talking about academics. You will need to be efficient at going to school and managing a household - budget, groceries, etc., and tending to your personal and emotional health - nutrition and exercise. You will want to have good study and organizational habits.
As to major - major in whatever you want! Law schools don't require everyone to major in Political Science or Criminal Justice. Think of all the different types of crimes there are - if you want to specialize in white collar crime, major in business. Computer Crimes? Cybersecurity. Law School will teach you law. They don't teach you these fields though. I usually recommend you major in whatever it is you want to be doing if you end up not going to law school - even the best of plans are de-railed by things like family emergencies.
Lots of options available to you - best of luck!
Kim
Wendi Wade
Attorney
9
Answers
Caledonia, Illinois
Updated
Wendi’s Answer
Many law students go in expecting to focus on criminal law and switch to civil law and vice versa, so I encourage you to keep an open mind.
I recommend majoring in a specialized field during undergrad that you 1) find interesting and 2) can achieve good grades for those law school applications.
Business is an excellent major for future lawyers. If you work in a law firm, in-house counsel, or start a firm, strong business acumen matters.
Engineers and others with technical knowledge/experience plus a law license are invaluable. Think aerospace, environmental studies, IT, research and development, forensics, pharmacy, biology, human resources, etc.
I recommend majoring in a specialized field during undergrad that you 1) find interesting and 2) can achieve good grades for those law school applications.
Business is an excellent major for future lawyers. If you work in a law firm, in-house counsel, or start a firm, strong business acumen matters.
Engineers and others with technical knowledge/experience plus a law license are invaluable. Think aerospace, environmental studies, IT, research and development, forensics, pharmacy, biology, human resources, etc.
Leila Z. Burke
Principal Program Manager, Health Operations Oversight
2
Answers
Folsom, California
Updated
Leila Z.’s Answer
Hi Stephanie,
To practice law, you will need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD), ideally from an accredited law school in one of the United States. In order to get into most law schools in the United States, you will need to earn a Bachelor's degree from a state college or university, and you will need to pass the LSAT, which is a test you can sign up for. You will need to study very specific material to pass the LSAT, and there are classes you can take to help you study and pass. Your Bachelor's degree can generally be in anything as, unlike medical schools, most law schools don't have specific major prerequisites. However, if you want to be sure, you can always visit the website of a law school you may have heard of locally or are interested in and check out their admission requirements. Once you earn your JD by graduating from law school, you can choose to sit for the bar in whichever state you want to practice law. The bar is a very difficult, often multi-day test, that will have a combination of multiple choice and essay type questions. Most law schools prepare their students for the bar from day one, so you will learn all about it and what it takes to pass it once you're in law school.
What I didn't consider seriously when I chose to go to law school was the cost of schooling, which is often high. I had to take out many student loans and am still repaying them! Consider this aspect of your chosen career very carefully and perhaps take time to look into the average salary of a criminal justice defender or prosecutor to get a sense of finances. Finances can be hard to wrap your head around when you are young, but I wish I had spent more time considering them before I chose my path.
Best of luck to you in your career journey!
To practice law, you will need to earn a Juris Doctor (JD), ideally from an accredited law school in one of the United States. In order to get into most law schools in the United States, you will need to earn a Bachelor's degree from a state college or university, and you will need to pass the LSAT, which is a test you can sign up for. You will need to study very specific material to pass the LSAT, and there are classes you can take to help you study and pass. Your Bachelor's degree can generally be in anything as, unlike medical schools, most law schools don't have specific major prerequisites. However, if you want to be sure, you can always visit the website of a law school you may have heard of locally or are interested in and check out their admission requirements. Once you earn your JD by graduating from law school, you can choose to sit for the bar in whichever state you want to practice law. The bar is a very difficult, often multi-day test, that will have a combination of multiple choice and essay type questions. Most law schools prepare their students for the bar from day one, so you will learn all about it and what it takes to pass it once you're in law school.
What I didn't consider seriously when I chose to go to law school was the cost of schooling, which is often high. I had to take out many student loans and am still repaying them! Consider this aspect of your chosen career very carefully and perhaps take time to look into the average salary of a criminal justice defender or prosecutor to get a sense of finances. Finances can be hard to wrap your head around when you are young, but I wish I had spent more time considering them before I chose my path.
Best of luck to you in your career journey!
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
229
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Stephanie: Once you get your Associatrs Degree (congratulations) you will need to get a Bachelors Degree from an Accredited School in any major you like. Upon getting either your B.S. or B.A. degree you will need to get into a law school and graduate from there and then take the Bar Exam in the State of your choice and after passing you will be able to practice any law you want - criminal or civil.
At this point, while still in high school, I'd suggest you go down to your local courthouse and sit and watch. Watch criminal and civil cases. Watch how the courts and lawyers work. As you go forward the more information you have the better off you will be. I'd also suggest you talk to the lawyers and court people to get a feel for the work.
You sound like a bright kid. Remember, just be true to yourself and keep an open mind and you'll do fine!
At this point, while still in high school, I'd suggest you go down to your local courthouse and sit and watch. Watch criminal and civil cases. Watch how the courts and lawyers work. As you go forward the more information you have the better off you will be. I'd also suggest you talk to the lawyers and court people to get a feel for the work.
You sound like a bright kid. Remember, just be true to yourself and keep an open mind and you'll do fine!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Stephanie,
Criminal Law is about defending or prosecuting in the criminal court systems, whereas an AAS in Criminal Justice is about law enforcement (at which point we hear the "Dun-Dun" from Law & Order!).
If you are REALLY interested in Criminal Law, go for a BA that exercises writing and research skills, like history. Keep in mind that criminal law is also about economics and negotiation, so look for secondary coursework in those business areas, which will also prepare you to run your business representing defendants. Finally, it's about solving a really deep puzzle about people, so a little behavioral psychology will give you a leg up in understanding motivations and creating arguments. And no one cares about what you think; all they care about what the law says. Meaning that memorization skills are pretty important too.
After that - it's a straight-forward well-defined path through the LSAT - Law School with an emphasis on Crininal law in the second year - Pass the Bar in your Jurisdiction - get a job.
Point is, get your writing and research skills to be nothing less than second nature BEFORE you get to Law School. Keep all the skills well-honed and applied to get good grades and good job opportunities. Selecting a school that allows you to excel in your cohort will help your career; better to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond than the alternative.
Good Luck,
Tony
Criminal Law is about defending or prosecuting in the criminal court systems, whereas an AAS in Criminal Justice is about law enforcement (at which point we hear the "Dun-Dun" from Law & Order!).
If you are REALLY interested in Criminal Law, go for a BA that exercises writing and research skills, like history. Keep in mind that criminal law is also about economics and negotiation, so look for secondary coursework in those business areas, which will also prepare you to run your business representing defendants. Finally, it's about solving a really deep puzzle about people, so a little behavioral psychology will give you a leg up in understanding motivations and creating arguments. And no one cares about what you think; all they care about what the law says. Meaning that memorization skills are pretty important too.
After that - it's a straight-forward well-defined path through the LSAT - Law School with an emphasis on Crininal law in the second year - Pass the Bar in your Jurisdiction - get a job.
Point is, get your writing and research skills to be nothing less than second nature BEFORE you get to Law School. Keep all the skills well-honed and applied to get good grades and good job opportunities. Selecting a school that allows you to excel in your cohort will help your career; better to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond than the alternative.
Good Luck,
Tony
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Stephanie,
If you're looking to study criminal justice near Mesquite, TX, you have several options. You can find local or online programs that offer certificates or degrees. Programs may include legal assisting, paralegal studies, cybersecurity, and forensics.
Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Research Schools: Look for schools in Mesquite or online that offer criminal justice programs. Websites like criminaljusticecareernow.com and criminaljusticeprep.com can help you explore different schools and programs.
2. Consider Degree Options: Decide whether you want a certificate, associate, bachelor's, or even a higher degree. Schools like Texas State University and Texas A&M University-Central Texas offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.
3. Check Transfer Options: If you have previous credits, see if they can be transferred. For example, Texas State University allows the transfer of 21 semester credit hours for the criminal justice core curriculum.
4. Identify Your Career Goals: Determine what area of criminal justice you are interested in, such as law enforcement, legal fields, or cybersecurity. This will help you choose the right program.
5. Contact Schools: Reach out to schools like Carrington College-Mesquite or National American University-Mesquite for more information on their programs.
6. Explore Online Options: If you prefer online learning, schools like Franklin University offer online degrees in criminal justice administration.
7. Visit School Websites: Check each school's website for specific program details, tuition rates, and enrollment information.
By following these steps, you can find a criminal justice program that fits your needs and helps you achieve your career goals.
If you're looking to study criminal justice near Mesquite, TX, you have several options. You can find local or online programs that offer certificates or degrees. Programs may include legal assisting, paralegal studies, cybersecurity, and forensics.
Here are some steps to help you get started:
1. Research Schools: Look for schools in Mesquite or online that offer criminal justice programs. Websites like criminaljusticecareernow.com and criminaljusticeprep.com can help you explore different schools and programs.
2. Consider Degree Options: Decide whether you want a certificate, associate, bachelor's, or even a higher degree. Schools like Texas State University and Texas A&M University-Central Texas offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.
3. Check Transfer Options: If you have previous credits, see if they can be transferred. For example, Texas State University allows the transfer of 21 semester credit hours for the criminal justice core curriculum.
4. Identify Your Career Goals: Determine what area of criminal justice you are interested in, such as law enforcement, legal fields, or cybersecurity. This will help you choose the right program.
5. Contact Schools: Reach out to schools like Carrington College-Mesquite or National American University-Mesquite for more information on their programs.
6. Explore Online Options: If you prefer online learning, schools like Franklin University offer online degrees in criminal justice administration.
7. Visit School Websites: Check each school's website for specific program details, tuition rates, and enrollment information.
By following these steps, you can find a criminal justice program that fits your needs and helps you achieve your career goals.
Lirio Delgado
14
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Hi Stephanie, since you’re already getting your associate degree in criminal justice, you’re actually ahead. After high school, you’ll just need to finish your bachelor’s degree—probably in two years instead of four. Then you take the LSAT to get into law school, which takes about three years. While you’re there, you can take criminal law classes and do internships to get real experience. After law school, you have to pass the bar exam in the state you want to work in, and then you can officially be a lawyer and work as a public defender, prosecutor, or defense attorney.