6 answers
Henry
Student
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
842 views
What is the best "path" to follow in order for me to become a Victims Right's Attorney?
I am currently an 8th-grade student who consistently earns straight A’s in all of my classes. My strongest subject is English Language Arts, which I especially enjoy because of its focus on reading, writing, and communication. I am interested in becoming an attorney and am seeking guidance on the best path to achieve that goal. I am motivated, hardworking, and dedicated to my academic success. As I continue through school, I want to make informed decisions that will prepare me for a future career in law.
Login to comment
6 answers
Michael Tan
Retired lawyer
14
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Henry,
The first two answers are fantastic and provide excellent advice in my opinion. I don't have much more to add other than saying read, read and read some more along the way. Read the Great Books if you have time. Seek out the great authors through the centuries. And read from articles on every side of the cultural and political spectrum to broaden your horizons and see different points of view. I regret, as an old man now, not having traveled more. So, again, if the circumstances allow, travel, even if it is to the next town over from where you live. All of this will open up your mind, your conscience, your view of the world. Will make you a better person and a better lawyer and will provide a joyful ride along the way.
Good luck, you will do great!
Michael Tancredi
The first two answers are fantastic and provide excellent advice in my opinion. I don't have much more to add other than saying read, read and read some more along the way. Read the Great Books if you have time. Seek out the great authors through the centuries. And read from articles on every side of the cultural and political spectrum to broaden your horizons and see different points of view. I regret, as an old man now, not having traveled more. So, again, if the circumstances allow, travel, even if it is to the next town over from where you live. All of this will open up your mind, your conscience, your view of the world. Will make you a better person and a better lawyer and will provide a joyful ride along the way.
Good luck, you will do great!
Michael Tancredi
Thank you for the advice, Michael.
Henry
Mike K
Retired Law Enforcement
26
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hello Henry. I spent the final 14 years of my career in the state's Attorney General's (AG) office. The AG office is always committed to fighting for victim's rights and would be a great place to look into. AG's offices often times have youth programs teaching kids your age about the office and its role, and down the road you'll find that they also have intern positions where you can get started while still in school. Best of luck!
Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office - https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1866
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Henry,
Thank you for your interest in Victim's Rights Law!
I think you are old enough to start seeking exposure to the legal system. I would encourage you to look into youth law enforcement programs. While I don't see one in your city, it is possible nearby cities or the county offer one. I also encourage you to consider volunteering at a hospital - there you can see people in times of crisis, and learn to interact with them. Also look for Criminal Justice classes in HS.
While your straight A's are great, please challenge yourself academically, to include classes that may not appeal to you, be it biology or world history. Also, I think you should join teams of some type, to learn how to work as a member of a team. Nothing great comes from working alone. It could be the debate team, the school newspaper, or a sports team.
I'm not sure what grade it starts in, perhaps High School - consider getting into the PALS program - Peer Assistance and Leadership, mentoring other students. Also consider running for student council, if it appeals to you.
These are all things designed to make you a more-rounded individual. Also start trying to identify what types of studying styles work best for you. As you progress through school, you will have more and more to study, with less and less time to do it in. Studying efficiently is essential, as are good organizational skills.
Hope this helps!
Kim
Thank you for your interest in Victim's Rights Law!
I think you are old enough to start seeking exposure to the legal system. I would encourage you to look into youth law enforcement programs. While I don't see one in your city, it is possible nearby cities or the county offer one. I also encourage you to consider volunteering at a hospital - there you can see people in times of crisis, and learn to interact with them. Also look for Criminal Justice classes in HS.
While your straight A's are great, please challenge yourself academically, to include classes that may not appeal to you, be it biology or world history. Also, I think you should join teams of some type, to learn how to work as a member of a team. Nothing great comes from working alone. It could be the debate team, the school newspaper, or a sports team.
I'm not sure what grade it starts in, perhaps High School - consider getting into the PALS program - Peer Assistance and Leadership, mentoring other students. Also consider running for student council, if it appeals to you.
These are all things designed to make you a more-rounded individual. Also start trying to identify what types of studying styles work best for you. As you progress through school, you will have more and more to study, with less and less time to do it in. Studying efficiently is essential, as are good organizational skills.
Hope this helps!
Kim
Your advice was so helpful!
Henry
Brandy Baker
Scrum Master
19
Answers
Winter Haven, Florida
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
First, I want to say that it's impressive that you're already thinking about your future in 8th grade. Your strong grades, especially in English Language Arts, are a great foundation because lawyers spend a lot of time reading, writing, speaking, and persuading others.
If your goal is to become a Victims' Rights Attorney, here's a general path:
1. Do well in high school
Continue earning strong grades.
Take challenging classes in English, history, government, debate, and public speaking if available.
Join activities that develop leadership and communication skills, such as student government, mock trial, debate, or volunteering.
2. Earn a bachelor's degree
There is no required major for law school.
Popular majors for future lawyers include Political Science, Criminal Justice, English, Psychology, History, and Sociology.
Choose a subject you enjoy and can excel in academically.
3. Attend law school
After college, you'll apply to law school and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
4. Pass the bar exam
After graduating from law school, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice.
5. Gain experience helping victims
Look for internships, clinics, or positions with prosecutors' offices, victim advocacy organizations, legal aid groups, or nonprofits that support crime victims.
For a future Victims' Rights Attorney specifically, I would encourage you to develop these skills:
Communication – speaking and writing clearly
Empathy – understanding and supporting people during difficult situations
Critical thinking – analyzing facts and solving problems
Organization – managing information and deadlines
Resilience – staying focused when working on emotionally challenging cases
My biggest advice: focus on becoming an excellent reader, writer, and communicator. Those skills will help you in high school, college, law school, and throughout your legal career.
You're still early in your journey, which is actually a HUGE advantage. Stay curious, keep working hard, and look for opportunities to learn about the legal profession. You're already demonstrating the kind of initiative that can help you succeed in law. ⚖️😊Get ready, set, and GROW!
If your goal is to become a Victims' Rights Attorney, here's a general path:
1. Do well in high school
Continue earning strong grades.
Take challenging classes in English, history, government, debate, and public speaking if available.
Join activities that develop leadership and communication skills, such as student government, mock trial, debate, or volunteering.
2. Earn a bachelor's degree
There is no required major for law school.
Popular majors for future lawyers include Political Science, Criminal Justice, English, Psychology, History, and Sociology.
Choose a subject you enjoy and can excel in academically.
3. Attend law school
After college, you'll apply to law school and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
4. Pass the bar exam
After graduating from law school, you'll need to pass the bar exam in the state where you want to practice.
5. Gain experience helping victims
Look for internships, clinics, or positions with prosecutors' offices, victim advocacy organizations, legal aid groups, or nonprofits that support crime victims.
For a future Victims' Rights Attorney specifically, I would encourage you to develop these skills:
Communication – speaking and writing clearly
Empathy – understanding and supporting people during difficult situations
Critical thinking – analyzing facts and solving problems
Organization – managing information and deadlines
Resilience – staying focused when working on emotionally challenging cases
My biggest advice: focus on becoming an excellent reader, writer, and communicator. Those skills will help you in high school, college, law school, and throughout your legal career.
You're still early in your journey, which is actually a HUGE advantage. Stay curious, keep working hard, and look for opportunities to learn about the legal profession. You're already demonstrating the kind of initiative that can help you succeed in law. ⚖️😊Get ready, set, and GROW!
DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
277
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Henry: You are a tribute to your school!
My advice - be a kid for now. Being a kid now is more important than planning a path to become a human rights attorney. Being a kid allows you to learn about those rights, allows you to see what freedom is and what oppression is. In order to understand human rights you need to be human first. Be a kid, grow up, get into good trouble and have fun. After that you can set your sights. Learn about you first! Good luck!
My advice - be a kid for now. Being a kid now is more important than planning a path to become a human rights attorney. Being a kid allows you to learn about those rights, allows you to see what freedom is and what oppression is. In order to understand human rights you need to be human first. Be a kid, grow up, get into good trouble and have fun. After that you can set your sights. Learn about you first! Good luck!
Thank you so much, DENNIS A!
Henry
Sarah Cockrell, MBA, MSCM
Organizational Development
55
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
You’re already off to a great start. Strong grades, especially in English, will serve you well because attorneys spend much of their time researching, writing, and advocating. In high school, challenge yourself with honors or AP courses, join debate, mock trial, student government, or speech and writing clubs, and volunteer with organizations that support victims or your local community. After high school, earn a bachelor’s degree in a subject you enjoy (there is no required pre-law major), then attend law school and focus on criminal law, victim advocacy, or public interest law. Seek internships with prosecutors’ offices, legal aid organizations, or victim advocacy groups. Most importantly, stay curious, develop empathy, and practice communicating clearly. Those qualities will make you not only a successful attorney, but one who truly makes a difference in people’s lives