2 answers
kayla
Student
Tallahassee, Florida
5
Questions
Asked
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What advice would be given ?
I am double majoring in psych and criminal justice. However, in terms of becoming a lawyer, could I with these majors? How hard is it to become a defense attorney? I am exploring my options.
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2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Kayla,
My first advice to you would be to change your double major. Psych and CRJ are too closely related, majoring in both of them doesn't give you much added knowledge or marketability. What would I change it to? Business Management, Accounting, Science of some sort, etc. Something that will give you added knowledge when defending against various crimes, or, something that will help you land a job in an area of interest, should you decide to not go to law school.
Yes, you can become a lawyer with either of those majors. Or music. Or biology. Your major does not matter. Take electives in Logic, Speech, Debate, Moot Court. Learn Technology and stay current on it. Get involved. Joined some organizations, or start your own. Show leadership and community involvement. Volunteer at the food bank. Join the Pre-Law club. When it comes time to take the LSAT, properly prepare for it. It is unlike any test you have ever taken before. The "logic games" are a bear!
Many entry-level law positions are in the Prosecutor's office. I encourage you to start there. Why? Because it allows you to learn how "the other side" thinks and operates, and you get to know the people you will one day be working against. Knowledge is power! These jobs are somewhat easy to get, but don't pay the high end salaries. Do a couple years there and then start looking. Do your job well. Establish rapport with opposing counsel - one day you will be working for them!
My first advice to you would be to change your double major. Psych and CRJ are too closely related, majoring in both of them doesn't give you much added knowledge or marketability. What would I change it to? Business Management, Accounting, Science of some sort, etc. Something that will give you added knowledge when defending against various crimes, or, something that will help you land a job in an area of interest, should you decide to not go to law school.
Yes, you can become a lawyer with either of those majors. Or music. Or biology. Your major does not matter. Take electives in Logic, Speech, Debate, Moot Court. Learn Technology and stay current on it. Get involved. Joined some organizations, or start your own. Show leadership and community involvement. Volunteer at the food bank. Join the Pre-Law club. When it comes time to take the LSAT, properly prepare for it. It is unlike any test you have ever taken before. The "logic games" are a bear!
Many entry-level law positions are in the Prosecutor's office. I encourage you to start there. Why? Because it allows you to learn how "the other side" thinks and operates, and you get to know the people you will one day be working against. Knowledge is power! These jobs are somewhat easy to get, but don't pay the high end salaries. Do a couple years there and then start looking. Do your job well. Establish rapport with opposing counsel - one day you will be working for them!
Thanks for your encouragement!
kayla
MuhammadMahdi NabiZadeh
1
Answer
Updated
MuhammadMahdi’s Answer
Hey Kayla!
Most students wanted to go to Law School choose your double major to get to Law School so in terms of that you are heading to the right direction. My advice to you is choose what you desire for your major. What do you want to do with the degree you get and what you are passion to do with life? If you answer that question, you would easily find the major that matches it. I hear you could end up in Law School no matter your major. However, if you have the passion and work hard, it would be easy to survive the Law School and pass you bar exam and earn your defense attorney badge.
Hope you are successful in your career path!
Most students wanted to go to Law School choose your double major to get to Law School so in terms of that you are heading to the right direction. My advice to you is choose what you desire for your major. What do you want to do with the degree you get and what you are passion to do with life? If you answer that question, you would easily find the major that matches it. I hear you could end up in Law School no matter your major. However, if you have the passion and work hard, it would be easy to survive the Law School and pass you bar exam and earn your defense attorney badge.
Hope you are successful in your career path!