A Career as a Criminal Lawyer
"Criminal law is any sort of legal practice that has to do with the criminal justice system," according to Santa Clara University. There are various paths for this career choice from which you may want to choose.
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Prosecuting Attorneys
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Prosecuting attorneys work either in federal or state attorney generals' offices or those of county prosecutors. Their role is to convict individuals for the commission of alleged crimes.
Defense Attorneys
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Defense attorneys must vigorously defend their clients' rights and innocence, as a conviction may cost a defendant his freedom or even his life. Defense attorneys may work as public defenders or in private practice.
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Skills
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Criminal law attorneys must be able to adequately counsel clients and crime victims. Further, their skills in research, investigation, litigation and arguing before a jury will often be put to the test.
Helpful Courses of Study
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A person interested in pursuing this career should gain academic experience through courses in criminal law and procedure, trial techniques and jury law, per Santa Clara University.
Working Conditions and Earnings
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Attorneys often work long hours while under heavy case loads. Starting salaries range upward from $34,000 per year while experienced government lawyers may earn over $100,000 annually.
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References
- Photo Credit Open handcuffs the law showing its teeth image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
