Working as a criminal prosecutor is a rewarding, thrilling career choice. It can also be a lucrative field to work in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, the median wage for lawyers is $115,820 per year. While individuals who work for the government may earn less than this wage, they receive alternative benefits like student loan forgiveness and personal fulfillment.
1. Start by Getting a Bachelor’s Degree
Before someone can even consider law school, they must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. Law school admissions departments are notoriously selective, so it is important to get excellent grades during an undergraduate degree. If the student does not want to take a pre-law program, they should find a degree that uses reading, public speaking, logic, writing and research. Law schools want students who took challenging, intellectually rigorous courses, so students should focus on the most challenging majors.
2. Prepare for the Law School Admission Test
Known as the LSAT, the Law School Admissions Test is one of the key factors in a college application. This test is designed to test the way the student thinks, reads and reasons through problems. Comprised of five sections, it is given in a multiple-choice format. To get into the best law schools in the nation, students must get a high score on their LSAT to even be considered.
3. Get a Law Degree
After an undergraduate degree is complete, students can focus on obtaining their Juris Doctor degree. This degree program typically lasts for three years and is a prerequisite for working as a prosecutor. Ideally, students will attend a law school that is known for having an excellent program. Students can also take elective classes that match their interests for a more in-depth experience. During law school, students will want to participate in on-campus activities like writing for the college’s law journal, attending legal clinics and taking part in mock trials.
4. Pass the Bar Exam
Before a lawyer can legally practice, they must pass their state’s bar exam. This process can be exceptionally challenging, so many students prepare for months to pass the written exam. Once the student has completed this requirement, they will be licensed to practice law within their state.
5. Consider an Internship or Clerkship
During law school, students can prepare their resume for the legal field by taking part in a clerkship. Students can gain valuable experience working alongside prosecutors or law firms during their clerkship. Depending on the program, a clerkship can even lead to an immediate job offer once the student graduates from school. Other internships and experience can help the student improve their resume so that they are more competitive against fellow applicants.
Working as a prosecutor is a thrilling way to begin a career in the legal field. By getting a bachelor’s degree, finishing law school and working as a clerk, students can prepare for a future job as a prosecutor. Since these jobs are highly competitive, students should apply at as many firms and agencies as possible to make sure that they have the best chance of getting hired.
