Building a Career as an Attorney in California
Building a career as an attorney in California can be exciting and overwhelming. A common practice is to pursue a career in a specific type of law such as criminal law, corporate law, and so on. Specialisation helps you build a successful career because it allows you to focus on developing all the necessary skills you need to outsmart the rest of the competition. So, in this article, we will be sharing tips to help you build a career as an attorney and become a full-fledged professional in California.
Earn the Necessary Degrees and Certifications
Whether you want to be one of California's minimum wage attorneys, disability attorneys, or real estate attorneys, you need to have a bachelor's degree. The degree can be in law-related areas such as history, political science, economics, and international relations, to name a few. Next, you must take and pass the LSAT to get into law school. However, California is one of four states where one can forgo law school, provided they meet other specific requirements like working under the supervision of a California attorney or judge for at least 18 hours a week for 4 years.
If you choose the traditional path, you must complete your 3 years Juris Doctor degree and pass the Bar exams. Also, you need to complete a background check called the Moral Character Application. After passing the Bar exam, apply for admission to the State Bar of California and to keep your licence you must complete 25 hours of continuing legal education every 3 years.
Get an Internship
Gaining hands-on experience in the field you want to specialise in is vital to becoming a successful attorney. You can start your career as an intern in a large law firm, government agency, or even a corporate legal department. Internship programs may only sometimes be very rewarding financially, but in the long run, the experience you tend to gain is unmatched.
Another benefit of exploring an internship program is that it enables you to explore different aspects of law you may be interested in. Regardless of the type of law you have passion for, be it environmental protection law, criminal law, family law, and so on, you will find law firms out there specialising in such cases. Furthermore, an internship allows you to make contacts which will come in handy later in your career.
Join Elective Membership Organisations
Another tip you can consider if you want to build a career as an attorney in California is to explore the benefits of being a part of associations. Several elective organisations can help you stand out when you align with them. When becoming a member of any organisation, ensure it aligns with your interests and practice area.
Some standout organisations you can consider becoming a member of include the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the California Lawyers Association, and the California Women Lawyers, to name a few. These organisations offer networking opportunities, support professional development, promote education, and so on.
Focus on Professional Development
Furthermore, professional development is key when it comes to development in any career. Studying and passing the bar doesn't mean you've learned all that there is to learn about law. As such, it's crucial to take other professional courses to develop the skills you need to excel in any field of law you practise.
Without professional development, your skills will become stagnant. There are several areas where you can consider professional development such as leadership, substantive law, business, ethics, and soft skills, to name a few.
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