What Makes an Expert Lawyer/Attorney?

What goes on in your mind whenever you seestudy of law since this is a deciding factor for most
lawyers being featured in TV programs in handsomelaw schools in acceptance. This can be determined
suits, sitting in elegant desks on fancy offices, andthrough the following:o Good grades in the
driving luxury cars?undergraduate courseo Passing of the Law School
Have you ever thought about the amount of effortAdmission Test (LSAT)o Quality of the
and perseverance they have gone through in termsundergraduate school where applicant studiedo Work
of money, time, education, and training in order toexperienceo Personal interview
attain the things that you see they are enjoying? IfUpon being a law student:
you have not realized this yet, then it wouldDuring the first 11/2 years in law school, students
significantly change the way you think and feelstudy core law courses and the remaining time, they
towards your lawyer if you realized just how muchare given chance to choose from elective courses in
hardship he or she has gone through to achieve hisspecialized fields.
or her present status.Practical experience is also necessary and mostly
So what really makes a successful lawyer who is alsoacquired by the student by continued participation in
expert on his field of specialization?|legal clinic" activities and moot court competitions
The course of training undergone by the lawyers:sponsored by the school. These activities enhance
Requirement in terms of formal education:the students' abilities in conducting appellate
- Four years college degreearguments.
- Three years in law schoolThey also get to practice in handling trial cases
- Pass the written bar examinationthrough apprenticeship under experienced lawyers
Before entering a law school:and judges. Meanwhile the law journal of the school
- To be accepted in a law school would mean stickinggives them a chance to practice their writing and
it out with the stiff competition for admission inresearching skills.
many law schools.Upon graduating:
- In order to succeed in law school, aspiring lawyersThe degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.) is earned as a first
must develop a proficiency in the following skills:oprofessional degree of a graduate of law school.
Speaking, Writing, Reading, Researching, Analyzing,Those who are interested in specializing on a
Logical thinkingparticular area of law, legal researching or teaching
Later on, these skills must further be enhanced whenmay still need to obtain advanced law degrees. This
in order for a lawyer to be marked as a success andrequires them to study for additional semester or
an expert in his / her profession.another year of study.
- A multidisciplinary background, notwithstanding theLawyers have the responsibility to continue being
major, is always recommended for a prospective lawinformed about legal and non-legal developments that
student to possess. He or she should have takenhave a profound effect on their practice. Continuing
courses in the following subjects or disciplines forlegal education is presently mandated by the 40
they are essential and useful in the study of law:ostates and jurisdictions, this is carried out by most
Public speaking, Government, Philosophy, History,law schools, local, and State bar associations through
English, Foreign languages, Economics, Computervarious education courses that will help legal
science, Mathematicsprofessionals stay updated with recent
Furthermore, law students who are interested indevelopments.
specializing in a particular area of the law need toNow we know that being an attorney is such a great
have a strong background on a related course.responsibility and thus cannot be attained in a breeze,
- The applicant must demonstrate an aptitude to thenor is the lavish life associated with being one.