To become a district attorney, start by earning a Bachelor’s Degree and getting real-world experience by interning at a law firm or government office. Next, take the Law School Admissions Test to apply to law school to earn a Juris Doctor or Master of Laws degree.
Not attending a prestigious or expensive university is certainly not a bar to being accepted to law school or even becoming a district attorney, but a degree from a competitive university will impress admissions boards and future employers.
You will need to file with the local election board to run for the office of District Attorney and run a strong campaign. You may will need to visit your local election board or registrar of voters' office, or file online through the office's website. [19]
If you're interested in a law career, consider becoming a district attorney. While the job has many educational requirements, it offers a lucrative salary and the opportunity to ensure the well-being of a community and its citizens. Understanding what the role entails can help you determine whether it's the right fit for you.
You can expect to accrue ten or more years of experience as an assistant district attorney before becoming a district attorney. However, viable candidates can emerge sooner.
A district attorney's job description is fairly straightforward: manage and participate in the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of crime in his or her jurisdiction. To differentiate yourself from your opponent or the incumbent, articulate your plans to improve the district attorney's office.
Twenty-one states in the United States use the title of "district attorney" to refer to the chief prosecutor of a jurisdiction. The district attorney supervises a staff of assistant or deputy district attorneys in the prosecution of criminal offenses. In three states and the District of Columbia, the chief prosecutor is appointed by ...
Some opportunities include: Internships and externships. Work for a government office (such as the district attorney) or a private firm in exchange for money (internship) or course credit (externship). Clinics. School-sponsored clinics provide free or low-cost legal aid to the community.
Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Consider signing up for an LSAT preparatory course or hiring a tutor to help you achieve a competitive score. If you are dissatisfied with your LSAT score, you can take the test again. Visit lsac.org for more information.
You will be seeing the same judges, clerks, staff, and opposing attorneys over and over again. Treat others respectfully and do your job well, and your reputation will spread.
Earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. A J.D. degree generally takes three years (more if you attend part-time) to complete. An LL.M. generally requires an additional year of study. Your first year will be foundational coursework in bar-tested subjects. You will be able to add electives in your second and third years. Aspiring prosecutors should enroll and excel in courses like trial practice and criminal procedure, and note those high grades on a resume.
District attorneys represent their state's government in their local area through a variety of duties. Here are some common district attorney duties:
District attorneys spend most of their time in the district attorney's office. They also spend time in courtrooms, in law libraries and in various legal offices.
Prior to taking the LSAT, consider signing up for a preparatory course. You can also hire a tutor to help you prepare. Once you feel prepared, take the LSAT. If you're not satisfied with your score, you can take the test again.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects an employment growth of 4% for lawyers from 2019 to 2029. This growth aligns with the average for all other occupations in the workforce.
If you can't secure employment as an assistant district attorney, gain legal experience in a related field like criminal defense and continue to apply for jobs in the district's attorney's office.
Keep in mind that the American Bar Association doesn't accredit all law schools. Some schools only permit graduates from accredited law schools to take the bar exam. Review your state's policy if you plan to attend a non-accredited law school.
The job requirements of a district attorney investigator will vary state-to-state, county-to-county and position-to-position, but qualifications will likely include some level of college education in a field like police science or criminal justice. You’ll also need up-to-date police training, a current driver’s license, and some level of previous investigative experience within a law enforcement agency. Certifications with organizations like the IAI (International Association for Identification) are helpful as well. Additionally, potential employers will likely seek an investigator with exemplary character traits, such as integrity and reliability, strong initiative and work ethic, intuition and attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work well with others.
After all, you will be playing an integral role in uncovering the truth and serving justice for the people of your community. A thorough investigation is imperative to prosecuting and closing a case – with a conviction. As you consider pursuing a career in this field, it is important to fully realize the significance and weight of your future role.