why would someone want to be a defense attorney

Full Answer

Why should I become a criminal defense attorney?

One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you have the chance to protect the rights of others. Laws require that prosecutors gather enough evidence to present to a judge and jury that proves without a reasonable doubt that a suspected criminal is guilty.

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

Your past successes and achievements can also be very compelling reasons for pursuing a career as a lawyer.

Should I be a prosecutor or a defense attorney?

The more difficult decision I have to face, however, is whether I should be a prosecutor or a defense attorney. At first blush, the answer is simple: defense. A defense attorney protects the rights of those who, according the founding law of our country, are innocent until proven guilty.

Do defense attorneys work with poor clients?

While you may work with poor clients, you can also work with wealthier clients too. One of the top reasons to become a defense attorney is because you have the chance to protect the rights of others.

What is an advantage of being a defense lawyer?

They can speed up the process Criminal lawyers are experienced and are known to all the court procedures and they know it clearly how to speed up the process and prove you innocent in front of the court.

What qualities make a good defense attorney?

Here are ten qualities you should be looking for in your criminal attorney.Integrity. ... Good Communication Skills. ... Caring and Understanding. ... Good Research and Investigation Skills. ... Analytical Skills. ... Aggressiveness. ... Approachability. ... Criminal Law Experience.More items...•

What is the legal goal of a defense attorney?

What does a criminal defense attorney do? When someone is accused of committing a crime, their criminal defense attorney's goal is to defend them and seek the best possible outcome for the case. Depending on the case, this could mean reducing the sentence, avoiding jail time or being acquitted.

What are the advantages of being a criminal lawyer?

The Top 7 Benefits of Being a LawyerWide Selection of Career Options. ... Financial Rewards and Emotional Rewards. ... Mental Stimulation and Intellectual Challenges. ... Argue and Debate. ... Work Environment. ... Skills that Transfer – Alternative Legal Careers. ... Flexibility.

What are three problems defense attorneys face?

The Challenges of Defense Attorney CareersNegative Public Perception. Media coverage of crimes and suspects poses challenges for defense attorneys. ... Difficult Clients. Challenging clients and their families are often more taxing than public misconceptions, though. ... Limited Time and Resources. ... Job Pressure and Stress.

What is the most important skill a criminal law student needs to have?

Communication. Strong oral and written communication skills are crucial and without them you'll struggle to carry out the duties of a solicitor effectively. Excellent listening ability is also important when working with clients, as you need to be able to build relationships and engender confidence.

What is one of the most important tasks of defense attorneys?

First and foremost, the most important job of your criminal defense attorney is to fight for you and defend you in the court of law. According to the American Bar Association, the primary responsibility of a criminal defense attorney is to advocate for their clients and defend their rights.

What do defence lawyers do?

A Criminal Defence Solicitor helps someone who is suspected or charged with a crime, ensuring that their legal rights are upheld and that they are given a fair trial by presenting their case in court.

What's the opposite of a defense lawyer?

prosecutorA prosecutor is a lawyer who works for a state or government organization and is responsible for starting legal proceedings and then proving in court that the suspect committed the crime he's accused of. The opposite of a prosecutor is a defense attorney.

Why do you want to be a lawyer essay?

1) Since childhood, I loved the profession of a lawyer and want to become the same. 2) From a younger age, I like to fight for the rights of others. 3) I want to be a lawyer because I am a great supporter of truth. 4) By becoming a lawyer I want to aware people of their rights.

What are the pros and cons of being a criminal lawyer?

Pros and Cons of Being A Defense Attorney#1 Pro: Legal Defense work is never boring. ... #4 Con: Defense Clients are accused of doing bad things. ... #5 Pro: Criminal Defense attorneys can earn a really good living. ... #6 Con: Criminal Defense attorneys might not earn a really good living.More items...

Can being a lawyer be fun?

Practicing law is very serious business. But that doesn't mean there isn't a lot about it that's quite interesting, fun, and even sometimes funny. Every once in a while, it is a good idea to step away from the solemnity of it all and think about the lighter side of our business.

Which is better, a prosecutor or a defense attorney?

Prosecutor would be your choice if you root for Goliath over David and lean toward ““blue lives matter.” Defense if you root for the underdog and like to try to hold the government accountable, not only the individual. Prosecutors have more personal power than defense attorneys because there are usually a wide range of possible charges and statistically the prosecution wins, in federal court about 95% of cases. Notwithstanding that the burden of proof is on the prosecution, defense attorneys tend to be swimming upstream, in a river where wins are unlikely, but judicious plea bargaining and finding weak spots significantly reduces defendants’ punishment.

What is the mantra of defence counsel?

Defence counsel? Hustle is the name of the game. “ You eat what you kill” is their mantra. If you have found no clients, you will have no income. You continually need to find clients and then insure they can and actually do pay you. There can be multiple ethical and practical problems collecting your fees. The more powerful and wealthy the client, the murkier their connections and the more insistent they will become that you produce results in spite of the law. These issues can put defence counsel in some tough ethical spots. Your clients will demand that you get creative in finding ways to shield them from the consequences of their behaviour. Some lawyers absolutely thrive on this, one man against the establishment, the lone gunslinger. While there is a club of defence lawyers they don’t often share much. After all, you are a competitor for the same client base. Clients can and do shift loyalty based upon who is perceived to be a rising star. (Often they are wrong and many clients are poor judges of effective counsel work). So, it’s always back to the gunslinger personality type. If that sounds attractive, defence work it is. If you are very skillful you can make considerably more money on this side of the fence, especially if you can attract top tier clientele.

Do attorneys switch from defense to prosecution?

That said, many attorneys are seen to switch from defense to prosecution and vice versa.

Is being a defense lawyer better than being a prosecutor?

No, being a defense lawyer is not better than being a prosecutor … and I have done both. They are different in certain ways, similar in others. Most people will have a preference for one or the other but neither is inherently ‘better’ …

Do private practice lawyers pay less?

Both pay less money than you can potentially make in private practice but the paycheck is secure and you don’t have to worry about the nightmares of running an office and collecting from clients who don’t pay their bills. It’s also nice to do your job for your clients without money being an issue.

Is being a prosecutor bad?

There are also bad points to being a prosecutor. Besides the pay being relatively low, the fact is that you are not as independent as you might like. Whether the chief prosecutor in a jurisdiction is elected or appointed, the fact remains that the position is inherently political. That means that a prosecutor’s discretion is sometimes limited by the boss for political reasons. (In most places, junior prosecutors will have very limited discretion. Aside from politics as a consideration, the fact is that their discretion should be limited. By way of example, in New York an Assistant District Attorney has all the power, in a courtroom, of the elected District Attorney. [The only thing the boss can do, they they can’t, is apply for an eavesdropping warrant.] That’s a lot of power to give to a twenty something kid right out of law school. Hence the necessity to limit it in some way.)

How to answer why you want to become a lawyer?

You can answer this question by following the steps below to highlight your strengths and make a great impression on the interviewer: 1. Focus on your strengths and skills. Give examples of your strongest skills that make you successful as a lawyer. For instance, your ability to communicate ...

What inspired you to become a lawyer?

Discuss something you experienced in your previous roles or background that inspired you to become a lawyer. For instance, maybe a family member is an attorney and shows passion, excitement and enjoyment for their job and that interests you, or maybe you're interested in family law because you've personally witnessed the impacts of a divorce. Whatever personal experience you choose to share that inspired you to pursue law as a career, make sure to relate it to the field of law you'll be practicing within the firm you're interviewing for.

What are some examples of skills that make you successful as a lawyer?

For instance, your ability to communicate persuasively, your attention to detail and your compassion towards your clients are strengths that you can have as a lawyer that make you successful at doing your job. Your pride in your skills and expertise can show the interviewer how motivated you are to succeed in the career.

What does it mean to interview for a lawyer?

Interviewing for a position as a lawyer means you'll likely encounter several different types of questions that will help the interviewer get to know you, assess your skills and compare your qualifications with what they're looking for.

What do you want to know about practicing law?

The interviewer will likely want to see that your core values and philosophy about practicing law connects with the job responsibilities and their firm's mission and values. Describe the character traits you feel you have developed as a lawyer and how these traits helped shape the values you have today. Then, relate these values to what you know about the company and the clients it serves.

Why do you ask a question about your interests?

Your answer to this question (or a similar variation of it) will help the interviewer understand your core values, philosophies and perspectives on practicing law and how these ideals match up with their company and the job. Additionally, this question allows interviewers to get a sense of how you view this career path and whether you are truly passionate about it or you are just fulfilling a need for a lucrative career.

What does it mean to be a defense attorney?

Defense attorneys—at least the ones I have met and spoken with over the past 17 years—have different ways of expressing how they can “represent those people” but their explanations always boil down to the same essence: to be a defense attorney is to be a instrument that reduces the great imbalance that exists in the relationship between the government and the governed. In “defending those people,” the guilty and the innocent, the righteous and the profane, defense attorneys are eternally challenging the State to be fairer, more accurate, and more just. That may not be your choice of career but that doesn’t make it an ignoble one.

Who was the defense attorney who defended the Khmer Rouge?

Promote Fair Courts. It surely is a sign of some great cosmic conspiracy that Jacques Verges, one of the most famous defense attorneys of all time, a man who unapologetically defended the Khmer Rouge, Carlos the Jackal, and countless other international villains and rogues, would die the very same week that Abbe Smith and Monroe H.

Who said "Someone does have to do it"?

The words of Clarence Darrow, the greatest American defense attorney, sadly are not included in Smith and Freedman’s book.

Can defense attorneys represent people?

Defense attorneys—at least the ones I have met and spoken with over the past 17 years—have different ways of expressing how they can “represent those people” but their explanations always boil down to the same essence.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and to further the public good. Public interest lawyers champion legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford attorneys.

What do lawyers do?

Some lawyers travel the country, or even the world, to participate in trials, depositions, arbitrations, and business deals. Others rub shoulders with business leaders, politicians, sports figures, and even celebrities.

Why do lawyers do pro bono work?

Lawyers in private practice often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the population , such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse, and children. In fact, many bar associations require that attorneys commit to a certain number of pro bono hours each year.

What is prestige in law?

The Prestige. A career as a lawyer has been a hallmark of prestige for generations. Impressive degrees and a certain authority over others have placed lawyers in an elite circle of professionals who command respect and embody the definition of success.

What is the role of an attorney in society?

Attorneys have stood at the center of society for centuries. They're in a unique position to affect societal change as lawmakers and thought leaders. They write the laws, rule the courts, and hold influential positions in government.

Where do lawyers work?

Work Environments and Perks. The majority of lawyers work in law firms, government, and for corporations. In an age where cubicles have become the mainstay of the modern workplace, lawyers typically work in offices with four walls.

Is being a lawyer fun?

Is being a lawyer fun? Sometimes...and many times not. But the work is definitely rewarding, and it has its perks.

What does a lawyer do?

Lawyers solve people's problems for them. For example, a client may say that they want to buy a particular business but are unsure what steps they need to take. We help them achieve that goal by working out the best way to buy that business and then help them do it.

What does it mean to work in law?

Working in the law means that you will deal with people. It is a client-facing industry and you will have to liaise with clients on the telephone, in meetings, via email and at events. This may not appeal to everyone but a good firm will make sure that you are comfortable.

What does a defense attorney do?

A defense attorney protects the rights of those who, according the founding law of our country, are innocent until proven guilty. Many times, defense attorneys represent the poor, the marginalized, and the disenfranchised of our society. I came to law school to do exactly that.

What is the role of a prosecutor?

But a prosecutor’s main role is to bring justice when injustice has occurred, and that includes injustice to defendants. That part of the role is too often overlooked.

What is the purpose of writing a blog post for law school?

Writing blog posts as a lawyer is a great way to practice writing skills, and to do so in a way that allows the writer a little more freedom to showcase his or her own voice, and—eventually for these students—a great way to maintain visibility as a legal professional . Here is one of those blog posts, this one written by 3L Naomi Tovar.

Who was the prosecutor of the caliber of this nation's second president?

I want to thank Naomi Tovar for addressing this topic and Lisa Mazzie for bringing about the introduction of Adam Foss, a prosecutor of the caliber of this nation’s second president, when John Adams defended the “redcoats” who shot and killed members of a mob at the Boston Massacre.

Do defense attorneys have to deal with nonsensical charges?

Even in my own experiences thus far, I’ve seen how defense attorneys sometimes have to deal with unfair, nonsensical charges. How they have to raise issues that should never have existed in the first place, including a wrongful search, seizure, charge, and even fighting for exculpatory evidence that is rightfully theirs. But perhaps if these defense attorneys had chosen to be prosecutors, the rights of defendants, who more often than not are the most vulnerable in our society, would be more protected than they appear to be today.

Why do people want to become lawyers?

Reasons why people want to become lawyer: 1. Earning Potential. Lawyers are among the highest paid professionals in the legal industry and most attorneys earn salaries well above the national average. While the median annual salary for all lawyers is $110,590, the world’s top lawyers pull in million dollar incomes.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and further the public good. Public interest lawyers champion legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford a lawyer. Lawyers in private practice often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the population such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse and children.

What is prestige in a lawyer?

2. Prestige. For generations, a career as a lawyer has been a hallmark of prestige. Impressive degrees, generous salaries, and an authority over others have placed lawyers in an elite circle of professionals who command respect and embody the definition of success.

Why do lawyers join the legal profession?

Many lawyers join the legal profession by Lawyers Institutes because they want the chance to help make the world a better place. Whether you’re interested in environmental, family, business, civil rights, personal injury, immigration, or military law, to name a few, there are many opportunities to use legal skills to help people, animals, and the environment. Lawyers are in a position to help protect individuals, groups, companies, and the voiceless — such as children, animals, and the planet.

How much do lawyers make?

While the median annual salary for all lawyers is $110,590, the world’s top lawyers pull in million dollar incomes. Keep in mind, however, that not all lawyers make big bucks and salaries depend on employer size, experience level, and geographic region.

What is the flexibility of a lawyer?

Flexibility. Lawyers are autonomous and have the ability to make their own hours, set their own fees and choose their own clients and practice areas. The job has an inherent flexibility that allows lawyers to attend to personal matters or spend a day away from the office if needed. James Hawkins.

What are the roles of lawyers?

For centuries, lawyers have stood at the center of society; they write the laws, rule the courts and hold influential positions in government . In these roles, lawyers are able to impact top policy makers and leaders and affect change around the globe. 9. Flexibility.

Why are lawyers important?

Public lawyers aid legal causes for the greater societal good and assist those who need legal help and might not be able to find so on their own. Underprivileged people, elderly, victims of domestic abuse and children are among the beneficiaries of lawyers. Such lawyers serve an important societal and moral purpose with their existence.

How to become a good lawyer?

When you start studying law, you start regularly participating in activities where you need to speak out your opinions and thoughts aloud, along with the result of your researches. Regular culture of debating, mooting, presentations, group discussions, conferences in the law schools, brushes and shapes your legal jargon, builds a rich vocabulary and allows you to fascinate the laymen with your speaking skills. It becomes easier to convince the other party when you are confident in your speaking and convey your thoughts smoothly. And a good speaker portrays a brilliant image of himself in the mind of others.

What is the topmost incentive to become a lawyer?

Thus it can be considered to be the topmost incentive to become a lawyer. Prestige. Law as a career has proved to be a seal of prestige and reputation over generations and time immemorial. Impressive and highly qualified degrees obtained at the end of the courses; a general notion of authority over the others have brought lawyers under ...

What is the attire of a lawyer?

Last but not the least, lawyers’ attires and their presentability speaks loudly about their personality and the glamorously elite professional world that they are a part of. Italian suits, white collars, black robes, each of them have the significance and the appeal that are eye-catching and head-turning.

Why is it important to fulfill work and satisfaction of the same?

Fulfilment of work and satisfaction of the same is something that makes law as a career starkly different and better than other career options. Additionally, variety of work experience and field to work on is another important incentive that plays an essential role. Each day is filled with something new and interesting.

How do lawyers affect society?

Lawyers are always in a position different from others, to affect the society in terms of great impact by being thought leaders and agents of change. They can make or break the society, bring about huge changes and hold influential positions in the ruling body of a state, i.e. the Government. Accordingly, lawyers are able to influence ...

Why is it important to pursue a law career?

One of the most interesting incentives to pursue a career in law is the experience of networking since the student age for diverse range of work and research and thereby expanding horizon by leaps and bounds. Lawyers meet people from diverse backgrounds, from almost every field of life. Networking with clients not only will expand business skills, but will also lead to other perks in terms of basic amenities of life, like contractors, brokers, doctors and even foodies!

Why are criminal defense attorneys important?

Criminal defense attorneys provide an important service to society. We defend people’s rights.

Why don't we take the word of the police?

We don’t take the word of the police because law enforcement has already made their case. We know that law enforcement makes mistakes and is subject to bias. Additionally, we know that interrogation techniques can lead to false confessions. We do our own investigations.

What is adversarial justice?

We have an adversarial justice system. This means that a case is made and arguments are argued by advocates. This process presents two sides of the story – or two different stories – to a jury who ultimately decides whether someone is guilty and deserving of punishment.

Do criminal defense lawyers argue?

Criminal defense lawyers don’t just argue court cases. They also negotiate plea deals for clients and advocate for fair sentencing if a client loses his or her case. This may not be an aspect you think about if you are not a lawyer. Defense attorneys often continue to advocate for their clients even after conviction.

Who is Ted Bundy's lawyer?

If you are interested, there is a book written by Ted Bundy’s lawyer, John Henry Browne, called The Devil’s Defender. There is also an interesting article in The Guardian from the point of view of lawyers for several famous criminals. But here are some thoughts:

Should everyone have access to defense in court?

For there to be a chance for everyone to have a fair fight – especially those people who are wrongfully charged (and that number is higher than you think) – everyone has to have access to defense in court -even if they are guilty.

Do Criminals Deserve Defense?

Do even the guilty deserve a defense? Yes. But how can someone defend a guilty person?