Changing careers can be a great idea depending on what you are changing too. The economic climate has changed and jobs have become different from what they used to be. Lot’s of jobs are no longer stable or offer that guarantee of a long career.
But there are some professions that do still offer that longevity and almost guarantee that that particular profession will always be needed. Think along the lines of nurses who we’ll always need to look after people, or dentists, who will always be needed so long as humans have teeth! The same goes for working in criminal defence. As long as crimes are being committed or as long as we have democracy, the criminal defence will always be required.
What is Criminal Defense?
Criminal defense is that area of law which deals with legal problems arising from an accusation of a crime and relates to protecting the rights of individuals and the interests of society in general. Criminal defense attorneys can be found in government, in law firms, or as a public defender. They are also employed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or under contract to defend those who have been evicted from federal housing projects.
In the world of criminal defence, the criminal lawyer represents the accused. They may be investigators in their own right. They may gather evidence and present it to the Crown Prosecution Service, to try and persuade them not to prosecute. They advise the client what they may be charged with and any sentences they may face. They don’t conduct interviews, the police do that.
How much does it pay?
You can get a starting $15,000 salary if you work as an apprentice or as an admin assistant, which is a great window into such a strong career, but you could go as high as a $300,000 salary if you are established as a criminal lawyer. It’s definitely worth starting from the bottom and working your way up. It gives you that insider knowledge that studying can’t always give you.
For example, the median annual income for in-house legal counsel was $142,550, while the median annual income for a private criminal lawyer was $53,330. The lowest earners were employed in state or municipal government and earned an annual median of $48,720. Some criminal lawyers, such as those who are in-house defense counsel for a corporation or governmental agency, can earn seven figures.
To be honest, the salary of a criminal lawyer depends on experience, positive outcomes and of course, it depends on how much he/she charges!
Qualifications?
You’ll need to complete at least a 4-year degree at a University that focuses on Law. Then to be a Criminal Lawyer, you will need to take Law School. While in Law School, you will be required to complete internships and classwork. The first thing you do to become a criminal lawyer is to become a lawyer. A person can only become a lawyer by graduating from law school and passing a state bar exam.
Although bar exam performance alone does not guarantee admission to the bar, it certainly adds to an applicant’s credentials. Strong grades and grades in the related subjects are a must. It’s a long process, but definitely worth it if you’re looking for a long-standing career.
