How to Become a Criminal Law Attorney in Ottawa County

The need for criminal law attorneys in Ottawa County, Michigan is growing. At 264,910 residents as of July 1, 2011, the population of Ottawa County is on the rise and so are the legal needs of its people. Lawyers are always needed for a variety of legal services, including defending those who have been accused of criminal charges. Thus, the demand for criminal defense lawyers is present in Ottawa County.

Although criminal law attorneys are often romantically depicted in books or film, becoming one is not an easy road and requires years of dedication and certain steps.

Still interested? Here’s how you can become a criminal law attorney in Ottawa County:

1. First, you need a bachelor’s degree to get into law school. You’ll also need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). If you already have a bachelor’s degree, great! Study up. If not, enroll in school and think about majoring in physics, mathematics, philosophy, religion, or economics – a study in 1998 showed that these majors perform the best on the LSAT.

2. Apply to an accredited law school.

3. Go to law school. You’ll be required to take classes on criminal law and procedure, but you’ll want to concentrate on classes that most relate to criminal law, including trial advocacy, criminal practice, and appellate practice.

4. While in law school, you should participate in a criminal-law-related internship in Ottawa County if you are serious about pursuing a career in criminal defense. Internships can help you gain the experience you’ll need to become a successful attorney.

5. Graduate from law school and take the bar exam in Ottawa County so that you can practice there.

6. Secure a job as a prosecutor. This step is optional, of course, but will allow you to experience firsthand what it’s like to work on the other side of a criminal defense attorney. The experience you can receive from this job will be invaluable in your future career as criminal law attorney, since you will be gaining insight into police procedures and courtroom protocols. However, after passing the bar exam, it is possible to begin practicing criminal law as an attorney.

7. Seek employment at law firms in Ottawa County that specialize in criminal law. As a starting attorney, it would be wise to work with a more experienced criminal defense lawyer so that you can learn the local Ottawa County procedures and practices.
    
Becoming a professional criminal law attorney in Ottawa County is not for everyone, but this dream can certainly be achieved with the right mindset and guidance.

If you’re looking for the services of an expert criminal law attorney in Ottawa County, consult LaGrand & Lowery, PLLC. Our attorneys provide professional criminal defense services and are successful defenders of clients in cases involving criminal prosecutions and misdemeanor trials. If you are facing a criminal charge, let us represent you. Contact LaGrand & Lowery, PLLC for a free initial phone consultation at (616) 356-1770 or visit www.lagrandlaw.com.