subject: The Making Of Criminal Defence Solicitors [print this page] The criminal law process is a very highly specialised field of law and is one that has the most intricacies involved in it. This field also has the highest possible stakes for the clients as the outcome of the trial directly affects their freedom to live in society, and also the family is irrevocably affected by the indictment. And if the client is an innocent charged wrongly, the stakes become even higher.
The lawyers who work in this field on behalf of a client to defend them in a court of law are called criminal defence solicitors. The people who choose this profession have a deep-rooted love of the law and as lawyers, are not only expected to know all the finer nuances of the criminal law procedure, but also possess the ability to do sustained hard work in research, have a passion to bring the truth out and be blessed with an irresolute will to fight for justice against all odds once they believe in the innocence of their client. The journey for these lawyers to become good criminal defence solicitors is a long and arduous one.
Prior to seeking admission in the law schools, a person who is keen on pursuing this profession should visit a local criminal law firm to soak up the atmosphere and learn what practicing lawyers say about their profession. Talking to peers also helps in taking input from the environment and aids in making up one's mind. The formal education of a lawyer in this field commences with the selection of the right law school for graduation in pursuit of the law degree.
An accredited and prestigious law college with a high reputation is the ideal place to commence this journey. Many law colleges and universities offer courses in information and skills related to criminal law from the third year onwards. These not only assist the would-be lawyer in commencing their education in the finer aspects of criminal law, but also prove invaluable while undergoing the apprenticeship in a law firm later.
Having passed the examination and getting oneself registered with the Bar Association does not assure that one has joined the ranks of good criminal defence solicitors. Now is the time for application of the knowledge gained in the law college. It is of vital importance to work very hard in the first few years and establish oneself in this highly competitive field by winning the first few cases by sheer hard work and perseverance. This would also cement the place of the young aspiring lawyer in the firm and build a small reputation on which the progress of the future career would depend.
Having thus carved a niche for oneself in mid career, a lawyer should not relax and rest on their laurels. Keeping themselves abreast of the latest developments and staying updated on the amendments to various laws and bylaws is a matter of great importance if they want to keep doing well.
