Would you like to know how to become a successful divorce lawyer?
The thought of being any kind of lawyer conjures up images of courtroom lawyers on TV. Like a lawyer who fervently argues over the innocence of his client. Or, some people envision an attorney who stands in front of the jurors and gives an Academy Award performance during his or her final closing arguments.
The truth is that good trial lawyers need to possess the skills of a seasoned Hollywood actor. They must passionately dispute a client's innocence, or portray the defendant as someone who is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
However, most successful divorce attorneys don't spend much of their time inside of a courtroom facing a jury trial. Instead, the majority of time is spent in negotiations with an opposing lawyer, trying to develop a settlement that is best for both parties involved.
Most divorce lawyers get their feet wet by working in law firms that specialize in family law. Then, there are some lawyers who enjoy the academic aspect of law, and go on to become university professors, who teach law. Finally, others opt to start their own private practice.
How to Become a Successful Divorce Lawyer - Education Needed
The path to seriously becoming a successful divorce attorney begins with undergraduate studies at a four year university. Here, you will spend at least the next four years working on a major and minor degree.
You are not required to get your undergraduate degree in a law related field. However, it makes sense to at least take some law classes, such as Business Law and any other law related classes you can find. This will make your eventual transition into law school much smoother.
Towards the end of your undergraduate studies, you will need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The best way to prepare for it is by taking an LSAT Preparations Course. Some of the best courses to take are: PowerScore, TestMasters and Kaplan.
Once you pass your admissions test, law school is for three long years. During this time, students receive intensive instruction, and gain firsthand experience. Students usually work as interns for divorce law firms.
How to Become a Successful Divorce Lawyer - The Bar Exam
Once you have graduated from law school, you will need to decide which state you plan on practicing law, and pass that state's bar exam. You can also take an additional Multistate Bar Examination. This test does not replace the state test, but is accepted by many states.
The bar exam is very difficult, and many lawyers take it more than once to pass.
How to Become a Successful Divorce Lawyer - Career Decisions
When you're licensed to practice law, you will have to look for a place to work. If you live in the Seattle area for example, you'll want to determine if you would like to work for a law firm or become an independent Seattle divorce lawyer. It is most likely better to acquire some on-the-job experience with other law firms. This way, you can learn from other professional, successful divorce lawyers and cultivate your skills. Then you can go on to become the best Seattle divorce lawyer on your own when you're confident with your experience.
Divorce lawyers can make a good living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, the average annual income of a divorce lawyer is $131,650.
