The Basics

 A lawyer is a person who practices law  Important Terms: ◦ Legal: relating to the law ◦ Client: a lawyer's customer ◦ Draft: prepare a document ◦ Represent: to work for someone ◦ Attorney: lawyer

 Give legal advice ◦ Tells clients about the law ◦ Advises them on what they can and cannot do  Draft important legal documents ◦ Contracts ◦ Wills ◦ Leases ◦ Power of Attorney

 Represents clients in legal matters: ◦ Transactions  Buying/selling property  Negotiating a lease ◦ Litigation: representing clients in court ◦ Criminal Law  Prosecution- work for the government  Criminal Defense- Defend people suspected of committing crimes

 Analytical skills  Diligence  Strong reading and writing skills  Perseverance  Honesty  Hard working

 Bachelor's Degree- typically 4 years of college  Take LSAT (Law School Admission Test) typically the summer before your final year of college and then apply to law school  Law School- typically 3 years  Take state bar examination after graduation  Get sworn into the state bar once you pass the exam

 Law school is typically 3 years  There is a lot of reading, generally hundreds of pages a week  Read past cases, analyze them, and apply the rules  1st year you take required courses  Years 2 and 3 you choose your own courses  Your entire grade in each class is determined by a single 4 hour exam at the end of the semester

 The law school you graduate from has a significant impact on the job you get after law school. Graduating from a top law school means you are much more likely to secure a good job upon graduating and in the future.  Law schools rank all student, and these rankings are a big factor getting internships, jobs, clerkships, etc.  You can also set yourself apart by being on law review, moot court team, and mock trial team

 It is crucial to network during law school, as this often leads to opportunities down the line  As a student, you should take advantage of the free events offered, including: ◦ Networking events ◦ Social events ◦ Local bar events ◦ School functions ◦ Alumni gatherings  Develop relationships early on and maintain those relationships over time

 Specializing in any type of law you choose  Plenty of schools to choose from  Certain types of lawyers make good money  Can be exciting and interesting  Respected field

 Competitive Field  Tend to work longer hours  Certain types of lawyers do not make good money  Possibility of high student loans

 Questions?  Bishoy Habib at