I am 13 & want to become a lawyer. Is there any advice that you can give me that will help me in the future?

Question

I know that to become a good lawyer you need to be able to have the ability to communicate well. I can communicate with people, but I wouldn't necessarily say that I am too good at it. Is there a way I can get better at this?

Also, my dream is to go to Stanford. I know it's kind of too much to hope for, but I have straight A's in school and I think I might have a chance.

I would really appreciate any advice that anyone could offer to me; I know I am a little too young but I think it is good to get a head start on things.

Answer 1

Talk to lawyers. See what they do in a regular day. Make sure you really want to be a lawyer. In law school, they tell you to watch the law shows to pick out all the stuff that is wrong. TV has a pretty distorted and inaccurate portrayal of what lawyers do (we're actually more boring; would make for lousy TV).

To get into stanford, along with grades and test scores, you need great extra currics and letters of rec. So, get involved in activities now. Start talking to your teachers.

Lawyers primarily need to be able to write well. Instead of watching TV, I'd read. I wouldn't say taking a logic class is required. I took one. Didn't think it was that much use. Debate clubs, Model UN, those kinds of things are helpful though.

Answer 2

First of all, to become a lawyer, it is common to get a 4 year undergraduate degree from an accredited university (or at least be working on your degree) before you apply to law school. Some common majors are political science, psychology, and criminal justice. It is in those four years of college that you will probably decide whether or not you want to pursue law. But don't be surprised if your career choices change a few times. In junior high, I wanted to be a radiologist. In high school, I wanted to be a therapist. And now, I want to be a teacher. Some people decide early what they want to do, and do it. Typically, however, people change their mind several times. Remember though, it's never too early to think about the future, and it's good that you are! It is true that for this field of study, you need very good communication skills, and depending on what type of law you plan on pursuing, very good public speaking skills. Most people, at some time or another, have a fear of public speaking. You are not alone! I still get queasy thinking about it. But it does get better in time, and the more you are exposed to it, the better it will get. Take any and all classes that allow you to practice speaking. Debate is a good class to take. Also participate in class discussions as much as possible to get used to it. Becoming an effective communicator takes time and practice, just like anything else. Once you get into college, get some experience in the field. Go volunteer or shadow at an office or firm. This is important, because depending on your major, your classes may not give you much insight into what the field of law is all about. Internships are also good. And lastly, one very important thing...if you have a dream, pursue it! Never think that it is unattainable. You will never know until you try. Stanford is very competitive, but work hard, and know that it is possible. Don't let go of your dreams. Best wishes and good luck to you!

Answer 3

Several high schools and junior high schools, offer electives in Criminal Justice, Public Speaking, Communications. Try taking some of those classes and see if you like them. You have to be able to handle people with a wide range of emotions such as crying or yelling at you, possibly even cursing at you. If you are a strong person and can handle that as you get older and like the courses...you have a good shot at becoming a lawyer. Once you are in high school, you can see if your school offers Vocational Office Education. They may be able to get you a summer intership working as an office assistant at a lawyers' office.
I wish you luck in whatever you choose!

Answer 4

I find that talking to someone that already works in your field of interest can be quite helpful. And I also agree with the person before me that suggested taking a criminal justice class.

Its good to aim high! Go on line and request an information packet from Stanford. Also, once you enter high school, establish a good relationship with your counselor and make sure that s/he knows what your goals are.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Well, I am 14 going on 15 and my mom says that if I want to be a lawyer, I need to have taken debate, logic, constitutional law, and that I should know how to write good essays. Hope that helps.

Answer 6

The LSAT is largely logic, so start working logic problems now. (You can find them on the net, buy books of them, or even magazines.) Don't major in Pre-Law in college, law school admissions people don't like that. Major in Business or English or Communications instead. Dervelop good study skills now.