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Hollz · Mar 17, 2015, 09:52 AM

Hi, wasn't sure if I should put this in education or not, so sorry if it is in the wrong place.
I have been doing a criminal law project at school and I'm really (!! ) enjoying it and finding it really interesting.
If I wanted to be a criminal lawyer, would I do a degree in criminal law or just law. How does it work? I live in Scotland so I don't know if that changes anything. Thanks for the help!! Xxx

talaniman · Mar 17, 2015, 10:41 AM

Hey guy. I think all lawyers start being accepted to law school and specialize after they get a degree. How old are you? A good school counselor can steer you in the right direction.

AK lawyer · Mar 17, 2015, 10:41 AM

How does it work?

I am not sure about Scotland. Here in the US, most commonly a juris doctorate (doctor of law) is the degree required for being an attorney.

Originally Posted by taliniman

I think all lawyers start being accepted to law school and specialize after they get a degree.

OP wants to "specialize" in criminal law, I see. As I say, I'm not sure about Scotland, but here most lawyers only "specialize" by practicing in one area more than in another. There is no separate degree, that I know of, for "criminal" law, as opposed to any other kind.

Hollz · Mar 17, 2015, 10:49 AM

I am 14 (nearly 15 :-P) and my career advsior only works 2 days a week, I've never actually seen him (never mind met) and most of his appointments are taken up by the cant be bothered going to uni, want to live on benefits for the rest of their life types so I'm afraid he won't b much help. (Typical crappy scottish state school) Thank you for your help, I wasn't really sure where else to ask. :-)

talaniman · Mar 17, 2015, 11:10 AM

I can advise you then. Get great grades and have good study habits and take the best courses to qualify for college. Google how to become a lawyer, and start getting your ducks in a row because the next 4 years are crucial to get into a great school and pay for it.

I see you have your hopes up for Stanford and that's a great school, but one of many, so hit them books hard and don't look up until you graduate with top honors.

One other thing too, make an appointment with this advisor, or talk to a trusted respected teacher. They may be able to guide you to the strong academic courses you need NOW.

tickle · Mar 17, 2015, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Hollz

I am 14 (nearly 15 :-P) and my career advsior only works 2 days a week, I've never actually seen him (never mind met) and most of his appointments are taken up by the cant be bothered going to uni, want to live on benefits for the rest of their life types so I'm afraid he won't b much help. (Typical crappy scottish state school) Thank you for your help, I wasn't really sure where else to ask. :-)

Don't knock your school. It probably is better then any you would attend in the US.

Hollz · Mar 17, 2015, 12:04 PM

Thank you so much for all your help. :-) I cant tell you how much I appreciate it. :-) :-) I think now I'm defenitely going for either marine biology or law now. I need chemistry and biology for marine biology and as far as I know I just need english for law (or that's what glasgow uni requires, so I'm going to go with it (but i would still like to go to stanford, or atleast another good uni in the states) and I'm taking all three of those next year (and maths, business and modern studies). So far I have straight As on everything I'm taking next year, but I REALLY want to make a good future for myself so I guess ill take your advice, keep studying and working hard and see how the next few years go. I have my first ever exams in two months so... I guess ill have to wait and see how that works out. Thank you again. :-)

and believe me my school is not good at all. They dont give a crap about any of us. (To tickle)