Criminal defense was once seen as easier than civil law due to fewer depositions and high guilty plea rates, but it requires considerable preparation and experience given the stakes. The best way to enter criminal defense is to start as a public defender and develop experience and networks, or work as a prosecutor first. Alternatively, an informal clerkship can provide experience, but starting a solo practice requires managing expectations carefully due to the significant work involved.

2.  For many years, criminal defense has been
considered an “easy” area of the law to
concentrate on, as some believe that the
lack of depositions in many states and the
high likelihood of guilty pleas making a trial
unnecessary result in less overall work than
serving as a civil lawyer. However,
especially given the stakes involved in
criminal trials, serving as a competent
criminal defense attorney requires
considerable preparation and experience.

3.  The best way to enter the field of criminal
defense is to find a job working within the
system. Many begin as public defenders,
which often involves participation in post-
law school educational offerings and the
development of a wide support network.
Others get their start on the other side of
the courtroom, working as a prosecutor. Still
others spend time as an informal “clerk” for
a criminal defense practice.

4.  Should none of these options be
available, the young lawyer looking to
break into criminal defense can attempt
to start his or her own practice, but it will
require considerably more work. He or
she should be sure to manage
expectations and avoid taking on more
work than can be handled.