Do you have a passion for justice and want to help uphold the laws through prosecuting criminals? If so, you may have what it takes to become a district attorney.

District attorneys are legal professionals who are dedicated to helping uphold the laws of a city, state and region through prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases. They are part of the backbone of the legal system that helps maintain justice and order. In most areas of the United States, the job is known as a district attorney, but it may also be known as a commonwealth’s attorney in some jurisdictions.

The job of a district attorney is one that is often characterized in popular TV shows and movies as a crusader who makes people pay for their crimes. While this image is popular for entertainment, it may not be the day-to-day reality for most district attorneys. Typically, they focus on procedural issues, preparing cases for trial and conducting meetings with law enforcement officials, court staff and with criminal defendants. They may spend little time in court on highly publicized cases. http://www.justice.gov/usao/eousa/kidspage/prosecutor.html

While district attorneys are appointed and not elected, it can be a fairly political job. Since crime is usually a hot topic during elections, officials who appoint district attorneys who are seen as ‘light’ on crime may find themselves without a job. It can be difficult to balance the practical needs of the job with the community facing requirements needed for long-term job security.

Every district attorney must first become a lawyer. Start by completing a four-year undergraduate degree at one of the highest rated colleges or universities you can. While in college, choose a major that will help prepare you for the demands of a district attorney. Consider majoring in political science, government or criminal justice. You should also take many English and communication courses to help improve your reading, writing and speaking skills.

When you near the end of your undergraduate coursework, start preparing to take the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test). The scores from this standardized test, your undergraduate grades, your admission essays and entrance interviews will determine the law schools you will be able to attend. If you are able to select from multiple law schools, select one with a strong criminal law program, or one with high name recognition that could help your public image as a district attorney.

During breaks in law school, try to find a clerkship or internship opportunity working in a district attorney office. This is often an unpaid position, but the experience you gain can help you score a job as an assistant district attorney after graduating from law school.

To practice law, regardless of discipline, you must pass the bar requirements in the state where you want to become a district attorney. Each state has their own testing requirements that can include passing the Multistate Bar Exam, the Multistate Essay Examination and potentially the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. This ethics exam is often administered during law school as a graduation requirement.http://www.bls.gov/oco/Ocos053.htm

The bar exam is considered a tough, and at times grueling, examination that requires potential lawyers to spend months preparing to pass the exam. Preparation can include taking a formal review courses such as ones offered by the BarBri Bar or by Kaplan. Some future lawyers choose to study on their own with bar exam review study guides that are specific for their state’s requirement. Guides are available on DVD, CD and books. You can also choose to study with a group of colleagues from law school in a study group. Select the method of review that matches your study style.

The bar exam does not penalize participants for guessing, so answer every question, even if you have to make your best guess. Relax during the exam, but practice exam time management techniques. If you get stuck and cannot answer a question, skip it and then return to it after you have finished answer the questions you can answer quickly. On essay questions, be sure to write something on each question. Since essay questions are more subjective, graders will have more leeway in giving you some points if you at least provide some information.

If your end goal is to become a district attorney, you must usually begin in an assistant district attorney role. Contact district attorney offices in locations where you would like to work and inquire about vacancies. Submit your professional resume to each office. To find an opening that will accept you without experience may require you to move to another city. If you find employment outside of the state where you passed the bar exam, you will be required to pass the bar entrance requirements for that state. Some states recognize a lawyer if they have passed the requirements in another state, while some states require lawyers to start from scratch taking exams required by their state.

During your time as an assistant district attorney, be sure to network with political officials and prove your abilities. Over time, you will gain enough exposure, experience and connections to work your way to district attorney. In smaller districts, you may have to wait until the current district attorney retires to get an opportunity at the top spot, so assess your situation carefully. You may need to move to a different district to have a real opportunity to become a district attorney.