Criminal Lawyers are responsible for either prosecuting or defending someone accused of a criminal offence. They are required to act in a neutral, impartial manner to ensure that the legal rights of those prosecuted are upheld and that they receive fair treatment against the conduct of the law.
Criminal Lawyers are the most frequently depicted legal practitioners in any film or television drama, but the ins and outs of their testing career are not always depicted.
In this career guide, we outline the duties and responsibilities of a Criminal Lawyer, as well as the steps required to qualify and salary expectations. Keep reading to find out whether a career in criminal law could be the right choice for you.
Criminal law defines criminal offences and the rules and procedures that apply when these offences are committed. Criminal legislation forbids behaviour which is immoral and poses a threat to the welfare of the public and its property. This includes everything from murder, theft and arson to motor crime, money laundering and terrorism.
To be a Criminal Solicitor, you will require the following skill set:
• Determination and motivation
• The ability to think on your feet and process information quickly
• A high degree of social intelligence
• Neutrality and impartiality
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
• The ability to empathise and understand feelings, emotions and motivation
• The ability to work well in a high-pressure environment
• An open mind with the ability to make fair, morally just decisions
• Excellent research and analytical skills