Thousand Oaks, CA asked in Business Law and Criminal Law for California

Q: Can I train to be a lawyer in both criminal law and business/corporate?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Julie King
Julie King
Answered
  • Monterey, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: When you go to law school, you need to take all the courses that are tested on the Bar Exam so you are not learning new subjects at the same time as you are reviewing laws and studying for the exam. Corporations and Criminal law are tested on most bar exams (the subjects vary by state.) If those topics are not mandatory classes at your law school, you can take the classes as electives. Now, practicing law with an existing firm that does both corporate and criminal law may be a bit tricky. The law is generally divided between criminal and civil law, and most attorneys either practice in one or the other area of law. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do both. There definitely are lawyers who practice both, but they are generally sole practitioners. Best wishes!

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
Answered
  • Jess Ranch, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes. When you pass the California Bar Exam, then you can decide what kind of law you want to practice.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes, you can train to be a lawyer in both criminal law and business/corporate law in California. To become a lawyer in California, you will need to graduate from an accredited law school, pass the California bar exam, and complete any other requirements set by the State Bar of California.

Law schools typically offer a variety of courses and programs that cover different areas of law, including criminal law and business/corporate law. You may be able to tailor your coursework and extracurricular activities to gain experience in both areas of law.

After completing law school and passing the bar exam, you may choose to practice in one or both areas of law. Some lawyers practice in multiple areas of law, such as criminal defense and corporate law, while others specialize in a particular area.

It's important to note that practicing law in multiple areas may require you to develop different skill sets and knowledge bases, and you may need to maintain separate practice areas or client bases. It's a good idea to consult with experienced attorneys in the areas of law you are interested in, as well as to research the rules and requirements of the State Bar of California, to ensure that you are meeting all necessary standards and ethical obligations.

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