A movie shows a courtroom. The judge is in charge. The jury will pick the verdict. But all eyes are on one person. A lawyer is making a fiery speech.

Is that what lawyers do in real life? Only sometimes!

All lawyers know a lot about laws. But they do many different things. Some lawyers don't take part in trials. Maybe you'd like being a lawyer, even if you don't like making speeches.

Criminal Lawyers

Who do you often see in movies? Criminal lawyers. They defend people charged with crimes or argue against them. Trials are held for some cases. Others are worked out without going to court.

Business Lawyers

Like to make deals? Business law might suit you. Lots of lawyers help companies. Many write contracts. Some give advice about taxes. Some help companies buy other companies. Some help companies protect their ideas and brands. They keep other companies from copying those special things.

Environmental Lawyers

Some laws protect Earth and living things. The Clean Water Act is an example. Environmental lawyers help companies follow the rules. They are also hired by people to fight companies that break the rules.

What It Takes to Become a Lawyer

Lawyers must know how to do research. They need good reading, writing, and speaking skills.

To become a lawyer, people go to college for four years. Then they attend law school for three years. To work as a lawyer in most states in the United States, a person needs to pass a test. It's called a bar exam.

You've read about a few kinds of lawyers. But there are many more. Some work for movie stars or pro athletes. Some fight for people's rights, such as free speech.

Think it over. What's your verdict? Would you like to be a lawyer?

Think about and discuss these questions:
What evidence from the article supports the idea that it can take dedication to become a lawyer?
What skills should someone have to become a successful lawyer? What evidence from the article supports your response?
Question 4


4 / 4

The article says:

To become a lawyer, people go to college for four years. Then they attend law school for three years. To work as a lawyer in most states in the United States, a person needs to pass a test. It's called a bar exam.

This helps the reader to know that __________.

people can become a lawyer quickly
it is a lot of work to become a lawyer
it costs a lot of money to take the bar exam
students do not like taking the bar exam

1 answer

The article helps the reader to know that it is a lot of work to become a lawyer.

This is supported by the information that becoming a lawyer requires several years of education (four years of college and three years of law school) and the need to pass a challenging test (the bar exam) to practice in most states. The extensive time commitment and the necessity of passing an exam indicate the dedication and effort required to pursue this career.