I'm 15, going into sophomore year in hs, and thinking about possibly being a public defender. Advice?

Is the pay crappy?


Do you need prior experience as an attorney to become one?


Do you ever win a case and then your client tells you he did it?


Should i join debate team or something?





please advice from:


ACTUAL LAWYERS OR LAW STUDENTSI'm 15, going into sophomore year in hs, and thinking about possibly being a public defender. Advice?
At this point in your life - as a high school student - your best bet is to earn the highest grades you can and attend the best undergraduate institution possible. This will allow you to gain admission to quality law schools and will expand your legal employment opportunities down the road.





Public defenders are paid by the state and generally do not earn a lot of money. You don't necessarily need prior experience as an attorney to become a public defender although experience in criminal law is helpful.





If you become a public defender, you must be prepared to represent the indigent defendant to the best of your ability, whether or not he committed the crime. Many defendants will confess to the criminal act but his confession to you, as his attorney, is protected by the attorney-client privilege.





Participating in extracurricular activities such as the debate team can help you prepare for a career as a public defender but the most important thing is to earn top grades.





For insight into the world of a criminal defense lawyer see:


http://legalcareers.about.com/od/legalsp鈥?/a>