Law as a Career
By: Bryce Hrudka
The Structure of a Law Firm
- Managing Partner- They sit at the top of the law firm hierarchy. They manage the day by day operations of the firm. They also help establish and guide the firms strategic vision. Assumes management responsibility.
- Partner- Are lawyers who are joint owners and operators of the law firm. Many different types of partners.
- Associate- Prospect of becoming partners. There are junior and senior associates. You need 6-9 years of being an associate before becoming a partner.
- Other worker in a firm- Counsel and summer associate.
The Role of the Litigation Attorney
- Investigation- Looks over the evidence and then determines if there is enough to help argue his clients case. Find witnesses and other facts about the case.
- Pleadings- Draft a variety of pleadings and motions on behalf of the plaintiff or defendant.
- Discovery- Exchange information with the other party.
- Pre-Trial- Wrap up discovery and prepare for trial. In the pre-trial stage, litigators consult with and advise clients.
- Trial- Present his clients case to the judge.
- Settlement-Engage in negotiations with opposing parties; participate in mediations and settlement conferences with the parties and the judge; and create settlement brochures, agreements, releases and other settlement materials.
- Appeal- They develop appellate strategies if their case is lost.
Criminal Law
What is Criminal Law?
The laws of a state or country dealing with criminal offenses and their punishments.
- Felonies and Misdemeanors
What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?
- Defend their clients who have committed a crime by either proving them innocent or reducing the punishment.
- Investigates case and helps identify ways to introduce doubt into the question of a defendant's guilt.
Presentation
Steve Olson
- Takes him about 8-10 hours outside of work to prepare for a case.
- In Wisconsin you don't have to take the Bar exam and other states you do.