Preparing for a career as an attorney

Preparing for a career as an attorney

Exploring classes, extracurricular activities, learning opportunities, and experiences that middle school students and high school students should take if they are interested in pursuing a career as an attorney.

Introduction

Becoming an attorney requires dedication and a lot of hard work. A strong foundation in the basics of written and oral language, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills is essential. But what else do you need? To get a jump start on your legal career, it is important to explore the classes, extracurricular activities, learning opportunities, and experiences that can help prepare you.

Please note that this post is only meant to provide you with some general ideas and information about becoming an attorney, and it's geared more toward middle school students and high school students who may already be wondering about this career path. We're painting some very broad strokes here, just planting some seeds, and that's by design.

Because this post is primarily written for middle school students and high school students thinking about pursuing a career as an attorney, the kinds of coursework and student clubs/activities recommended here as a means to plant those early seeds also correspond to this age group. Ultimately, in the end, to become an attorney, you'll generally need a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree, a juris doctorate (law degree), and a passing score on your state's bar exam.

Peppered throughout the post, you'll find several solid video interviews, presentations, and chats given by attorneys that are pulled from YouTube. They'll help in painting more of a robust picture of what you can expect in the day-to-day work of an attorney.

Finally, at the end of this post is a brief list and general overview of some of the more popular and major areas of law.



Classes

You will be required to take certain core classes throughout middle school and high school, as well as so many elective courses that you have more say in taking.

You should look for classes that emphasize communication skills such as English composition and public speaking.

Additionally, any higher-level math (beyond the required core credits), as well as philosophy classes make for great options because they sharpen your abilities to think logically and critically.

Courses in history and government help build knowledge about our nation's legal system, which will be useful once you enter law school.

Other social science coursework like psychology and sociology classes can increase your leverage in better understanding broader societal issues and concerns, competing interests and conflicts, and insight into a possible opponent's mind.

Last, but certainly not least, anything offered by your school's business department is highly-desirable - classes that get into subjects like the basics of business law, entrepreneurship, creating a business plan, branding and creating a marketing plan, personal finance, etc., will be of great help in case you're ever interested in becoming a business/transactional attorney (think contracts, real estate, forming companies, mergers and acquisitions, etc.) and/or starting your very own law firm some day.



Extracurricular activities

Participating in extracurricular activities shows potential employers and college admissions officers that you have the time management skills necessary to commit yourself to a project from start to finish. Clubs and activities also complement and enhance the learning taking place in the formal classroom setting. Joining student organizations like debate team or student government are great choices for building your verbal communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. If there are any mock trial teams available at your school, then take advantage of that opportunity! It will give you an edge when applying for internships or jobs down the line.



Learning opportunities

Explore internships specifically related to law so that you can gain first-hand experience in the field while gaining credit towards college requirements and/or even earning money at the same time! Volunteering with organizations like Legal Aid Society is another great way to make connections with attorneys who can provide guidance along your journey towards becoming an attorney yourself one day.

When looking into internships, it is also important to think outside of the box - consider unique opportunities like working with media outlets offering legal advice segments, or even shadowing a lawyer on their cases, if possible!

Don’t forget about attending events related to law, such as lectures given by attorneys, or local court hearings whenever possible. These experiences can spark interest and provide valuable insight into what being an attorney entails!

Lastly, subscribing to newsletters from law firms is essential, as they typically offer updates on new cases and other relevant information that can provide an interesting glimpse into the life of an attorney before actually committing yourself fully!



Conclusion

If you are considering pursuing a career as an attorney, then there are numerous classes, extracurricular activities, learning opportunities, and experiences that can prepare you for this goal.

Taking challenging and engaging core and elective classes, including those related to government and/or history, sociology and/or psychology, philosophy, higher-level math, and business education will all collectively help form a strong foundation in understanding our nation’s legal system while simultaneously strengthening critical thinking skills and preparing you for a better understanding of the broader societal issues, concerns, competing interests, and opportunities that are out there.

Joining student organizations like student council or debate team helps build collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are key skills needed by attorneys. Additionally, exploring internships and volunteer opportunities specifically related to law provides valuable insight into daily operations within law firms. Attending lectures by attorneys offers unique perspectives on how they conduct business.

Ultimately, taking advantage of all these sources of knowledge allows students interested in becoming attorneys to gain more information about this profession, which can help ensure success down the road!

A brief list and general overview of some of the more popular and major areas of law, in no particular order:

Criminal Law

Criminal law is the body of law that deals with crimes and their punishment. Attorneys who practice criminal law represent individuals who have been accused of committing a crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, driving under the influence, white-collar crime, etc.

Civil Law

Civil law is the body of law that deals with disputes between individuals and/or organizations. Attorneys who practice civil law represent individuals or organizations who are seeking damages from another party. These damages may, but not always, be in the form of money and/or property.

Family Law

Family law is the body of law that deals with family-related issues, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Attorneys who practice family law help individuals and families navigate these often emotionally-charged legal matters.

Employment Law

Employment law is the body of law that deals with employment-related issues, such as discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes. Attorneys who practice employment law help employees and employers resolve these types of issues.

Immigration Law

Immigration law is the body of law that deals with immigration-related issues, such as citizenship, visas, and green cards. Attorneys who practice immigration law help individuals and families navigate the often complex process of obtaining legal status in the United States.

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual property law is the body of law that deals with intellectual property-related issues, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Attorneys who practice intellectual property law help individuals and businesses protect their ideas and creations from being used without permission or compensation.

Banking Law

Banking law is the body of law that deals with banking-related issues, such as loans, mortgages, and foreclosures. Attorneys who practice banking law help banks and other financial institutions comply with regulations and resolve disputes with customers.

Tips for selling your home

Photo from Pexels

What You Need to Know Before Listing Your Home

Are you faced with putting your home on the market? Consider tackling some minor improvement projects that will help you maximize the sale price of your home but not break the bank. Rearranging furniture or taking the time to declutter your kitchen countertops can go a long way in allowing someone else to envision themselves in your space. Here are a few things to consider when preparing your home for a sale, presented by Mr. Robertson’s Corner.

The Price is Right

When putting your home on the market, it’s important to consider a competitive pricing strategy. What are the average listing prices nearest your neighborhood ($380K is the average here in Muskego, Wisconsin over the past 30 days)? What is the average number of days a home is on the market? “Nothing turns a good buyer off faster than an overpriced listing,” advises HGTV. “Pricing your home right is one of the most important advantages of having a Realtor.”

Curb Appeal

How welcoming is your home? First impressions will make a big difference when potential buyers come to tour your home. If your front door is dingy, you might consider a quick paint refresh to make it more inviting, and you might even add a wreath. Installing new house numbers can add a quick curb appeal and also allow potential buyers to find your house more easily. Try matching your house numbers with the finish on your exterior lights, offers DIY Network. Strategically placed potted plants, or container gardens, can give your front yard some zest, in lieu of higher-priced trees and shrubs. Matching containers to your home’s style will serve to carry the theme of your home through to the street.

Finally, take a good look at the trees in your yard and determine if there are any that detract from your curb appeal. If you spot any that you think your yard could live without, call in a local tree service to handle the removal - this is definitely one job you shouldn’t DIY.

Kitchen and Bath Refresh

Full-on kitchen and bath remodels can break the bank. But, if your kitchen and bathrooms are outdated and in disarray, they will most likely turn buyers off. Look for inexpensive ways to transform those spaces with a little imagination and elbow grease. Cleaning clutter from countertops and removing art projects and school photos from the refrigerator is free. Put anything away that isn’t necessary or complementary to your space. Replacing outdated handles and pulls with something sleeker and more modern will instantly update your rooms.

If your cabinets are dingy and old, then a good old-fashioned scrub with soap and water won’t help. Instead, consider painting your cabinets or removing doors. Something as simple as placing a colorful rug in front of your sink, according to Good Housekeeping, can hide ugly flooring.

Declutter and Depersonalize

One major reason to declutter and depersonalize your home is to give buyers an opportunity to see themselves in your space. There are 11 key spots to focus on, according to Apartment Therapy, and you’ve tackled the kitchen and baths, so the rest is relatively easy. Organize the entry point into your house by carrying on the theme from the front porch and yard right into your foyer. Clean where needed, place a coordinating container plant inside and make sure the rug is clean and welcoming. Clear halls of clutter and too many family photos. You want new buyers to picture themselves in your home. Touch-up play areas by hiding (or donating) unused and unnecessary toys. Don’t forget to tidy up closets, as potential homebuyers will be checking to see if there’s enough room for their belongings.

The process of selling your home can make for stressful times. But by spending a little time and energy to address some smaller DIY projects and tidy up, you can maximize the potential asking price for not a lot of initial monetary investment.

The role of a property tax consultant

Why you should hire a property tax consultant

Part of the Careers in real estate category on this blog

If the values of the homes in your area have been going down, but your property taxes haven't followed suit, then you're not alone. Many homeowners have noticed that their property taxes don't reflect the recent changes in their home's value. The bad news – many times when a home's value drops a substantial amount, the homeowner ends up paying more in property taxes than necessary. The good news – there are ways to correct this situation so your next property tax assessment reflects the actual value of your home.

One of the most effective ways to ensure that your next property tax assessment is correct is to hire a property tax consultant. A local property tax consultant understands the tax laws and exemptions in your area and will help you maximize your property tax savings. Using their property tax knowledge, the consultant will carefully go over your previous assessment looking for any records that should be updated or adjusted. If you are paying too much in property taxes, a property tax consultant will be able to help.

Even if your home's value hasn't decreased over the years, it's still possible you've been paying too much for your property taxes. This is because the home appraisals quoted in property tax assessments are often overly generalized. One common way of obtaining a home's current market value during a property tax reassessment is referred to as a “drive by” or summary home appraisal. Unfortunately, this type of appraisal is often incomplete and may contain erroneous information which can lead to more costly property taxes.

Though your property taxes might eventually adjust themselves to match your home's actual value, such adjustments are often years behind if they ever occur at all. Because of this, many homeowners can save a lot of money by hiring a property tax consultant. If you are indeed paying too much for your property taxes, then a property tax consultant will be able to give you the necessary information to successfully appeal your latest property tax assessment, so you can start paying less in property taxes.

Photos for online real estate listings

How to take attractive photos for your online real estate listings

When people are looking to buy a new home, a leading factor in helping them decide whether or not a home is worth further inquiry is the photos used in the online listing. The number of attractive photos provided can be the difference between a buyer jotting down an address for a second look or that buyer simply moving on to the next listing without so much as a second thought. Here are four tips for making the photos in your online real estate listings attractive to your potential buyers.

1. Consider camera orientation when taking and displaying photos.

There's nothing more annoying when looking at a photo than finding it to be all out of proportion and distorted. To keep your photos looking their best, always take note of your camera's orientation before taking any shots. Never take a portrait-oriented photo and later try to stretch it to fit a landscape-oriented frame on your site. Distorted images in an online real estate listing will do little to accurately represent the property and can leave potential buyers struggling to visualize the home's layout.

2. If warranted, make lighting adjustments prior to shooting.

There are many ways to light an area when it comes to real estate photography. This has left many photographers in a disagreement about which method is best. Regardless of any disagreements, however, there is one thing that most photographers tend to agree on - that the lighting should be neither too dark nor too light. Well-lit photos will make a property look more attractive to potential buyers, whereas poorly-lit photos can prevent buyers from seeing a property's best features.

3. Try a slight change in perspective when capturing images.

Applying a slight change in perspective while taking a photo can completely change the look of the finished piece. Instead of taking your real estate photos from a standard vantage point, consider capturing the rooms from a slightly different perspective. Though perspective photography obviously shouldn’t be used to misrepresent the overall look or dimensions of the home and its surrounding yard, it can be an easy way to showcase a property in a more unique light than your competitors.

4. If needed, make color adjustments before putting the images online.

It's important to consider each image's color profile when adding photos to your online real estate listings. Obviously a home's colors should be accurately represented within any displayed images, so in times where the color profile is incorrect, use photo editing software to make the necessary color adjustments before uploading the images to the Internet. Real estate photos with accurately represented colors will be far more attractive and helpful to potential buyers than ones containing skewed color profiles.

With photography being such an important component of today's online real estate marketing strategy, it is vitally important that all your listings include a number of attractive photos to draw in potential buyers. By always using a consistent orientation, plus considering the lighting, perspective, and color profiles of the home and its features when capturing and displaying the images, it will be much easier for buyers to see the true potential of each of the properties in your online real estate listings - a factor that can persuade more buyers to request a viewing, instead of simply scanning past the listing without a second thought.

Home staging tips for realtors

Take your real estate game to the next level with seasonal staging

When it comes to home selling strategies, one of today's most commonly used tactics is staging. So, how can you stage a home, yet still have it stand out from all the other staged houses for sale in the neighborhood? Well, to help a staged home stand out from the rest, try adding some seasonal staging props. By including some subtle seasonal additions in your staging displays, you can take your home staging game to the next level. Continue reading for staging tips unique to each season.

Spring staging tips:

If you'll be staging a home in the spring, try using some fresh cut flowers to add a little life and color to an otherwise generic area. Mildly scented flowers are often best for staging purposes, as stronger scents may be off-putting to potential buyers. Stronger scents could also cause buyers to prematurely leave an area of the home without fully exploring all it has to offer. Other scents that work well during a spring staging include citrus scents like lemon and orange.

Summer staging tips:

Summer staging often benefits with the addition of outdoor elements. An inviting patio setup accented with bright summer colors, overlooking lush, green grass and a well-maintained garden can add a great deal of appeal to any home. Indoors, be sure to showcase the home's natural light by avoiding heavy drapes and opening blinds. As with spring staging, mild floral or citrus aromas often make for great summer scents.

Fall staging tips:

When staging a home in the fall, consider displaying a few vases with brightly colored leaves or a festive gourd centerpiece. Even the addition of a few throw pillows accented with fall colors can often be enough to liven up an otherwise uninspiring living room or bedroom. When considering fall staging scents, aim for a gentle smell of apple or cranberry, as either scent can promote a nice inviting atmosphere.

Winter staging tips:

For winter staging, subtle touches like a holiday-themed centerpiece can spark inspiration in the minds of potential buyers. A small, yet tasteful light display outside can also help a home stand out from any others in the area that are currently on the market. When staging during the winter months, a soft aroma of cinnamon can help make a home smell more inviting to buyers, as can a gentle smell of cedar or pine.

Regardless of the season in which you will be staging a home, always remember that less is more when it comes to seasonal home staging. Subtle additions to your staging props will cast any home in a much more salable light than an over-the-top display of seasonal cheer. Also, be sure to avoid overtly religious displays when staging a home, as such displays may be off-putting to some potential buyers. By considering the season and adding some appropriately-themed items to your staging displays, you should have little trouble taking your home staging game to the next level.

Exploring careers in real estate

I'm excited to announce that I'm creating a new career category for you to explore here at the Mr. Robertson's Corner blog devoted to the real estate industry. If you take a look at the right-hand side of the blog, a little further down, you'll see a section called "Labels" - simply look for, and click on, the label called "Careers in real estate" to access the various content I'm assembling about the real estate business. I'm working to put together, over time, a nice collection covering various aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, home staging, finding leads, and networking, among others. Stay tuned!