This question is about public defender.

What degree do you need to be a public defender?

By Zippia Team - Jul. 31, 2023

You need a Juris Doctorate degree to be a public defender. First, you'll need to get a bachelor's degree in law, criminal justice, or government. Then take the LSAT exam to get into law school.

Criminal justice should be your main focus during all of your college education. If you graduate law school, you must then pass your state's bar exam to get a license to practice law in your state. Certain states also require you to pass additional exams to become a public defender.

Once you have obtained all the requirements, you should seek out public defending internships within your local governments.

What degree do you need to be a public defender?

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