In most cases, the job of a brain damage attorney is to secure compensation for the victim, or family of a victim, who has suffered injuries as the result of brain damage. The requirements to become a brain damage attorney will vary by jurisdiction. Within the United States, anyone who plans to become a brain damage attorney must complete both an undergraduate degree and juris doctorate degree, as well as become licensed in the state where he or she plans to practice. Once licensed, a person who aspires to become a brain damage attorney must secure employment with a firm that focuses on either medical malpractice or personal injury representation.
The educational path to become a brain damage attorney begins with an undergraduate degree. All majors are considered for acceptance into law school; however, an undergraduate major in anatomy, biology, or one of the sciences may be helpful for anyone who hopes to become a brain damage attorney. After completion of an undergraduate degree, a law-school hopeful must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). A high score on the LSAT combined with a high grade point average and rigorous undergraduate curriculum are helpful when applying to law schools, as admission is highly competitive.
Once admitted to law school, all students complete the same basic core curriculum during the first two years. For a student who plans to become a brain damage attorney, additional classes in torts law, or specifically in medical malpractice law if offered, should be considered during the third year. In addition, a law student should take advantage of any clinical opportunities or internships in the area of medical malpractice or personal injury law if available. Part-time or summer employment with a firm that practices in those areas is also advisable.
After completion of the juris doctorate degree, an attorney must become licensed in the state where he or she plans to practice law. As a rule, this entails passage of the bar examination and multi-state professional responsibility examination (MPRE). A character and fitness interview or background check is also part of the licensing process in most states.
A licensed attorney who wants to become a brain damage lawyer should seek employment with a firm that handles a large volume of medical malpractice or personal injury cases. Some brain injuries are caused by negligence on the part of medical personal during birth, which falls under the purview of medical malpractice. Other brain injuries are caused by a traumatic injury to the head, which is usually litigated as a general personal injury lawsuit.
