How Do I Become a State Prosecutor?

In order for you to become a state prosecutor, you must first successfully complete law school. In most areas, you will need to complete an employment application and be called for an interview. One thing many states look for in a a person wishing to become a state prosecutor is experience, and one year of postgraduate legal experience is typically required in most areas. You may want to work in a position that is available to you in order to gain the necessary experience if you want to become a state prosecutor. You will also be required to pass both a background check and a drug test prior to being hired in most areas.

Trial experience is very valuable for anyone who aspires to become a state prosecutor. You might want to seek employment with a small law firm after graduating from law school and volunteer to work on every case possible. Often, you will be required to work pro bono for a while in order to gain trial experience and courtroom familiarity. You will also want to build a reputation for being diligent as well as a thorough researcher. This often begins as a volunteer at a law firm while you are still in law school.

Most areas look for confidence, professionalism and maturity in any candidate wishing to become a state prosecutor. You can likely gain and tweak these attributes through experience in a courtroom. For this reason, you will need to get assigned to every court case possible while you are working or volunteering at your law firm.

You may wish to attend court as an observer in order to gain the most experience and gather knowledge of courtroom politics and behaviors. One very important step to become a state prosecutor will need to begin prior to graduating law school: good grades. You will want to get the best grades possible while in law school if you have aspirations of becoming a state prosecutor.

Most areas will examine all of the applicants and narrow their search to only the few best candidates. This is typically based on grades, experience and skills of the individuals who want to become a state prosecutor. You might want to seek out highly respected people to act as references. Judges, law professors and former state prosecutors usually hold high regard with prospective employers. You will also want to demonstrate the ability to correctly interpret the law and act consistently and compassionately if you hope to become a state prosecutor.