Criminal Defense Attorney Passionate About Protecting Rights Of Philadelphians
Brian Fishman is an Avvo legal analyst and criminal defense attorney at The Fishman Firm. Fishman was named by Philadelphia Magazine as a "Super Lawyer" who protects the rights of good people in bad times. He has been practicing law in Philadelphia for 12 years and received his degree from Temple University Law School.
What sort of education is needed to secure a good job as a criminal defense attorney?
"You must graduate from a four-year undergraduate program, a three-year accredited law school and pass your state's bar examination in order to be an attorney. Further, most criminal defense attorneys are solo practitioners who start their own firm after working as either a prosecutor or a public defender. I spent four years in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office before beginning my career as a criminal defense attorney."
What is the most challenging aspect of being a criminal defense attorney?
"You need to strike a balance between keeping your edge to fight for your client and not taking adverse rulings and arguments personal. In order to be a criminal defense attorney, you must have a passion for protecting the constitutional rights of your client, who may not always be likable characters.You hold your individual client's freedom in your hands but you also uphold the sanctity of the entire system and constitution."
After graduation, how hard was it to transition to the actual working world?
"I worked for two years between college and law school so I did not struggle getting back into the workforce after graduating from law school. For those who went directly from college to law school, all they knew was school and therefore I imagine the transition to the work force was a more difficult one."
What are some advanced courses you would suggest that would be beneficial for this type of career?
"While not a requirement, there are courses and degrees that can assist you as a criminal defense attorney. I took advantage of Temple University Law School's trial advocacy programs. You take required courses such as evidence, and criminal and civil procedure. But, you also take specific classes geared towards conduct direct and cross-examination of witnesses, presenting trial and appellate speeches. In addition, many who are interested in trial advocacy continue after law school to attain their LLM in trial advocacy. In addition to coursework, I would suggest that anyone interested in criminal defense work try out for the mock court or trial team at your law school. This provides a law student with opportunities to try mock cases and compete with other law students."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
