How do I Become a Social Security Attorney?

Extensive schooling and training is required to become a social security attorney, and students should begin preparing early in his or her school career. The requirements to practice social security law differ from other legal professions because employees must be educated in elder-care studies. Areas of study that should be focused on as early as high school, if offered, are government and political sciences. Students would also benefit from researching social security subjects in order to familiarize his or herself with government aid for elderly or disabled people.

A four year university should be chosen based on pre-legal and geriatric studies to assist a student to become a social security attorney. Aside from general coursework, classes may include economics, communication, history, legal approaches, and other general law studies. The primarily goal of undergraduate studies should be a Bachelor's of Science degree (B.S.) in political science or criminal justice. Other majors are sufficient for getting into law school, but these two degrees are more significant to social security law. Some countries require students to take an admissions test before entering law school, which can be prepared for throughout his or her undergraduate studies.

Law school usually begins with general legal studies in order to familiarize students with the legal system before entering specific field courses. After around two years of general coursework, students will shift his or her focus to classes that may include geriatric psychology, political science theory, and classes that teach various aspects of social security law. Programs that teach students about social security benefits may include topics such as derivative benefits for children, retirement and disability benefits, reform, judicial review, and continuing earnings, age, and benefits. Enhanced knowledge of all areas pertaining to social security will increase his or her employment options to become a social security attorney.

After graduation from law school, the student will receive a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree and begin preparing for bar exams administered throughout individual jurisdictions. These examinations are vital to become a social security attorney and legally practice law in his or her local community. Each jurisdiction has different laws and legal guidelines that students must learn in order to practice in that location. Social security attorneys assist disabled and elderly people in filling out the necessary forms, acquiring medical records, and preparing casework for appeals and disability hearings. Application processes are complex, and most people find the need to hire an attorney.