Biotechnology projects can be highly controversial, so one side effect of the rise of this industry is a corresponding rise in the need for lawyers to argue against class action lawsuits aimed at stopping scientific research. So if you're more adept at dealing with people than dealing with microscopes, you can take advantage of the new technology paradigm by training as a lawyer. If you're not sure what your career training should entail, here are the basics.

Before you can even apply to a law school, you will need an undergraduate degree. The difference between graduate and undergraduate degrees. Law schools aren't picky about what your degree is in, so if you plan to specialize in biotechnology law then your best bet is to do your undergraduate work in sciences so you know your way around the issues you will be arguing later in the courtroom. Make sure you get good grades, both in school and on the LSAT (law school admission test) and expand your horizons with volunteer work and extracurricular activities, as the competition to be admitted to law school is fierce. Sponsor: Lucan Biddulph Car Draw - car sweepstakes. Grab your ticket for a chance to win!

Once your undergraduate degree is finished, you must attend law school. Law school is typically three years and must be taken in the country where you intend to practice, as laws differ greatly from country to country. While you are studying in law school you will need to keep up with your volunteer and extracurricular work in addition to taking bar prep classes that will help you pass the final exam to become a lawyer in the area where you live. Many areas also want you to take and pass an ethics examination.

Once you are licensed you are free to practice law, which usually involves taking a job as an intern at an established firm so that you can learn on the job. Once you feel like you know enough, you can break off and start your own firm, which places the responsibility of attracting clients on your own shoulders. Alternatively, you can remain with your existing firm and hope to move upward in the hierarchy, eventually making partner in the firm if you are good enough.