A Crash Course on Being a Lawyer, As Told By ‘Johnny vs Amber’

Camille Vasquez got you feeling some type of way?

Considering studying law? The Johnny vs Amber libel case has come to a close, but it might have more relevance to your life than you think.

It was difficult to ignore the performance of Johnny and Amber’s legal teams in court, so we’ve broken down the fascinating process if you’re interested in stepping into their shoes.

First things first: what is a ‘libel’ case?

A libel case comes under the broader umbrella of a “defamation lawsuit”.

Defamation refers to when someone makes a false statement about you, causing harm to your reputation.

This can either be in the form of ‘libel’ or ‘slander’. The former is written or recorded, and the latter is merely spoken.

Johnny Depp sought monetary compensation to cover alleged damages to his reputation, after Amber Heard published an op-ed implying he had perpetrated domestic violence and abuse against her. Hence, this was considered libel defamation.

Certain key questions need to be answered to determine defamation in a court case.

• Is the defamatory statement false?
• Was the statement published?
• Did the statement cause harm?

Who’s who in the zoo?

There’s been a few key legal stars in this case, garnering their own fan- and hate-clubs across the internet.

Ben Chew is a partner at law firm Brown Rudnick and has over 25 years of courtroom experience, including celebrity clients such as Cher and Depp.

Guess that’s why he can charge a rate of $700 an hour and is estimated to have a net worth of nearly $5 million as of 2022, according to The Sports Grail. Wowee.

Camille Vasquez is an associate at Brown Rudnick with a lot of experience under her belt, too. She’s set to earn $138,431 from the case, according to Vimbuzz.

How long would you have to study and work to get on their level?

It’s safe to say that becoming a practicing lawyer, especially one with celebrity clients, takes a lot of work. Here’s the breakdown of what you’d be in for.

Carve out at least three to four years from your life to dedicate to study.

If you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree at university, you can tack on a Juris Doctor postgraduate degree. But if you’re going straight into law, the Bachelor of Law is for you.

Regardless of what law school you attend or which pathway you pursue, you are required to complete the “Priestly 11” core law subjects including:

• Law of Contracts
• Property Law
• Company law
• Federal and State Constitutional law
• Criminal Law and Procedural Laws
• Torts
• Administrative law
• Equity (including trusts)
• The Law of Evidence
• Civil Dispute Resolution
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Five thousand flashcards later, you’ll need to undertake the Practical Legal Training Program or Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. These will enhance the practical skills you need as a lawyer. You can complete this in as little as six months.

Alright, then you’ve gotta go to the Admissions Authority in your state or territory within five years of graduation and seek admission to legal practice.

After 19-24 months of practice under supervision, you can then apply for a Practising Certificate through your local Law Society. Then you can work as a Solicitor or pursue further education to become a barrister.

Let’s add that up. At minimum, you’re looking at around six or seven years until you’re fairly qualified.

It’s a long haul, but it’s rewarding. And if you’re cut out for it, you can find huge success.

Check out our Career pages on being a Lawyer and a Solicitor for more insights on average weekly wage and future job openings.

Header image: Getty Images via BBC News.