3 answers
hannah
Student
Tallahassee, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
2685 views
What is the reality of being a lawyer?
I’m a junior in high school and i’m not sure what i want to do, but being a lawyer is definitely in the running. What do you guys do on the average day? Is it more exiting or boring?
Login to comment
3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1780
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
🕕 HOW LAWYERS START THEIR DAY
What is common between many lawyers is they start to their workday very early, as you can expect them to be the first to arrive in the office in the morning, every day. The main reason for this is that they feel more productive when the office is not officially open for the day. This means there are no phone calls, client meetings, or court appearances so they could focus on the other tasks on their to-do list. They choose this time to either respond to emails or other correspondence or read up on any messages or memos they received. Those lawyers who will head out to court afterward will use this time to review their cases and get ready for the hearing. They might also try to finish some other tasks they cannot accomplish when they are out of the office for the next few hours. Lawyers also have to prepare a lot of documents related to their active cases, including motions, memorandums, pleadings and similar paperwork. This takes time and mornings are perfect for these tasks because it is quiet enough and their minds are still fresh and alert.
🕘 DURING BUSINESS HOURS
If the lawyer is in the office at this time, it is easy to assume that they will be spending the time on the phone or at meetings. They may be talking to their clients, updating them on their cases, or also discussing cases with fellow lawyers. Depending on their specialisation, they might also be contacting other people related to their cases. They might also be outside of the office, doing their research as part of their cases. For example, personal injury attorneys will need to visit the scene where the accident happened, collecting data and making their assessments. Lawyers who are not part of big law firms might also be taking on more tasks nor directly related to the law. This can include marketing or helping find new clients, or hiring new attorneys and staff for the firm. Lastly, attorneys might be taking this time to attend classes as part of their continuing education. This is important to stay up-to-date on recent laws and this is normally required by the bar association.
🕚 BEYOND WORKING HOURS
It is not uncommon to see lawyers working much longer than others. After being out of the office for most of the day, they might need to finish other tasks after business hours. This can include answering their emails or doing the necessary paperwork. Because of deadlines, they might not be able to put it off the next day as they will need to submit them on time. Even if they have to dedicate more hours to work every day, lawyers will aim to help their clients with their legal concerns. In some cases, their work can really change their lives, whether it is clearing them of charges or helping them get compensation. It is, in fact, this knowledge that their work affects other people’s lives that motivates them to work harder and at times, longer than others.
CONCLUSION
Hannah it usually comes as a shock when people realize how many hours a week lawyers commit to their practices. A day in the life of a lawyer is anything but a nine-to-five routine with an hour or more for a leisurely lunch. Attorneys at a large law firm works anywhere from 50 to 60 hours a week on average. The long hours are the result of the obligations the practice of law imposes on an attorney. The image people have of an attorney heading to court in the morning and spending the remainder of the day engaged in a trial before a panel of jurors or arguing a motion or an appeal in front of a judge has probably been shaped by what they see on television or in the movies. The reality of a lawyer’s daily routine can be quite different from that dramatized portrayal on TV.
What is common between many lawyers is they start to their workday very early, as you can expect them to be the first to arrive in the office in the morning, every day. The main reason for this is that they feel more productive when the office is not officially open for the day. This means there are no phone calls, client meetings, or court appearances so they could focus on the other tasks on their to-do list. They choose this time to either respond to emails or other correspondence or read up on any messages or memos they received. Those lawyers who will head out to court afterward will use this time to review their cases and get ready for the hearing. They might also try to finish some other tasks they cannot accomplish when they are out of the office for the next few hours. Lawyers also have to prepare a lot of documents related to their active cases, including motions, memorandums, pleadings and similar paperwork. This takes time and mornings are perfect for these tasks because it is quiet enough and their minds are still fresh and alert.
🕘 DURING BUSINESS HOURS
If the lawyer is in the office at this time, it is easy to assume that they will be spending the time on the phone or at meetings. They may be talking to their clients, updating them on their cases, or also discussing cases with fellow lawyers. Depending on their specialisation, they might also be contacting other people related to their cases. They might also be outside of the office, doing their research as part of their cases. For example, personal injury attorneys will need to visit the scene where the accident happened, collecting data and making their assessments. Lawyers who are not part of big law firms might also be taking on more tasks nor directly related to the law. This can include marketing or helping find new clients, or hiring new attorneys and staff for the firm. Lastly, attorneys might be taking this time to attend classes as part of their continuing education. This is important to stay up-to-date on recent laws and this is normally required by the bar association.
🕚 BEYOND WORKING HOURS
It is not uncommon to see lawyers working much longer than others. After being out of the office for most of the day, they might need to finish other tasks after business hours. This can include answering their emails or doing the necessary paperwork. Because of deadlines, they might not be able to put it off the next day as they will need to submit them on time. Even if they have to dedicate more hours to work every day, lawyers will aim to help their clients with their legal concerns. In some cases, their work can really change their lives, whether it is clearing them of charges or helping them get compensation. It is, in fact, this knowledge that their work affects other people’s lives that motivates them to work harder and at times, longer than others.
CONCLUSION
Hannah it usually comes as a shock when people realize how many hours a week lawyers commit to their practices. A day in the life of a lawyer is anything but a nine-to-five routine with an hour or more for a leisurely lunch. Attorneys at a large law firm works anywhere from 50 to 60 hours a week on average. The long hours are the result of the obligations the practice of law imposes on an attorney. The image people have of an attorney heading to court in the morning and spending the remainder of the day engaged in a trial before a panel of jurors or arguing a motion or an appeal in front of a judge has probably been shaped by what they see on television or in the movies. The reality of a lawyer’s daily routine can be quite different from that dramatized portrayal on TV.
Thank you for the advice, Doc.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Hannah,
So being a lawyer? Oh boy, it's a rollercoaster of excitement, frustration, and occasional moments where you wonder if you should’ve become a professional napper instead.
The reality? Well, imagine this: you spend most of your time reading. Like, a lot of reading. It’s like diving into a giant book club, but the books are mostly boring contracts, case files, and legal documents. No spoilers, though—they’re full of mysteries and surprises. Also, you get to argue. A LOT. But not just in court—sometimes it’s with colleagues about whether “the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment” was properly filed. (Spoiler: probably not.)
The Daily Grind because you wanna know this but remember it's all passion involved. Nothing can stop you if you have passion for your path!
You wake up, wear your professional suit (or at least your professional “I’m pretending to be an adult” look), and go to work. You’re either reviewing contracts, drafting legal arguments, or attending meetings with clients where you nod sagely and say things like, “I’ll have to check on that,” while silently Googling the answer. Oh, and don’t forget emails. So many emails. They never stop.
Exciting or Boring? Wellllll
The truth? Both. There are high-stakes cases where you’ll be preparing for a courtroom showdown (imagine a movie montage with dramatic music). And then there are weeks where you’re just answering emails or organizing paperwork. It’s not all glamorous suits and TV-show style arguments (sorry, no dramatic courtroom exits). But the thrill of winning a case or helping someone in need? That's the high.
Ah so here is a pro and con for you to help broader the understanding.
The Negatives:
Stress: There’s a lot of pressure. You're basically holding someone’s future in your hands. No biggie, right?
Long Hours: Lawyers have a love-hate relationship with "free time." It’s often just time you spend doing legal stuff at home.
Confusing Jargon: You’ll probably spend years trying to understand why legal writing sounds like a secret code only deciphered by ancient wizards. But hey, you get used to it.
The Positives:
Impact: You help people—whether it’s defending someone, making sure contracts are fair, or getting people the compensation they deserve. It feels pretty awesome.
Intellectual Challenge: You’ll constantly be learning. Laws change, and no two cases are alike.
Respect & Pay: Let's be real, the paycheck can be nice (as long as you're not working for free as a lawyer-in-training). Plus, people often assume you're super smart just because you wear a suit.
Here is some needed skills for this path hope it helps as well.
1. Patience: Because, like we mentioned, there’s a lot of paperwork. A lot of it.
2. Communication Skills: Whether it's writing or talking, you need to explain complex stuff in simple ways—without sounding like a walking dictionary.
3. Critical Thinking: You're a professional problem-solver. It’s like solving puzzles, but with higher stakes and a cooler suit.
4. Time Management: You’ll have a ton of cases, so organizing your day is key (no, you can't just wing it).
And lastly—Humor because why not right. You’re going to need it. Courtroom dramas? Nothing compared to trying to balance 20 things on your desk while praying that coffee doesn’t spill on your favorite legal pad.
Good luck and stay curious. If you need anything else to be discussed or cleared or I missed something just shout out-oh right can't hear you so just type it😉!
So being a lawyer? Oh boy, it's a rollercoaster of excitement, frustration, and occasional moments where you wonder if you should’ve become a professional napper instead.
The reality? Well, imagine this: you spend most of your time reading. Like, a lot of reading. It’s like diving into a giant book club, but the books are mostly boring contracts, case files, and legal documents. No spoilers, though—they’re full of mysteries and surprises. Also, you get to argue. A LOT. But not just in court—sometimes it’s with colleagues about whether “the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment” was properly filed. (Spoiler: probably not.)
The Daily Grind because you wanna know this but remember it's all passion involved. Nothing can stop you if you have passion for your path!
You wake up, wear your professional suit (or at least your professional “I’m pretending to be an adult” look), and go to work. You’re either reviewing contracts, drafting legal arguments, or attending meetings with clients where you nod sagely and say things like, “I’ll have to check on that,” while silently Googling the answer. Oh, and don’t forget emails. So many emails. They never stop.
Exciting or Boring? Wellllll
The truth? Both. There are high-stakes cases where you’ll be preparing for a courtroom showdown (imagine a movie montage with dramatic music). And then there are weeks where you’re just answering emails or organizing paperwork. It’s not all glamorous suits and TV-show style arguments (sorry, no dramatic courtroom exits). But the thrill of winning a case or helping someone in need? That's the high.
Ah so here is a pro and con for you to help broader the understanding.
The Negatives:
Stress: There’s a lot of pressure. You're basically holding someone’s future in your hands. No biggie, right?
Long Hours: Lawyers have a love-hate relationship with "free time." It’s often just time you spend doing legal stuff at home.
Confusing Jargon: You’ll probably spend years trying to understand why legal writing sounds like a secret code only deciphered by ancient wizards. But hey, you get used to it.
The Positives:
Impact: You help people—whether it’s defending someone, making sure contracts are fair, or getting people the compensation they deserve. It feels pretty awesome.
Intellectual Challenge: You’ll constantly be learning. Laws change, and no two cases are alike.
Respect & Pay: Let's be real, the paycheck can be nice (as long as you're not working for free as a lawyer-in-training). Plus, people often assume you're super smart just because you wear a suit.
Here is some needed skills for this path hope it helps as well.
1. Patience: Because, like we mentioned, there’s a lot of paperwork. A lot of it.
2. Communication Skills: Whether it's writing or talking, you need to explain complex stuff in simple ways—without sounding like a walking dictionary.
3. Critical Thinking: You're a professional problem-solver. It’s like solving puzzles, but with higher stakes and a cooler suit.
4. Time Management: You’ll have a ton of cases, so organizing your day is key (no, you can't just wing it).
And lastly—Humor because why not right. You’re going to need it. Courtroom dramas? Nothing compared to trying to balance 20 things on your desk while praying that coffee doesn’t spill on your favorite legal pad.
Good luck and stay curious. If you need anything else to be discussed or cleared or I missed something just shout out-oh right can't hear you so just type it😉!
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
139
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
Being a lawyer requires a lot of research writing and negotiation. In the beginning of very long hours, learning how to be a lawyer and potentially high stress. After a few years you'll have more knowledge of what you were doing but you will still have to do research writing and strategizing. It could be very stressful and time consuming. On the other hand it can be very rewarding. You have to really want to be a lawyer and have a good mind for strategy. For me it was very rewarding financially and personally. Good luck