4 answers
Marion
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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Would any lawyers be willing to answer a few interview questions for my class project?
I'm currently a freshman in college and my goal is to attend law school. My project includes asking someone in my chosen field the questions below. I appreciate anyone taking the time to answer some or all of these for me!
1. What is your job description or job title?
2. What are some of your duties?
3. Please explain what a typical day is like in your
occupation.
4. How long have you been at this job?
5. What job did you have before this?
6. Why did you select this career?
7. Do you believe this career was a good choice for
you? Why or Why not?
8. What type of training or schooling did you need?
9. How did you get this job and was there an
interview? What was that like?
10. What would you say employers are looking for in
an employee?
11. What do you like most about this career?
12. What do you like least about this career?
13. Was there something about this career that you
didn't expect?
14. What special skills are needed to be successful in
this career?
15. How might one acquire these skills?
16. What days and hours do you work?
17. Would you change anything, and if so what would
it be?
18. What suggestions would you give someone like
me who is interested in this career
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4 answers
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
84
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Marion, I'm a licensed attorney but I'm not practicing in my current role. I thought I might offer a different perspective by responding to a few of your questions:
1. What is your job description or job title? -- I'm an associate at a large public accounting firm where I focus my work in mergers and acquisitions tax. The field is interesting since it's made up of both accountants and lawyers. The reason I had mentioned I do not practice law is that I'm not allowed to draft contracts or furnish legal advice to clients in this role (i.e., things that are traditionally associated with legal practice). The reasoning is a bit more nuanced, but I think you get the gist!
2. What are some of your duties? -- Since I'm fairly junior, I usually sit in on internal and client meetings and take good notes, conduct legal research on tax-specific questions, draft tax opinions, help prepare structuring decks, draft due diligence reports, etc.
6. Why did you select this career? -- I sort of fell into this role. I went to law school with the intention of becoming an intellectual property attorney upon graduating, but I took a basic income tax class and became interested in it. I managed to secure an internship with a mid-sized accounting firm that was doing on-campus recruiting at my law school, and so I just continued down this path after graduating. I was drawn to the idea of working in a legal-adjacent field that still allows me to utilize skills I learned from law school, and now I work with a bunch of brilliant folks and have a pretty decent work-life balance (to answer your question 16--40 hours is the norm, but it can vary between 20 to 60 hours depending on how many projects I'm on and how complex they are).
Anyway, good luck to you!
1. What is your job description or job title? -- I'm an associate at a large public accounting firm where I focus my work in mergers and acquisitions tax. The field is interesting since it's made up of both accountants and lawyers. The reason I had mentioned I do not practice law is that I'm not allowed to draft contracts or furnish legal advice to clients in this role (i.e., things that are traditionally associated with legal practice). The reasoning is a bit more nuanced, but I think you get the gist!
2. What are some of your duties? -- Since I'm fairly junior, I usually sit in on internal and client meetings and take good notes, conduct legal research on tax-specific questions, draft tax opinions, help prepare structuring decks, draft due diligence reports, etc.
6. Why did you select this career? -- I sort of fell into this role. I went to law school with the intention of becoming an intellectual property attorney upon graduating, but I took a basic income tax class and became interested in it. I managed to secure an internship with a mid-sized accounting firm that was doing on-campus recruiting at my law school, and so I just continued down this path after graduating. I was drawn to the idea of working in a legal-adjacent field that still allows me to utilize skills I learned from law school, and now I work with a bunch of brilliant folks and have a pretty decent work-life balance (to answer your question 16--40 hours is the norm, but it can vary between 20 to 60 hours depending on how many projects I'm on and how complex they are).
Anyway, good luck to you!
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
228
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Marion:
I've practiced law for over 40 years. Mostly in NYC. However, I am now in NC. Let's start at the top.
1. I was a trial lawyer - did both plaintiff's and defendant's civil trials.
2. Duties included reviewing a case, coming up with a startegy and preparring the case for trial.
3. Depending on stage of a case, either in office preparring or in court on trial or waiting to pick a jury.
4. Over 40 years.
5. Tons of stuff, claims adjuster, drove a cab, unloaded trucks, slod stuff over the phone.
6. Wanted a career that encompased all my interests and helped people.
7. Good choice - it has it's ups and downs but I was proud to be a lawyer and enjoyed it very much. Still do!
8. Got my undergraduate degree, Masters in Teaching and then law school - Masters was because I wanted a fall back in case!
9. My last NYC legal job I got when I fought against the firm's client and beat them at all three court levels so they asked me to work for them.
10. Lawyers can be jerks - and emotional. They can yell. You need a tough skin. But generally places were all good. Still have many friends from ex-employers.
11. Going to Court. Plus every case is a learning experience. Everyday you were learning new stuff.
12. Paper work was a pain - ad a defense attorney you had to report to claims adjusters which was sometimes a pain.
13. Companionship - lawyers who go to court are fewer than you think. You get to know each other and make friends.
14. None. Just be a good person who cares about others.
15. Acquire these skills by doing go in school, get involved in things you care about and keep an open mind and heart.
16. Sometimes 7 days a week sometimes less. You do what you have to do. Hours also vary - 40 plus sometimes 20 or less sometimes.
17. Would not change a thing.
18. Advice.. stay in school. Major in something YOU like and interest YOU. Be the best person you can be. A lot of lawyers hate being lawyers. It is a lot of stress. But if you are comfortable with yourself and true to yourself you will be a good lawyer.
Good Luck!
I've practiced law for over 40 years. Mostly in NYC. However, I am now in NC. Let's start at the top.
1. I was a trial lawyer - did both plaintiff's and defendant's civil trials.
2. Duties included reviewing a case, coming up with a startegy and preparring the case for trial.
3. Depending on stage of a case, either in office preparring or in court on trial or waiting to pick a jury.
4. Over 40 years.
5. Tons of stuff, claims adjuster, drove a cab, unloaded trucks, slod stuff over the phone.
6. Wanted a career that encompased all my interests and helped people.
7. Good choice - it has it's ups and downs but I was proud to be a lawyer and enjoyed it very much. Still do!
8. Got my undergraduate degree, Masters in Teaching and then law school - Masters was because I wanted a fall back in case!
9. My last NYC legal job I got when I fought against the firm's client and beat them at all three court levels so they asked me to work for them.
10. Lawyers can be jerks - and emotional. They can yell. You need a tough skin. But generally places were all good. Still have many friends from ex-employers.
11. Going to Court. Plus every case is a learning experience. Everyday you were learning new stuff.
12. Paper work was a pain - ad a defense attorney you had to report to claims adjusters which was sometimes a pain.
13. Companionship - lawyers who go to court are fewer than you think. You get to know each other and make friends.
14. None. Just be a good person who cares about others.
15. Acquire these skills by doing go in school, get involved in things you care about and keep an open mind and heart.
16. Sometimes 7 days a week sometimes less. You do what you have to do. Hours also vary - 40 plus sometimes 20 or less sometimes.
17. Would not change a thing.
18. Advice.. stay in school. Major in something YOU like and interest YOU. Be the best person you can be. A lot of lawyers hate being lawyers. It is a lot of stress. But if you are comfortable with yourself and true to yourself you will be a good lawyer.
Good Luck!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write out all of this! This was so helpful I really appreciate it!
Marion
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
157
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
Yes, I was a lawyer for 25 years before retiring. I was a successful trial attorney and it was very time demanding.
After 5 years I went back to work in alternative energy doing negotiation on land and purchasing projects. A legal career opens the possibilities to what new jobs you can do if you don't want to be a lawyer.
Good luck
After 5 years I went back to work in alternative energy doing negotiation on land and purchasing projects. A legal career opens the possibilities to what new jobs you can do if you don't want to be a lawyer.
Good luck
Fazal Elahi
online assignment writer and content writer
72
Answers
Chitrāl, N.W.F.P
Updated
Fazal’s Answer
Hi
Many lawyers are open to interviews, especially if it's for an educational project. Here are a few ways to find one willing to help:
1. Contact Local Law Firms – Call or email small and medium-sized firms explaining your project. Many lawyers enjoy mentoring students.
2. University Law Departments – If there's a law school nearby, reach out to professors or student organizations.
3. LinkedIn & Professional Networks – Post a request or directly message lawyers. Many professionals are willing to help students.
4. Bar Associations – Check local or state bar associations; they sometimes have outreach programs.
5. Legal Aid & Public Defenders – Lawyers working in public service often engage in educational initiatives.
Many lawyers are open to interviews, especially if it's for an educational project. Here are a few ways to find one willing to help:
1. Contact Local Law Firms – Call or email small and medium-sized firms explaining your project. Many lawyers enjoy mentoring students.
2. University Law Departments – If there's a law school nearby, reach out to professors or student organizations.
3. LinkedIn & Professional Networks – Post a request or directly message lawyers. Many professionals are willing to help students.
4. Bar Associations – Check local or state bar associations; they sometimes have outreach programs.
5. Legal Aid & Public Defenders – Lawyers working in public service often engage in educational initiatives.