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What are important tips about becoming a lawyer?
I am planning on becoming a lawyer in the future. What are the important things that I should know concerning this field in relation to becoming very successful? #Spring25
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Ticiana’s Answer
Hi Rebecca
I would highlight three tips (that could work well for almost any career, but definitely resonates more for the legal field):
1. Master communication- clear writing and confident speaking are essential, and as the careers have become more and more global, lawyers should take in consideration plain English while delivering accurate advice; no need of all that legalese we used to have in the past to prove your knowledge, actually transforming difficult jargon into simple orientation is way more valuable when dealing with any type of customers.
2. Always stay curious and informed- read & read more, stay updated on current events as understanding the world helps you understand laws and how they are applicable (or not) in each situation.
3. Research- dig deep into cases, articles, acts, legal theories related to the matters you are more interested, as strong technical skills will build the foundation for your legal reasoning.
I hope this can give you some good insights to start =)
I would highlight three tips (that could work well for almost any career, but definitely resonates more for the legal field):
1. Master communication- clear writing and confident speaking are essential, and as the careers have become more and more global, lawyers should take in consideration plain English while delivering accurate advice; no need of all that legalese we used to have in the past to prove your knowledge, actually transforming difficult jargon into simple orientation is way more valuable when dealing with any type of customers.
2. Always stay curious and informed- read & read more, stay updated on current events as understanding the world helps you understand laws and how they are applicable (or not) in each situation.
3. Research- dig deep into cases, articles, acts, legal theories related to the matters you are more interested, as strong technical skills will build the foundation for your legal reasoning.
I hope this can give you some good insights to start =)
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Hi Rebecca!
When it comes to becoming a 'successful lawyer' as you describe wanting, the most important first step is to define what "success" means to you specifically as it differs for each person. For you does that mean working in a high-powered law firm and making a strong income? Does it mean fighting for social justice or representing underserved communities? Or maybe it means shaping policy, working in public service, or opening your own practice one day. Trying to define a clear idea of YOUR version of success is will help guide your academic choices, future internships, and eventually, your law school applications in a way that keeps you motivated and focused.
Once you know where you want to go with your career, start seeking out experiences that align with that vision. If you're passionate about helping people, look for volunteer roles with legal aid organizations or advocacy groups. If it's business law that catches your fancy, try shadowing attorneys or intern with firms that work on business-related cases. Law schools love applicants who show a clear sense of purpose and who’ve taken the initiative to explore the field.
In addition to working hard in school to get strong grades and test scores throughout your education path, you’ll need to develop skills like critical thinking, persuasive writing, public speaking, and resilience. In order to boost these skills early, try joining your school’s debate team, writing for a campus publication, or working on research projects for topics that catch your interest. Remember too, that just like in medicine or any other professional field, networking matters! Take the time to connect with teachers, professors, or local working attorneys that might be able to offer you some advice and support along the way.
Law is a broad and diverse field, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to getting there! The more you explore your interests now and stay curious about how the legal system works, the better prepared you’ll be—not just to get into law school, but to thrive once you’re there and beyond as a working lawer.
Good luck, and I hope this is helpful!
Ben
When it comes to becoming a 'successful lawyer' as you describe wanting, the most important first step is to define what "success" means to you specifically as it differs for each person. For you does that mean working in a high-powered law firm and making a strong income? Does it mean fighting for social justice or representing underserved communities? Or maybe it means shaping policy, working in public service, or opening your own practice one day. Trying to define a clear idea of YOUR version of success is will help guide your academic choices, future internships, and eventually, your law school applications in a way that keeps you motivated and focused.
Once you know where you want to go with your career, start seeking out experiences that align with that vision. If you're passionate about helping people, look for volunteer roles with legal aid organizations or advocacy groups. If it's business law that catches your fancy, try shadowing attorneys or intern with firms that work on business-related cases. Law schools love applicants who show a clear sense of purpose and who’ve taken the initiative to explore the field.
In addition to working hard in school to get strong grades and test scores throughout your education path, you’ll need to develop skills like critical thinking, persuasive writing, public speaking, and resilience. In order to boost these skills early, try joining your school’s debate team, writing for a campus publication, or working on research projects for topics that catch your interest. Remember too, that just like in medicine or any other professional field, networking matters! Take the time to connect with teachers, professors, or local working attorneys that might be able to offer you some advice and support along the way.
Law is a broad and diverse field, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to getting there! The more you explore your interests now and stay curious about how the legal system works, the better prepared you’ll be—not just to get into law school, but to thrive once you’re there and beyond as a working lawer.
Good luck, and I hope this is helpful!
Ben