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#Spring25?

"What inspired you to become a lawyer, and what advice would you give someone my age (13) who wants to follow the same path?"

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Thank you comment icon I think it was wanting to work with people who needed someone help them understand and handle the difficult legal process. And I wanted to make sure they got all that they deserved to get from the law and the courts. D Stephen Amland
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Elijah’s Answer

When I was young, I dreamed of becoming an attorney. However, while working my way through college, I shifted gears and started a successful career in sales. After about seven years, I realized my long-term growth opportunities were limited, and I began to wonder if I had sold myself short by not pursuing my original dream.

Inspired by conversations with people in my social circle, I decided to challenge myself and follow my passion for law. Although it was a risk to leave a successful sales career, I had a long-term vision that a legal degree would offer more opportunities for meaningful work.

That vision proved to be true. Over the past 15 years, I've worked as an attorney in both the public and private sectors, taking on interesting and engaging projects. I continue to find new opportunities for growth and challenge in my legal career. More importantly, although different than what I had envisioned, I love being a lawyer.
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April’s Answer

Great question. I transitioned in a legal career because of the versatility and broad applicability of the profession. The legal field offers the opportunity to engage with a wide range of industries, allowing me to combine my interest in business with a strong foundation in legal knowledge. I was drawn to the ability to understand and analyze corporate structures, advise on regulatory compliance, and contribute to strategic decision-making. Law provides both intellectual challenge and the flexibility to work across sectors while making a meaningful impact.
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Colman’s Answer

Thanks for your question, Ali. I wish that I could say that I was as focused when I was your age but I was more interested in soccer and other sports at the time. To that end, I would encourage you to take your time before deciding what career you would like to pursue. It will be a number of years before you have to decide what degree you want to study and I would advise that you use that time to consider other areas that might be of interest to you. When I was 13, I wanted to get involved with horses for example. That focus did not last too long... Anyway, you have plenty of time on your side to consider whether the legal profession is right for you.

In terms of inspiration to become a lawyer, this happened over time and not until after I had completed my primary degree. I was always interested in the legal arena (and helping people) but I was also interested in banking and commerce. I was able to combine all these by working in an in-house environment but that took time and patience to get to where I am and I needed to take a number of intermediate steps before I got there. If you remain as focused on a career in law in a number of years, I would like to wish you the very best but please take your time to explore other options before you commit. You have plenty of time to make the right decision for you.
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Megan’s Answer

I enjoy being an Attorney for a few reasons . First, it aligns with many of my intellectual strengths and abilities, such as spotting and resolving legal issues for the client, and communicating in a clear, organized way. Second, being a lawyer provides me with tremendous opportunities to help others through volunteer work. I have always cared about justice, fairness, and equality, and I am able to use my knowledge and skills to provide advice and guidance to people who may be facing a wide variety of "everyday" legal issues such as eviction, divorce, driving violations, and many more.

It took me some time to find my footing as an Attorney becuase I was the first woman in my family to obtain a college degree, and the first person in my family to obtain a Graduate degree. So I started law school and on the path to becoming an attorney before I really knew much about the profession (besides generalities). I would definitely advise anyone thinking about becoming a lawyer to first sit down for an information interview with a few different types of attorneys to ask them specific questions about where they went to law school (and why), what they do, and what they enjoy about being a lawyer. There are many different types of law, and several different ways in which to pratice law (at a law firm? for the government? at a corporation?). Because law school is very expensive and requires a significant investment of your time, you should have a good idea of why you want to be a lawyer and what type of lawyer you want to be, before you start your career journey.
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Meghan’s Answer

Hi Ali! My journey in law has been both challenging and rewarding. I went to law school because I looked up to my father. He was a lawyer at a small firm and a respected community leader. Despite many clients being unable to pay, he always gave his best. People sought his advice at all hours, and he made a positive impact on their lives daily. I wanted to be like him. In college, I studied dance and English because my father encouraged me to explore my interests, saying law school would teach me everything I needed to become a good lawyer. He was right. I loved law school and found a place in the legal world that suits my passions and skills. I'm proud of my career, and my dad is too! Best of luck to you! The legal field welcomes people from all backgrounds—law school and the law are for everyone!
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Carly’s Answer

A career in law attracted me because it offers a wide range of opportunities. Law provides a framework for people to follow rules and find practical solutions. I've worked in areas like marketing, communications, and proposals, where I simplify complex information. This helps people understand highly-regulated industries and make informed decisions that affect their daily lives. A law degree opens many doors and helps you think analytically, benefiting yourself and society. I wish you great success in your future endeavors.

Carly recommends the following next steps:

Ask for informational interviews with lawyers in different fields.
Speak with people who have used their law degree for alternative legal career choices.
Look at different programs at different law schools to see how they help prepare students for a wide variety of roles.
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