1 answer
richard
Student
Warwick, Rhode Island
1
Question
Updated
595 views
As an aspiring attorney committed to pursuing justice and advocating for underserved communities, I often find myself asking—will I be able to successfully manage the rigorous demands of law school, competitive internships, and personal financial responsibilities, while still remaining focused on my long-term goal of becoming a lawyer who drives meaningful change within the legal system Let me know if you want to tailor it for a specific setting like a scholarship application, networking event, or mentorship program!?
what, how, why
As an aspiring attorney committed to pursuing justice and advocating for underserved communities, I often find myself asking.will I be able to successfully manage the rigorous demands of law school, competitive internships, and personal financial responsibilities, while still remaining focused on my long-term goal of becoming a lawyer who drives meaningful change within the legal system?
Login to comment
1 answer
Matthew L. Tuck, J.D., M.B.A.
CEO/Managing Attorney, Greater Detroit Area
73
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Matthew L.’s Answer
Hi Richard.
Great question. Actually, it’s several great questions.
First, it really helps if you are aiming at law school with a passion that drives you to keep you motivated. Four years in undergrad and then 3 years of law school (or more if you go part-time) is a long time to stay motivated. But if you have a desire to help underserved people or create change within the system that can sustain you through the difficult times. And second, there probably will be times when you wonder why you ever chose the law. It is a very rewarding career (or can be) if you find work that aligns with your priorities and feeds your soul. I have known many lawyers who just decided to go for the big money at big firms and it made most of them miserable after a while. And I knew others (a precious few) who stuck to their passions and are still loving what they do long after they graduated.
That said, you are asking the right questions.
Law School - First, law school is demanding. As is undergrad. You need to focus on getting the best grades you can in college to get into the best law school you can. The reason for this is that the better the law school and the better your grades, the more options you have. If you go to a poor law school and get poor grades, you likely won’t have the choice to do the work you like after you graduate. Great grades can also mean scholarships. Many schools and organizations offer scholarships if your grades are good. I met a person a few weeks ago who did so well on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) that she got the offer of a free ride to an Ivy League law school. She decided to go to Yale instead, even though no free ride. So grades and scores do matter. So step 1: Focus on grades. If you are struggling, learn to study more efficiently and find a tutor.
Public Interest Work - Next, you will have A LOT of opportunities in law school to work on projects that interest you and even with actual clients. For example, during law school I had the amazing opportunity to work in the school’s Urban Law Clinic. In that program, under the supervision of an attorney-professor, we got to represent indigent clients charged with minor crimes (traffic offenses and misdemeanors) in court. I even got to try a few cases. I loved criminal law so this was a great experience. Other people in law school can opt to work in different types of internships with the state legislature (or even Congress) to work on legislation. You can also get work with firms that do more public interest work of the type you are interested in. Chances are there are also many student groups who that are formed to work on matters of public interest. Just keep your eyes and ears open.
Internships - Internships and summer clerkships at large law firms seem to be the most competitive. Internships and clerkships at courts, public interest firms, public defender offices, charities and non-profits are often less competitive and can provide you invaluable experience. Always be willing to take unpaid internships that provide great experience rather than focusing on paid work. Getting the experience and making new connections is generally more valuable than the money you earn in those kinds of roles. If you make connections doing volunteer work for a group that matches your beliefs, you might be able to get a paying job there after you graduate if they hire lawyers.
Networking - You are right to identify this opportunity. Network like crazy every chance you get. Social media, like LinkedIn and other tools make it easier than ever to stay connected. You never know who might give you your next job. Relationships are incredibly important in the law and you will have hundreds of opportunities to network. Join the clubs you like, join the student government, go to networking events, and stay in touch with people. I am a total introvert and a terrible networker and really struggle with it. So whether you are an introvert or extrovert, work at networking. It is a learned skill and you can get great at it.
Mentors - Always be looking for mentors. I have had many great mentors throughout t my legal career. Seek out people (professors, lawyers, anyone whom you admire and from whom you can learn) and soak up all you can. Many law firms have actual mentorship programs where junior associates are paired with more senior partners to help them learn what they don’t teach in law school. Take advantage of these opportunities. Too many younger attorneys I know wasted the opportunity because they didn’t take it seriously or viewed it as just one more task they had to complete. A good mentor is invaluable. And when the time comes and you have some experience, return the favor. Mentor others. Tell them about your mistakes and your successes. Help them grow.
Making a Difference - I see that you would like to make a difference. As a lawyer, it can be easy to make a difference to people on an individual basis. Helping your clients accomplish their goals, whether that is representing them through a criminal case or helping to save the family farm, will mean the world to them. However, if you want to make a broader impact, you probably need to think about working on legislation or maybe heading up an organization that helps larger numbers of people (think the ACLU or the Innocence Project, for example). Each state also has a state bar organization that is responsible for licensing and managing the attorneys in that state. If you want to impact the way lawyers practice, working for the state bar organization or a committee of the state bar is a great way to improve the practice for many lawyers across the state and ultimately for clients.
There are many ways to give back as an attorney. You will learn how the law is made, how to read the cases interpreting it, and how to guide clients through the complexities of it all. Depending on the job you take, your clients may be individuals, a non-profit that aligns with your goals or maybe even the state legislature. Explore as many opportunities as you can. You never know what your true calling may be. And NEVER sell yourself short. Don’t ever say to yourself, “That job is too competitive or prestigious. I’ll never get it.” You should still try. Always have faith in yourself.
And lastly, make a plan. Too many people go into law school hoping they will figure out what they want eventually. You have a passion. Make a plan around your passion, write it down, and revise it as you go and as you learn more about what really motivates you. To have a long career in the law, you need to find what feeds your soul. Hopefully it pays the bills too, but loving what you do is also very important, maybe the most important thing.
Good luck.
Get good grades in undergrad and law school to maximize your opportunities before and after graduation. Great grades = More and better opportunities.
Network like crazy. Your network is your lifeblood in the law. Join clubs in law school and go to events. Interesting, life-long contacts are everywhere.
Find great mentors. Learn from them. Mentors are invaluable.
Don’t be afraid to take unpaid volunteer opportunities to get exposure to new areas of law and new contacts. An unpaid gig can often lead to a paid one.
Decide whether you want to help individuals or make broader changes in law and policy. Make connections in those areas. Make a long term plan!
Great question. Actually, it’s several great questions.
First, it really helps if you are aiming at law school with a passion that drives you to keep you motivated. Four years in undergrad and then 3 years of law school (or more if you go part-time) is a long time to stay motivated. But if you have a desire to help underserved people or create change within the system that can sustain you through the difficult times. And second, there probably will be times when you wonder why you ever chose the law. It is a very rewarding career (or can be) if you find work that aligns with your priorities and feeds your soul. I have known many lawyers who just decided to go for the big money at big firms and it made most of them miserable after a while. And I knew others (a precious few) who stuck to their passions and are still loving what they do long after they graduated.
That said, you are asking the right questions.
Law School - First, law school is demanding. As is undergrad. You need to focus on getting the best grades you can in college to get into the best law school you can. The reason for this is that the better the law school and the better your grades, the more options you have. If you go to a poor law school and get poor grades, you likely won’t have the choice to do the work you like after you graduate. Great grades can also mean scholarships. Many schools and organizations offer scholarships if your grades are good. I met a person a few weeks ago who did so well on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) that she got the offer of a free ride to an Ivy League law school. She decided to go to Yale instead, even though no free ride. So grades and scores do matter. So step 1: Focus on grades. If you are struggling, learn to study more efficiently and find a tutor.
Public Interest Work - Next, you will have A LOT of opportunities in law school to work on projects that interest you and even with actual clients. For example, during law school I had the amazing opportunity to work in the school’s Urban Law Clinic. In that program, under the supervision of an attorney-professor, we got to represent indigent clients charged with minor crimes (traffic offenses and misdemeanors) in court. I even got to try a few cases. I loved criminal law so this was a great experience. Other people in law school can opt to work in different types of internships with the state legislature (or even Congress) to work on legislation. You can also get work with firms that do more public interest work of the type you are interested in. Chances are there are also many student groups who that are formed to work on matters of public interest. Just keep your eyes and ears open.
Internships - Internships and summer clerkships at large law firms seem to be the most competitive. Internships and clerkships at courts, public interest firms, public defender offices, charities and non-profits are often less competitive and can provide you invaluable experience. Always be willing to take unpaid internships that provide great experience rather than focusing on paid work. Getting the experience and making new connections is generally more valuable than the money you earn in those kinds of roles. If you make connections doing volunteer work for a group that matches your beliefs, you might be able to get a paying job there after you graduate if they hire lawyers.
Networking - You are right to identify this opportunity. Network like crazy every chance you get. Social media, like LinkedIn and other tools make it easier than ever to stay connected. You never know who might give you your next job. Relationships are incredibly important in the law and you will have hundreds of opportunities to network. Join the clubs you like, join the student government, go to networking events, and stay in touch with people. I am a total introvert and a terrible networker and really struggle with it. So whether you are an introvert or extrovert, work at networking. It is a learned skill and you can get great at it.
Mentors - Always be looking for mentors. I have had many great mentors throughout t my legal career. Seek out people (professors, lawyers, anyone whom you admire and from whom you can learn) and soak up all you can. Many law firms have actual mentorship programs where junior associates are paired with more senior partners to help them learn what they don’t teach in law school. Take advantage of these opportunities. Too many younger attorneys I know wasted the opportunity because they didn’t take it seriously or viewed it as just one more task they had to complete. A good mentor is invaluable. And when the time comes and you have some experience, return the favor. Mentor others. Tell them about your mistakes and your successes. Help them grow.
Making a Difference - I see that you would like to make a difference. As a lawyer, it can be easy to make a difference to people on an individual basis. Helping your clients accomplish their goals, whether that is representing them through a criminal case or helping to save the family farm, will mean the world to them. However, if you want to make a broader impact, you probably need to think about working on legislation or maybe heading up an organization that helps larger numbers of people (think the ACLU or the Innocence Project, for example). Each state also has a state bar organization that is responsible for licensing and managing the attorneys in that state. If you want to impact the way lawyers practice, working for the state bar organization or a committee of the state bar is a great way to improve the practice for many lawyers across the state and ultimately for clients.
There are many ways to give back as an attorney. You will learn how the law is made, how to read the cases interpreting it, and how to guide clients through the complexities of it all. Depending on the job you take, your clients may be individuals, a non-profit that aligns with your goals or maybe even the state legislature. Explore as many opportunities as you can. You never know what your true calling may be. And NEVER sell yourself short. Don’t ever say to yourself, “That job is too competitive or prestigious. I’ll never get it.” You should still try. Always have faith in yourself.
And lastly, make a plan. Too many people go into law school hoping they will figure out what they want eventually. You have a passion. Make a plan around your passion, write it down, and revise it as you go and as you learn more about what really motivates you. To have a long career in the law, you need to find what feeds your soul. Hopefully it pays the bills too, but loving what you do is also very important, maybe the most important thing.
Good luck.
Matthew L. recommends the following next steps: