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How does someone realize what kind of law they want to practice?
I am currently a third-year student at UCSD, and I've decided to pursue law school after graduating. I was hoping for some tips to figure out what kind of law I would like to practice.
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Karima’s Answer
That’s exciting—great move planning ahead!
To figure out what type of law fits you best:
Take a variety of law-related classes to explore different areas.
Join pre-law clubs or events to meet people in the field.
Shadow attorneys or do internships in different legal settings (courts, firms, nonprofits).
Talk to law students or alumni about their experiences.
Follow what sparks your interest and plays to your strengths—you’ll figure it out step by step!
To figure out what type of law fits you best:
Take a variety of law-related classes to explore different areas.
Join pre-law clubs or events to meet people in the field.
Shadow attorneys or do internships in different legal settings (courts, firms, nonprofits).
Talk to law students or alumni about their experiences.
Follow what sparks your interest and plays to your strengths—you’ll figure it out step by step!
Updated
Ticiana’s Answer
Hello Alissica
In addition to the tips above, you may also consider other unpredictable things. When I started studying law, I had in mind that I was going to enjoy and possibly practice in specific areas (in principle, tax and/or labor, either of them mostly in litigation; I've always said to myself I wasn't going to work with contracts*, for example).
However, the experiences we are exposed during our studies and potential internships may take us to different routes. I really did not enjoy studying tax law and did not see much future in labor law in my home country, and after 2-3 years in litigation I've also realized that wasn't for me. After years as an in-house lawyer, today I love all about contracts (!) and I've found myself only working in company's legal departments. Even though I love the Law-based series like Suits and The Good Wife, my career was never even close to what's represented there... of course, these would be some high paying jobs that some will still like and pursue, but it varies according to our personalities and life experience.
Remember that we can also change our preferences along the way, so what's important is that you feel happy about it :)
Take care and good luck!
In addition to the tips above, you may also consider other unpredictable things. When I started studying law, I had in mind that I was going to enjoy and possibly practice in specific areas (in principle, tax and/or labor, either of them mostly in litigation; I've always said to myself I wasn't going to work with contracts*, for example).
However, the experiences we are exposed during our studies and potential internships may take us to different routes. I really did not enjoy studying tax law and did not see much future in labor law in my home country, and after 2-3 years in litigation I've also realized that wasn't for me. After years as an in-house lawyer, today I love all about contracts (!) and I've found myself only working in company's legal departments. Even though I love the Law-based series like Suits and The Good Wife, my career was never even close to what's represented there... of course, these would be some high paying jobs that some will still like and pursue, but it varies according to our personalities and life experience.
Remember that we can also change our preferences along the way, so what's important is that you feel happy about it :)
Take care and good luck!
Updated
Alex’s Answer
When I began law school, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, so I took different classes and explored many options. It's important to stay open-minded and follow what you enjoy. I studied psychology in college, but in law school, I discovered a passion for tax law. I embraced my interests in tax classes and have never regretted it! Trust in your interests, and everything will turn out wonderfully!