3 answers
Jose
Student
Stanford, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do you decide what law field to pursue and how soon should one know that decision?
History major, undergrad
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3 answers
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
171
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Jose:
You will know it when you see it! Really!
I played sports almost my entire younger life. When I got into law school I had planned on working in Education Law. Second year I had to take a trial practice course. It was so much like playing sports I fell in love. I practiced trial law for the last 43 years. No regrets.
Jose, law school changes the way you think and approach things. Law School, by design, introduces you to many topics - some REALLY boring, some relly fun. However as you get exposed to these different areas you'll see and feel which one is for you. You'll know.
So don't worry about your decision. Have fun, enjoy the learning and remember, let the field choose you.
You will know it when you see it! Really!
I played sports almost my entire younger life. When I got into law school I had planned on working in Education Law. Second year I had to take a trial practice course. It was so much like playing sports I fell in love. I practiced trial law for the last 43 years. No regrets.
Jose, law school changes the way you think and approach things. Law School, by design, introduces you to many topics - some REALLY boring, some relly fun. However as you get exposed to these different areas you'll see and feel which one is for you. You'll know.
So don't worry about your decision. Have fun, enjoy the learning and remember, let the field choose you.
Cliff J. Orango
Lawyer
2
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Cliff J.’s Answer
Hi Jose, you could consider doing internships when you can. You can choose to intern in a law firm and then in a corporate to get a feel of both sides. During your internship you can take time to determine your areas of interest and then decide whether you want to pursue that. What would be constant in both fields is the requirement to read and to keep reading to be updated on the law and emerging areas of the law. This should give you a good idea on what areas of law you want to pursue.
Benjamin Smith
Corporate Legal Counsel
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Hi Jose,
Start by identifying which areas of law interest you most. As you enter law school, let these interests guide your choice of courses. As you progress, you'll gain a deeper understanding and your interests may shift. Take advantage of internships in various fields, like litigation or corporate law, to see firsthand what each area involves. This practical experience is crucial because studying law and practicing it are quite different.
By your final year, you'll likely have a clearer idea of which legal field you want to pursue. However, remember that it's normal to change paths. Many people switch areas after realizing their initial choice isn't fulfilling. The key is to explore different fields early on and remain open to new possibilities. Good luck!
Start by identifying which areas of law interest you most. As you enter law school, let these interests guide your choice of courses. As you progress, you'll gain a deeper understanding and your interests may shift. Take advantage of internships in various fields, like litigation or corporate law, to see firsthand what each area involves. This practical experience is crucial because studying law and practicing it are quite different.
By your final year, you'll likely have a clearer idea of which legal field you want to pursue. However, remember that it's normal to change paths. Many people switch areas after realizing their initial choice isn't fulfilling. The key is to explore different fields early on and remain open to new possibilities. Good luck!