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How do you balance the emotional weight of defending or prosecuting cases with your personal life ?

I’m a student interested in criminal justice and plan to become an attorney. I’m still early in my journey, so I want to understand what challenges I might face emotionally and how to prepare for them. I’ve always been drawn to helping others and standing up for what’s right, but I also know this career can be heavy at times. I’d love to hear how you personally manage stress, avoid burnout, and keep perspective while working in such a demanding field.

career law fall25 criminal-justice attorney
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DENNIS’s Answer

Hi Alexandra: Valley Stream is a great place. Nassau County Criminal Court is where you need to go to watch a criminal case! I strongly recommend that (Queens might be closer but Nassau is safer)
In answer to your question - you need to get your priorities straight. A criminal defense lawyer can get called out in the middle of the night if a client gets arrested. DAs often have to go to crime scenes to make sure the evidence is collected properly. These are time issues. Tough to do if you have to get kids off to school in the morning. However, doable!
Sometimes the crime is so offensive it bothers you. In those cases you refuse to take the case. Remember - you can walk away.
Bottom line - you set your own priorities. Live by them. Set your own boundaries.
Alexandra - a lawyer - criminal, civil, tax, corporate, or anything else - are always pulled in many directions. Best advice - just be yourself. Be true to what is important to you. Oddly it works its way out!
Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hi Mr. Breen, Thank you so much! I really appreciate all of your advice and will definitely be using it moving forward. Your perspective on balancing priorities, setting boundaries, and staying true to what matters most was incredibly helpful. I’ve actually been to Nassau County Criminal Court to watch a few cases, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing how everything works in real time. It’s been a great way to understand the pace, the atmosphere, and the kind of decision‑making that happens on the spot. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, it truly means a lot! Alexandra
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Katherine’s Answer

If you're interested in criminal law, it's likely because you care deeply about justice. Prosecutors work hard to bring wrongdoers to justice and support victims. On the other hand, defense attorneys play a crucial role by ensuring everyone gets a fair defense, even if their clients seem guilty. This is important because the prosecution must prove someone is guilty. To see if this field is right for you, consider volunteering for an unpaid internship with a prosecutor's office or a legal services organization that helps those in need with civil and criminal cases. This experience can help you decide if law is your true calling. Remember, there are many types of lawyers, so it's wise to explore different areas of law before committing to a law degree. Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Hi Mrs. Lee, Thank you so much for sharing this! I really appreciate the perspective. I agree that an interest in criminal law often comes from caring about fairness and justice, and it’s helpful to hear how both prosecutors and defense attorneys contribute to that balance. I’ve already spent some time observing cases in Nassau County Criminal Court, and it’s been incredibly eye‑opening. Exploring internships with a prosecutor’s office or a legal services organization sounds like a great next step, and I’m planning to look into those opportunities. Thank you again for the encouragement and the reminder to explore different areas of law. I’m excited to keep learning and see where I fit within the legal field. Alexandra
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