4 answers
Jonah
Student
Portland, Maine
1
Question
Asked
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What does a lawyer do in life?
What does it take to become a super successful person in life using good college and being a lawyer, What can I do to have a good life and have a good amount of money.
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4 answers
Deborah Chang
Business Development
24
Answers
San Carlos, California
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
I'll respond to your inquiry drawing from my extensive experience of over 15 years, during which I practiced various kinds of law in diverse settings. My background includes working as a corporate securities lawyer at a prominent law firm and serving in the legal departments of several companies. My responsibilities involved advising clients, examining and drafting documents, managing intricate negotiations, and assisting clients in finalizing deals. Although I briefly worked in litigation, I found it uninteresting and didn't enjoy arguing or making court appearances.
It's important to note that practicing law is distinct from studying law in school or watching legal dramas on TV.
Success in the legal field is subjective, but I recommend discovering an area of law that you find enjoyable. With numerous legal specialties available and a wide range of applications for a law degree, you have plenty of options to explore.
I hope you find this information helpful.
It's important to note that practicing law is distinct from studying law in school or watching legal dramas on TV.
Success in the legal field is subjective, but I recommend discovering an area of law that you find enjoyable. With numerous legal specialties available and a wide range of applications for a law degree, you have plenty of options to explore.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
So much to unpack from your question.
What does "super successful" and "good life" and "good amount of money" mean to you? There is not an objective right answer, but what they mean to you should drive your planning. For example, for me, being successful and having a good life are more than a specific amount of money. They include having meaningful work, feeling like I am helping others, and being able to balance my work with my family life.
As Deborah's answer implied, you can apply a law degree in different ways and different types of organizations. You could combine law with other interests, such as engineering, tax, real estate, etc. Working for a law firm will likely pay the most, but also involve more stress and hours. Working for a corporation will likely pay well and be less stressful. Studying the law gives you analytical and communications skills that you also could apply in non-legal roles.
Finally, not all law schools and law jobs are as cut-throat as Marcelius indicates. As you explore potential opportunities, be sure to ask about the culture and work life.
Write down what being successful means to you so you can keep refining the definition to you.
Try to connect with lawyers in your town or through your college to build your knowledge about law school and the legal field, in general
What does "super successful" and "good life" and "good amount of money" mean to you? There is not an objective right answer, but what they mean to you should drive your planning. For example, for me, being successful and having a good life are more than a specific amount of money. They include having meaningful work, feeling like I am helping others, and being able to balance my work with my family life.
As Deborah's answer implied, you can apply a law degree in different ways and different types of organizations. You could combine law with other interests, such as engineering, tax, real estate, etc. Working for a law firm will likely pay the most, but also involve more stress and hours. Working for a corporation will likely pay well and be less stressful. Studying the law gives you analytical and communications skills that you also could apply in non-legal roles.
Finally, not all law schools and law jobs are as cut-throat as Marcelius indicates. As you explore potential opportunities, be sure to ask about the culture and work life.
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Nicole Barsky
psychotherapist
4
Answers
Salem, Massachusetts
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Try an internship at local law firm . Also lawyers.com and other platforms for which type of law you would like to practice.
Mustabsheera Vengus
GMBPsS 🎓 | Aspiring Psychologist | Behavior Therapist | Counselor | Mentor
38
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Mustabsheera’s Answer
Lawyers play a crucial role in society, advocating for and providing legal representation to individuals, organizations, or causes. Their responsibilities and duties can vary depending on their specialization and the type of law they practice. Here are some common activities and responsibilities of lawyers:
Providing Legal Advice: Lawyers consult with clients to understand their legal issues and provide guidance and advice based on their expertise and knowledge of the law. They help clients understand their rights, obligations, and available legal options.
Researching and Analyzing: Lawyers conduct thorough research and analysis of relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents related to their clients' cases. They gather evidence, review contracts, statutes, and legal documents to build a strong legal argument.
Drafting Legal Documents: Lawyers prepare and review legal documents such as contracts, wills, trusts, agreements, and court pleadings. They ensure that these documents accurately reflect the client's intentions and comply with the applicable legal requirements.
Representing Clients in Court: Lawyers may represent clients in various legal proceedings, including trials, hearings, or negotiations. They present evidence, make legal arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for their clients' interests.
Negotiating Settlements: Lawyers often negotiate on behalf of their clients to reach favorable settlements outside of court. They engage in discussions, mediations, or arbitration to resolve disputes and protect their clients' rights and interests.
Client Counseling and Communication: Lawyers maintain regular communication with their clients, keeping them informed about the progress of their cases, providing updates, and advising on the best course of action. They may also offer emotional support during challenging legal processes.
Legal Research and Continuing Education: Lawyers stay updated on legal developments, precedents, and changes in legislation. They engage in ongoing legal research and participate in continuing education programs to enhance their knowledge and expertise.
Ethical and Professional Responsibilities: Lawyers are bound by professional ethics and must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. They maintain client confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest while representing their clients.
Specializations and Areas of Practice: Lawyers can specialize in various areas of law, such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, intellectual property law, environmental law, immigration law, or tax law. Specializing allows lawyers to focus on specific legal issues and become experts in their chosen fields.
It's important to note that the specific roles and responsibilities of lawyers can vary depending on the jurisdiction, legal system, and the type of law practiced. Lawyers may work in private law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or as solo practitioners, each with unique demands and areas of focus.
Providing Legal Advice: Lawyers consult with clients to understand their legal issues and provide guidance and advice based on their expertise and knowledge of the law. They help clients understand their rights, obligations, and available legal options.
Researching and Analyzing: Lawyers conduct thorough research and analysis of relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents related to their clients' cases. They gather evidence, review contracts, statutes, and legal documents to build a strong legal argument.
Drafting Legal Documents: Lawyers prepare and review legal documents such as contracts, wills, trusts, agreements, and court pleadings. They ensure that these documents accurately reflect the client's intentions and comply with the applicable legal requirements.
Representing Clients in Court: Lawyers may represent clients in various legal proceedings, including trials, hearings, or negotiations. They present evidence, make legal arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for their clients' interests.
Negotiating Settlements: Lawyers often negotiate on behalf of their clients to reach favorable settlements outside of court. They engage in discussions, mediations, or arbitration to resolve disputes and protect their clients' rights and interests.
Client Counseling and Communication: Lawyers maintain regular communication with their clients, keeping them informed about the progress of their cases, providing updates, and advising on the best course of action. They may also offer emotional support during challenging legal processes.
Legal Research and Continuing Education: Lawyers stay updated on legal developments, precedents, and changes in legislation. They engage in ongoing legal research and participate in continuing education programs to enhance their knowledge and expertise.
Ethical and Professional Responsibilities: Lawyers are bound by professional ethics and must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism. They maintain client confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest while representing their clients.
Specializations and Areas of Practice: Lawyers can specialize in various areas of law, such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, intellectual property law, environmental law, immigration law, or tax law. Specializing allows lawyers to focus on specific legal issues and become experts in their chosen fields.
It's important to note that the specific roles and responsibilities of lawyers can vary depending on the jurisdiction, legal system, and the type of law practiced. Lawyers may work in private law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or as solo practitioners, each with unique demands and areas of focus.