6 answers
sarah
Student
Auburn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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I want a job as a lawyer, but that takes up a lot of time in my life what other job options do i have?
i really would like to be a lawyer, though my parents and family don’t think i could, i also wanna spend time with my family in the future but being a lawyer takes up a lot of time and i feel like i wouldn’t have time to do that. I don’t want to be an absent mom in my kids life. What are some options to make sure i have time for family.
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6 answers
Trevor Dawson
Consulting
99
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Check out similar jobs: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/alternative-jobs-for-lawyers
Baljit Gill
tutor
28
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hello Sarah,
Have you ever thought about exploring other avenues in the field of law, like becoming a paralegal? This role allows you to work fewer hours while still being an integral part of legal teams in private practices or in-house counsel groups. To qualify, you'll need a Bachelor's degree, and some states even mandate a specific number of hours working under the guidance of a licensed attorney. This career path can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
Have you ever thought about exploring other avenues in the field of law, like becoming a paralegal? This role allows you to work fewer hours while still being an integral part of legal teams in private practices or in-house counsel groups. To qualify, you'll need a Bachelor's degree, and some states even mandate a specific number of hours working under the guidance of a licensed attorney. This career path can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
There are many different kinds of lawyers, each having different roles and responsibilities. Some require long hours, but not all. A plaintiff lawyer for a large firm will (probably) require many more hours/week than a patent attorney in a boutique shop.
You can also start a private practice, and set your own hours. There are advantages and disadvantages to that. For example, if you don't work, you have no income. You have to do a lot more of the "non-lawyer work" (payroll, billing, office management, etc) yourself, but maybe that's worth it to you.
You could look at something like intellectual property, estate planning, or some other field of law that may not require long, grueling hours.
You can also start a private practice, and set your own hours. There are advantages and disadvantages to that. For example, if you don't work, you have no income. You have to do a lot more of the "non-lawyer work" (payroll, billing, office management, etc) yourself, but maybe that's worth it to you.
You could look at something like intellectual property, estate planning, or some other field of law that may not require long, grueling hours.
Matthew Connors
Attorney
11
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
There are a number of factors you need to consider in asking this question. First, if you and your partner have a child together, will one or both of you work? Who carries the medical insurance? You would be shocked to know how expensive insurance is for a family.
Many times, local governments offer part time work for attorneys so you are only in the office 3 days a week. Obviously, the pay is reduced from a full time position, but if time and flexibility are of greater importance to you, then that is a tradeoff you might consider.
Then there is always a question of what kind of law do you want to practice? Litigation can be more time consuming, especially if/when you are preparing for trial or on trial. Or you could work in a transactional setting where the work is more steady? Alternatively, you could pursue an in-house position with a company/school system/hospital system etc where you work in conjunction with other attorneys. Finally, some companies offer temporary legal assignments like document review etc where you are only contacted for a given period to do a specific task.
In sum, there is no simple answer to your question. You can try and assess what you think a good work/life balance is and then speak with attorneys in your area to learn if their careers are consistent with your goals.
Many times, local governments offer part time work for attorneys so you are only in the office 3 days a week. Obviously, the pay is reduced from a full time position, but if time and flexibility are of greater importance to you, then that is a tradeoff you might consider.
Then there is always a question of what kind of law do you want to practice? Litigation can be more time consuming, especially if/when you are preparing for trial or on trial. Or you could work in a transactional setting where the work is more steady? Alternatively, you could pursue an in-house position with a company/school system/hospital system etc where you work in conjunction with other attorneys. Finally, some companies offer temporary legal assignments like document review etc where you are only contacted for a given period to do a specific task.
In sum, there is no simple answer to your question. You can try and assess what you think a good work/life balance is and then speak with attorneys in your area to learn if their careers are consistent with your goals.
Stephanie Greenfield, CCEP
Compliance
3
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Sarah!
Keep in mind that there are other ways to work in the legal field without becoming a lawyer. Paralegals and legal support professionals are always in demand and are critical parts of law firms or companies with in-house legal departments. Time demands determined by many different factors including area of law, whether you work in a law firm, at a company, or for the government, and experience level.
The best way to figure out whether working as an attorney is for you is to work at a law office, whether as an intern, file clerk, or any other type of legal support. This can give you a realtime look into what working as an attorney can look like on a day to day. Good luck!
Keep in mind that there are other ways to work in the legal field without becoming a lawyer. Paralegals and legal support professionals are always in demand and are critical parts of law firms or companies with in-house legal departments. Time demands determined by many different factors including area of law, whether you work in a law firm, at a company, or for the government, and experience level.
The best way to figure out whether working as an attorney is for you is to work at a law office, whether as an intern, file clerk, or any other type of legal support. This can give you a realtime look into what working as an attorney can look like on a day to day. Good luck!
Stacy Yerushalmi
Attorney
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Stacy’s Answer
Hi Matthew -
I think you are wise to consider this issue before you attend law school. IMO, the most important thing right now is to figure out how much you truly want to be an attorney. The skills you learn there will be invaluable in any job/profession you wantto pursue, even if you decide not to practice law, but if you don’t want it enough then spending 3 years of your life in law school racking up debt, etc. is not the way to go.
Only you can decide if law is the thing for you. It is a big commitment. If it is a matter of your believing that you have the right set of skills to be a good attorney, there are other professions that will call for those skills for which you won’t need a law degree.
The practice of law can be very demanding time wise. If you work in a law firm, there are usually a certain minimum # billable hours that you must attain before getting bonuses, raises, or just keeping your job. The biggest law firms usually require the highest number of hours; smaller firms may or may not have the same minimum, or a lower number. Many early career lawyers start out practicing in a law firm to get that experience, then transition to in-house positions or government positions, or just leave law. In-house positions are desirable bc they have no billable requirements and usually have more regular hours, although this is not always true. Government jobs have fewer, more regular hours as well, although they often do not pay as much. I’m just pointing out here that with a law degree you can still practice law in positions that typically do not require lengthy hours beyond a typical work day.
If you are intrigued by law but don’t want to go thru law school, etc. you could try being a paralegal. There may be a certain billable requirement you have to meet, but they are usually much fewer than an attorney is required to do, and you can still get very involved in the cases. In some situations, a paralegal can attend trials.
Please keep in mind that many professions outside of law will require a lot of hours, at least initially, so I think you should factor that in. It’s awesome that you have your priorities straight at this time, but it’s not just law that can be demanding.
Best of luck!
I think you are wise to consider this issue before you attend law school. IMO, the most important thing right now is to figure out how much you truly want to be an attorney. The skills you learn there will be invaluable in any job/profession you wantto pursue, even if you decide not to practice law, but if you don’t want it enough then spending 3 years of your life in law school racking up debt, etc. is not the way to go.
Only you can decide if law is the thing for you. It is a big commitment. If it is a matter of your believing that you have the right set of skills to be a good attorney, there are other professions that will call for those skills for which you won’t need a law degree.
The practice of law can be very demanding time wise. If you work in a law firm, there are usually a certain minimum # billable hours that you must attain before getting bonuses, raises, or just keeping your job. The biggest law firms usually require the highest number of hours; smaller firms may or may not have the same minimum, or a lower number. Many early career lawyers start out practicing in a law firm to get that experience, then transition to in-house positions or government positions, or just leave law. In-house positions are desirable bc they have no billable requirements and usually have more regular hours, although this is not always true. Government jobs have fewer, more regular hours as well, although they often do not pay as much. I’m just pointing out here that with a law degree you can still practice law in positions that typically do not require lengthy hours beyond a typical work day.
If you are intrigued by law but don’t want to go thru law school, etc. you could try being a paralegal. There may be a certain billable requirement you have to meet, but they are usually much fewer than an attorney is required to do, and you can still get very involved in the cases. In some situations, a paralegal can attend trials.
Please keep in mind that many professions outside of law will require a lot of hours, at least initially, so I think you should factor that in. It’s awesome that you have your priorities straight at this time, but it’s not just law that can be demanding.
Best of luck!
With a number of years of practice under your belt, you may wish to consider other roles outside of practice - such as Knowledge Management or working as a lawyer for a consulting firm (smaller projects assigned/ or working on specific initiatives) which would provide you with greater flexibility. You will have to work hard and long hours for a number of years to get the right experience - but with that experience, you can then choose work which is more flexible and gives you more time with a family. Good luck
Lisa Gordon