5 answers
Olachi
Student
Owerri, Imo, Nigeria
1
Question
Updated
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How would I know if law is truly the thing for me? Is it always lucrative?
I have been confused for a while. I am looking for something interesting enough to keep me on my game, but also something i am good at and can bring in a shining income. It doesn't help that I've never been able to truly pick out what I want, I always have to consider the interests of my parent. For law, I found interest when I was reading about intellectual property, but it is not really notable in my country. What do I do?
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5 answers
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
134
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Olachi:
Great answers already. Great question!
I have been a lawyer for over 40 years. I love it - but it has it's good and bad times. It can be a profitable career but it can also be a tough career. I know some rich lawyers but more poor lawyers.
I was an insurance adjuster after college. Hated it. Wanted to go to Medical School to help others. Circumstances and money put an end to that. I went to grad school to become a teacher but after school could not find a job. However, while in Grad school met the teachers union and thought that would be fun. During this time I loaded and unloaded trucks; drove a cab; sold stuff over the phone was a day camp counselor to name but a few. However, like you, I wanted something that pushed me and kept me "on my game"!
Eventually I wound up in Law School. Law School was great. Stretches your brain. Hard work but fun. It is after school things get tricky. The path you choose after school will determine the money you make. Public service law helps many; private practice can be more lucrative.
Intellectual property law can be very lucrative - depending on the clients.
Law school will help point you in the direction you may want to undertake. It's a choice you will need to make.
In the mean time - enjoy yourself. Learn from all your experiences; A well rounded person makes a better lawyer. Remember - your parents want what is best for you. Talk to them and learn from them and follow your own path! Good Luck!
Great answers already. Great question!
I have been a lawyer for over 40 years. I love it - but it has it's good and bad times. It can be a profitable career but it can also be a tough career. I know some rich lawyers but more poor lawyers.
I was an insurance adjuster after college. Hated it. Wanted to go to Medical School to help others. Circumstances and money put an end to that. I went to grad school to become a teacher but after school could not find a job. However, while in Grad school met the teachers union and thought that would be fun. During this time I loaded and unloaded trucks; drove a cab; sold stuff over the phone was a day camp counselor to name but a few. However, like you, I wanted something that pushed me and kept me "on my game"!
Eventually I wound up in Law School. Law School was great. Stretches your brain. Hard work but fun. It is after school things get tricky. The path you choose after school will determine the money you make. Public service law helps many; private practice can be more lucrative.
Intellectual property law can be very lucrative - depending on the clients.
Law school will help point you in the direction you may want to undertake. It's a choice you will need to make.
In the mean time - enjoy yourself. Learn from all your experiences; A well rounded person makes a better lawyer. Remember - your parents want what is best for you. Talk to them and learn from them and follow your own path! Good Luck!
Thank you for the advice, Mr.Dennis
Olachi
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Olachi,
The influence of parents can be cause for concern. Parents want what they think is best for their children. Unfortunately, they sometimes exercise what we consider to be undue influence over our lives. This takes many forms, from refusing to pay for an education in music, to totally disinheriting a child. Only you can decide how best to address this, although I encourage you to discuss it with trusted adults outside the family - such as school counselors or church officials.
As you already know, law takes many forms. So, with an education in law you can work in many different areas, or even "outside" the legal field. If you are going to stay in your country, I honestly cannot advise you. I hope that, should you find your opportunities restricted in your country, that you consider moving to a less restrictive environment.
Please do not be deterred in life because what you want is not easy to obtain. Keep going, keep pushing. If you want it, it can become reality!
The influence of parents can be cause for concern. Parents want what they think is best for their children. Unfortunately, they sometimes exercise what we consider to be undue influence over our lives. This takes many forms, from refusing to pay for an education in music, to totally disinheriting a child. Only you can decide how best to address this, although I encourage you to discuss it with trusted adults outside the family - such as school counselors or church officials.
As you already know, law takes many forms. So, with an education in law you can work in many different areas, or even "outside" the legal field. If you are going to stay in your country, I honestly cannot advise you. I hope that, should you find your opportunities restricted in your country, that you consider moving to a less restrictive environment.
Please do not be deterred in life because what you want is not easy to obtain. Keep going, keep pushing. If you want it, it can become reality!
Thank you Miss Kim. This is really helpful.
Olachi
Katie Strom
Human Resources
11
Answers
Concord, California
Updated
Katie’s Answer
You might be surprised how many adults are in careers outside their original field of study. People often have a narrow idea of what careers are lucrative and can provide a good living. With a background in law you can be useful to many companies and have a thriving career, so broaden your scope to see what interests you. While you might feel pressure to have it all figured out now, often times you won't really know until you get some work experience. I would suggest exploring internships if you have that option. Explore jobs posting in your area and see what pay rates are (even for positions that you are not currently qualified for) to get an idea of what opportunities exist to see if maybe there are other career paths that could be a fit for you.
Thank you so much, Miss Katie.
Olachi
Marva Levine
Attorney
12
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marva’s Answer
I am writing to wish you good luck in your path. I also want to share with you something that has helped me in my career. I decided a long time ago that having a good, stable income was the most important thing for me, and that I would find something in my job that I enjoyed and that I was good at. I put money first, and left it up to me to find the other rewards of work. And it worked. This enabled me to have realistic expectations about what my career would bring me other than money. Once I reset my expectations, I found that I could meet those expectations and more. I then used my money to make my family's life easier, which has brought me tremendous joy. In my case, that joy is more important than the most exciting career. I can use my spare time to find excitement outside of work.
Other people don't care as much about money, but want a job that will make them feel challenged and engaged. Those people will pick a different path, and they will find their enjoyment through work.
Can you have it all? A well-paid, secure career at something that you love? Maybe - but it isn't easy to find. Most people wish they were earning more or had a more exciting job.
So decide what is most important for you, and then work towards those goals. Good luck to you.
Other people don't care as much about money, but want a job that will make them feel challenged and engaged. Those people will pick a different path, and they will find their enjoyment through work.
Can you have it all? A well-paid, secure career at something that you love? Maybe - but it isn't easy to find. Most people wish they were earning more or had a more exciting job.
So decide what is most important for you, and then work towards those goals. Good luck to you.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3798
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Olachi,
Exploring the Fascinating World of Law
Choosing law as a career path can be a daunting decision. It's crucial to weigh your interests, abilities, and the potential for financial security in this profession. Here are some vital elements to ponder when deciding if law is the perfect match for you:
Passion and Interest
Primarily, it's vital to gauge your real passion and interest in the legal field. If you find yourself captivated by law-related topics, like intellectual property, it could suggest that you're naturally inclined towards legal studies. Reflect on whether you enjoy delving into legal cases, debating intricate issues, and scrutinizing laws and regulations.
Skills Evaluation
Evaluate your skills to see if they match the requirements of a legal career. Proficient analytical thinking, research capabilities, critical reasoning, and effective communication skills are key in the law profession. Consider whether you have these skills or the potential to cultivate them through education and practice.
Financial Factors
While law can be a profitable profession for many, it's crucial to understand that financial success isn't assured for everyone in this field. Elements such as your specialization area, geographical location, and experience level can greatly affect your earning potential. Investigating average salaries and career prospects in your specific area can offer valuable insights into the financial aspects of a legal career.
Intellectual Property Law
If intellectual property law captivates you, it's worth investigating its significance and opportunities within your country. While it might not be as well-known in some regions, intellectual property law is vital in safeguarding innovations, creative works, and technological progress. Think about connecting with professionals or organizations in intellectual property law to gain a better understanding of its potential in your local context.
Parental Expectations
It's typical for individuals to consider their parents' expectations when making career choices. However, it's crucial to prioritize your own interests and goals while also keeping an open dialogue with your parents about your career exploration process. Discussing your thoughts and worries with them can lead to valuable insights and support as you navigate this decision-making journey.
Seeking Advice
Consider seeking advice from career counselors, legal professionals, or mentors who can offer valuable advice based on their experiences in the law field. Participating in informational interviews or shadowing opportunities can give you firsthand exposure to the realities of practicing law and help you make an informed decision.
In the end, deciding if law is the right path for you involves careful self-reflection, research, and seeking advice from trusted sources. By evaluating your interests, skills, financial factors, and exploring specific law areas that intrigue you, you can gain clarity on whether a legal career aligns with your aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Reference Publications:
Harvard Law School - Career Services Office: This source offers comprehensive insights into various legal career paths, including information on different specialization areas within the law field.
American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA provides valuable resources related to legal education, career development, and specialized law areas such as intellectual property.
The Balance Careers - Legal Careers: This publication provides detailed information on the financial aspects of a legal career, including salary trends and factors influencing earning potential in the law profession.
These credible sources were used to provide accurate and reliable information regarding career considerations in the law field.
Just refer to my autobiography in the section called James Frangos To obtain some advanced nutritional principles that will help your performance and academic work physical work learning intellectual quotient as well to make you a more effective person you need peak nutrition.
May God bless you,
James.
Exploring the Fascinating World of Law
Choosing law as a career path can be a daunting decision. It's crucial to weigh your interests, abilities, and the potential for financial security in this profession. Here are some vital elements to ponder when deciding if law is the perfect match for you:
Passion and Interest
Primarily, it's vital to gauge your real passion and interest in the legal field. If you find yourself captivated by law-related topics, like intellectual property, it could suggest that you're naturally inclined towards legal studies. Reflect on whether you enjoy delving into legal cases, debating intricate issues, and scrutinizing laws and regulations.
Skills Evaluation
Evaluate your skills to see if they match the requirements of a legal career. Proficient analytical thinking, research capabilities, critical reasoning, and effective communication skills are key in the law profession. Consider whether you have these skills or the potential to cultivate them through education and practice.
Financial Factors
While law can be a profitable profession for many, it's crucial to understand that financial success isn't assured for everyone in this field. Elements such as your specialization area, geographical location, and experience level can greatly affect your earning potential. Investigating average salaries and career prospects in your specific area can offer valuable insights into the financial aspects of a legal career.
Intellectual Property Law
If intellectual property law captivates you, it's worth investigating its significance and opportunities within your country. While it might not be as well-known in some regions, intellectual property law is vital in safeguarding innovations, creative works, and technological progress. Think about connecting with professionals or organizations in intellectual property law to gain a better understanding of its potential in your local context.
Parental Expectations
It's typical for individuals to consider their parents' expectations when making career choices. However, it's crucial to prioritize your own interests and goals while also keeping an open dialogue with your parents about your career exploration process. Discussing your thoughts and worries with them can lead to valuable insights and support as you navigate this decision-making journey.
Seeking Advice
Consider seeking advice from career counselors, legal professionals, or mentors who can offer valuable advice based on their experiences in the law field. Participating in informational interviews or shadowing opportunities can give you firsthand exposure to the realities of practicing law and help you make an informed decision.
In the end, deciding if law is the right path for you involves careful self-reflection, research, and seeking advice from trusted sources. By evaluating your interests, skills, financial factors, and exploring specific law areas that intrigue you, you can gain clarity on whether a legal career aligns with your aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Reference Publications:
Harvard Law School - Career Services Office: This source offers comprehensive insights into various legal career paths, including information on different specialization areas within the law field.
American Bar Association (ABA): The ABA provides valuable resources related to legal education, career development, and specialized law areas such as intellectual property.
The Balance Careers - Legal Careers: This publication provides detailed information on the financial aspects of a legal career, including salary trends and factors influencing earning potential in the law profession.
These credible sources were used to provide accurate and reliable information regarding career considerations in the law field.
Just refer to my autobiography in the section called James Frangos To obtain some advanced nutritional principles that will help your performance and academic work physical work learning intellectual quotient as well to make you a more effective person you need peak nutrition.
May God bless you,
James.
I really appreciate this dear Mr.James. It is extremely helpful, more than I have words to express and I will also lookup the nutritional principles.
Olachi
Very useful information and well said!
Donna Bader