3 answers
Tanzie
Student
Silsbee, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What is it like Being a lawyer??
What is it like being a lawyer? I am thinking about becoming one but im not sure which type I want to go into. I want to enjoy my job, and make connections with people and be well respected in the mean-time.
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3 answers
Donna Bader
Attorney
24
Answers
Yachats, OR
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hi, Tanzie,
Figuring out what type of lawyer you want to be will probably answer your question. If you like “performing,” can think fast on your feet and being a trial lawyer appeals to you, then you will face a lot of excitement as there are so many unknowns in the courtroom that you cannot prepare for. It’s a lot of anxiety but trial lawyers tell me that they just come alive in the courtroom. If you are a bookish type and don’t want to deal with clients or opposing attorneys, then there is a place for you but then your most important skills would be research and writing. You could combine being a lawyer with business, so you then have to consider whether you would like to run your own business. Enjoying your job means matching your skills with the job so that you can enjoy what you are doing. Being well respected covers every area; if you have integrity and do your job well, you will likely be respected among your peers. “Making connections” sounds kind of vague to me. You can make a connection when you go through the checkout line at the grocery store. You would have to be more specific.
Figuring out what type of lawyer you want to be will probably answer your question. If you like “performing,” can think fast on your feet and being a trial lawyer appeals to you, then you will face a lot of excitement as there are so many unknowns in the courtroom that you cannot prepare for. It’s a lot of anxiety but trial lawyers tell me that they just come alive in the courtroom. If you are a bookish type and don’t want to deal with clients or opposing attorneys, then there is a place for you but then your most important skills would be research and writing. You could combine being a lawyer with business, so you then have to consider whether you would like to run your own business. Enjoying your job means matching your skills with the job so that you can enjoy what you are doing. Being well respected covers every area; if you have integrity and do your job well, you will likely be respected among your peers. “Making connections” sounds kind of vague to me. You can make a connection when you go through the checkout line at the grocery store. You would have to be more specific.
Thank you Donna, I'm a high school student trying to figure out what kind of lawyer I want to be. I want to make good money, but i live in a small town. Ever seen Legally Blonde? I'm blonde too and she's my role model I want to have fun with my job and what I mean by "making connections" is that I want to work with or around people and not be cooped up in a boring office all day.
Tanzie
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Tanzie, while I'm not a lawyer, my son is in his last semester of law school and my ex-wife was an attorney. I thought about it, having majored in Political Science as an undergraduate. There are many areas of law, some appealing to me, some objectionable. Were I to study law, I personally would consider environmental, civil rights, legal aid, consumer, health care, family or constitutional law. There are tremendous opportunities to fight for social justice in these times. But one has to go into the field understanding that the justice system isn't always fair or about what's right, and there's plenty of bias. Sure, there are rules, but a lot of it is gamesmanship, winning and losing based on playing one's hand better than the opposition. So you have to be tough, keep your perspective and integrity, and hone your skills. It can be the most noble of professions or one that is despised. So the question becomes, what about it appeals to you? Would you be going into it to help people, to make money, to gain power, to bring about change? Do you see yourself prosecuting or defending? I'm sure there are opportunities for you to sit in a courtroom and observe. It's generally not like what you see on TV.
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Being a lawyer can be a challenging yet rewarding profession. Here are some aspects to consider:
Education and Training: To become a lawyer, you typically need to complete a bachelor's degree and then attend law school. Law school involves rigorous academic study and practical training in legal skills.
Specialization: Lawyers often specialize in a specific area of law, such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, environmental law, etc. This specialization allows them to develop expertise in a particular field.
Research and Analysis: A significant part of a lawyer's work involves research and analysis of legal issues. This includes reviewing case law, statutes, and regulations to provide accurate and relevant advice to clients.
Client Interaction: Lawyers work closely with clients to understand their legal needs, provide advice, and represent them in legal proceedings. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial in building trust with clients.
Courtroom Presence: Litigation lawyers may find themselves in court representing clients. This involves presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal submissions. Confidence, eloquence, and knowledge of courtroom procedures are essential.
Long Hours and Stress: The legal profession is known for demanding work schedules and tight deadlines. Lawyers often work long hours to meet client needs and prepare for legal proceedings. This can result in high levels of stress.
Ethical Responsibilities: Lawyers must adhere to a strict code of ethics. Upholding the law and acting in the best interests of their clients while maintaining ethical standards is a delicate balance.
Continuous Learning: Laws are constantly evolving, and lawyers need to stay updated on legal developments. Continuing legal education is essential for maintaining competence and staying informed about changes in the legal landscape.
Variety of Work Environments: Lawyers may work in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or as solo practitioners. The work environment can vary significantly based on the type of practice.
Financial Rewards: While lawyers can earn competitive salaries, the financial rewards often come after years of education, training, and gaining experience. The financial outlook can vary based on factors such as the type of law practiced and geographic location.
In summary, being a lawyer requires a combination of legal knowledge, analytical skills, effective communication, and a strong work ethic. It can be a challenging profession, but for those passionate about the law, it offers opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and society.
Education and Training: To become a lawyer, you typically need to complete a bachelor's degree and then attend law school. Law school involves rigorous academic study and practical training in legal skills.
Specialization: Lawyers often specialize in a specific area of law, such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, environmental law, etc. This specialization allows them to develop expertise in a particular field.
Research and Analysis: A significant part of a lawyer's work involves research and analysis of legal issues. This includes reviewing case law, statutes, and regulations to provide accurate and relevant advice to clients.
Client Interaction: Lawyers work closely with clients to understand their legal needs, provide advice, and represent them in legal proceedings. Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial in building trust with clients.
Courtroom Presence: Litigation lawyers may find themselves in court representing clients. This involves presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal submissions. Confidence, eloquence, and knowledge of courtroom procedures are essential.
Long Hours and Stress: The legal profession is known for demanding work schedules and tight deadlines. Lawyers often work long hours to meet client needs and prepare for legal proceedings. This can result in high levels of stress.
Ethical Responsibilities: Lawyers must adhere to a strict code of ethics. Upholding the law and acting in the best interests of their clients while maintaining ethical standards is a delicate balance.
Continuous Learning: Laws are constantly evolving, and lawyers need to stay updated on legal developments. Continuing legal education is essential for maintaining competence and staying informed about changes in the legal landscape.
Variety of Work Environments: Lawyers may work in law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or as solo practitioners. The work environment can vary significantly based on the type of practice.
Financial Rewards: While lawyers can earn competitive salaries, the financial rewards often come after years of education, training, and gaining experience. The financial outlook can vary based on factors such as the type of law practiced and geographic location.
In summary, being a lawyer requires a combination of legal knowledge, analytical skills, effective communication, and a strong work ethic. It can be a challenging profession, but for those passionate about the law, it offers opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and society.