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What are the hardest parts of becoming a lawyer?

What’s the hardest part of becoming a lawyer? More specifically, a defense attorney in criminal cases? And what are the most important things to know before committing to becoming a lawyer?

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DENNIS’s Answer

Hi Karyssa: The journey to become a lawyer is a long hard one. Takes College and then 3 years of law school and then passing a Bar Exam. The Bar Exams in all states are tough! I know guys who have had to take it 6 times before passing. Some never pass it. It is a very hard test. However, once you pass being a lawyer, in my opinion, is well worth it!
Doing criminal work is a whole other story. As a Judge friend of mine says - criminal defense lawyers job is to keep cops honest. Make sure cops do thing right. However, criminal defense work is emotionally hard. - You are dealing with people's lives. You lose a trial and they go to jail for a time - or worse. Plus there are issues of getting paid and the types of cases you have to deal with. White collar crime is cleaner than violent crime. However, both take a toll on the lawyer.
Good luck in your journey. Just be yourself - the path will become clear as you continue forward!
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Kim’s Answer

Hi again Karyssa!

I've dabbled in legal support work, am not an attorney. But, as a former police officer as well. . .

I think the hardest thing would be when youthful idealism runs smack into reality. It hurts to see people who you know are innocent accept a plea bargain because they are afraid of being convicted. Not many cases actually go to trial because prosecutors offer these plea deals to help clear the docket and prevent a backlog in the courts.

Also, seeing the volume of criminal activity, the heartlessness of some criminals, and yes, the corruption of those who are supposed to be upholding the law, all of that can be overwhelming.

It will be important to establish a personal relaxation strategy - yoga, running, etc., in my opinion.

Kim
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Chamiya’s Answer

Hi,

I am currently a paralegal that is also in law school. It seems that the hardest part is actually becoming a lawyer, from the LSAT to law school and then the BAR. However, I use to work for a defense criminal attorney and they hardest thing for her was when she felt like she couldn't do more for her client. Criminal has many laws that are set for crimes and it is sometimes hard to change them in a sense.
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Kieran’s Answer

The path to becoming (and then being) a lawyer is definitely challenging. The schooling required is lengthy and usually costly; and requires a lot of dedication and pushing through difficult and stressful times. However, being a lawyer has been rewarding (I think most lawyers can agree) - even if the outcome of the legal matter is not what you wanted. This can sometimes be unpredictable, such as in a criminal case. I am not a defense attorney but have some experience in criminal cases. It is hard when you can only do so much in a criminal case to defend a client in their situation, but knowing that you have done the best you can in a difficult situation is key to being strong in handling this area of law. It is important to keep a balance between being empathetic/understanding a client's situation, and also being realistic with what is presented and how the law can be used for/against that client/situation.
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