Working in the law means that you will deal with people. It is a client-facing industry and you will have to liaise with clients on the telephone, in meetings, via email and at events. This may not appeal to everyone but a good firm will make sure that you are comfortable.
It may be that looking through a 300 page document for typos and checking cross-references does not appeal to you. If that is the case then I will say that it is likely to happen at least once in your training contract. On the other hand, this is a task you can pass on to trainees once you are a qualified lawyer..
Does this actually mean anything? I think you could describe my job in career guidance like this. It’s fast paced, some of my academic colleagues talk about my revolving door as students come and go, one after the other. It’s ever changing because no two students are the same or have identical questions.
It really is important to understand this. If you haven’t got a handle on it, how do you know that law is for you and how can you articulate your interest? What you will be doing will depend on whether you are a trainee solicitor or pupil barrister and on the kind of work your firm or set practices and how big it is.
Of course there is. Think of constructing your “Why Law” answer as being like building a wall. The first brick is the law, once you have got that clear you can move on to why this particular kind of law. Want to do private client work? Then talk about engaging with and helping individuals.
You’re right that big law firms talk about this a lot. Maybe what they actually mean is hard work and long hours, the ability to multi task and be accurate even when the pressure is on and the hour is late. Without doubt all of this brings its own adrenalin rush and can be both addictive and exciting.
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Becoming a lawyer means learning how to negotiate with and manage people. The Carnegie Institute says that while 13% of financial success relates to technical skills, 87% is based on three factors: (1) personality, (2) ability to negotiate, (3) ability to manage people.
The law is one of the few professions that provide an intense analysis of the important decisions of the past as guides for the important decisions to be made in the present. Law encourages and promotes discussion and argument as a way to uncover the truth.
Work Environments and Perks. The majority of lawyers work in law firms, government, and for corporations. In an age where cubicles have become the mainstay of the modern workplace, lawyers typically work in offices with four walls.
Lawyers are in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal problems and to further the public good. Public interest lawyers champion legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not otherwise be able to afford attorneys.
A career as a lawyer has been a hallmark of prestige for generations. Impressive degrees and a certain authority over others have placed lawyers in an elite circle of professionals who command respect and embody the definition of success. Lawyers enjoy a unique professional status and an often glamorous image perpetuated by the media.
Keep in mind, however, that not all lawyers make big bucks. It can depend on employer size, experience level, and geographic region. Lawyers employed in large law firms, major metropolitan areas, and in-demand specialties generally earn the highest incomes.
Lawyers in private practice often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the population , such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse, and children. In fact, many bar associations require that attorneys commit to a certain number of pro bono hours each year.
Working as a lawyer is one of the most intellectually rewarding jobs on the planet. From helping to patent a trade secret, or devising a trial strategy, to forming a multi-million dollar merger, lawyers are problem-solvers, analysts, and innovative thinkers whose intellect is crucial to career success.