reddit why do you want to be a lawyer

by Santiago Smith 5 min read

What are the worst things about being a lawyer?

Before law school: I am a quick thinker, and good at writing and articulating my point. I should be a lawyer. During law school: Fuck, I really hate all this pointless cramming for exams and forced networking, but I still like writing and arguing, so I'll do enough and embrace moot court and become a litigator.

Is being a lawyer worth it?

Otherwise of being financially pragmatic, I want to be a lawyer, especially for an outside big-law firm, in order to enact change in order to end the unnecessary, highly-politicized, highly ignorant suffering towards innocent chronic pain victims as I am one of them myself.

Is being a lawyer a good job?

I've been considering switching to law for a few weeks now, but I'm not sure if it's for me as I don't … Press J to jump to the feed. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts

What being a lawyer is really like?

It really depends on a number of factors... the field of law you wish to practice (M&A, IP, corporate lawyers can generally demand much higher compensation than criminal defense lawyers, prosecution/governmental, or public interest lawyers), the geographic area you wish to practice (larger cities have better legal markets and certain types of legal work tends to cluster in …

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What to do when you think someone is liable?

In the practice of law, you’ll necessarily have to do things at odds when your personal set of values. Defend someone you think is liable. Sue someone you think isn’t. Cross-examine an honest person in a blatant attempt to make an upstanding, well-meaning person appear as they lack credibility.

How long does it take to get a job after graduating from law school?

Only about 55% or so of law school graduates get jobs as lawyers within 9 months of graduation (and this includes judicial clerks).

How many law students will land a job?

The entire legal profession is quite unhappy so it won't take long to dissuade you. A little over half to maybe 60% of graduating law students will land a legal job. Of those, about 10% or less land the "$160K/yr" type job, and the distribution is highly asymmetrical; the top ranked "T14" will take up about 1/2 to 2/3rds of those positions, the top tier schools following it will take about 1/4th, and the rest of these positions will be distributed to the top 5-10% of all other schools.

Is saturation a problem in law schools?

As /u/dont_wear_a_C said, saturation is the main issue. Law schools are pumping out 200+ lawyers a year, per school, and the rich, old lawyers aren't retiring that quickly. Unless you're in the Top 5 in your class, you're in trouble. I've got a couple friends that I would say have "made it" by this point, but they were the top 1 or 2 in their class, took very highly regarded clerkships and then went into practice for large firms. If you go straight from school into opening a firm, you'll get eaten alive. And good luck finding a job with a firm if you're one of the 195 nameless, mid-tier graduates. The firms don't have to hire anyone; people are graduating and are volunteering to work for free, so what's the point in hiring some kid fresh out of school that knows nothing (yet thinks they know it all)?

Is it impossible to be a good lawyer?

I’m entirely convinced from everything I’ve learned about the legal profession that being a good person and good lawyer may not be outright impossible, but it almost is.

Is being a lawyer easy?

Conclusion: Being a lawyer isn't as easy as Suits makes it out to be.

Is law school expensive?

Law School is astronomically expensive - the schools will brag about the six figure salaries their graduates make coming out of school, but that's a fallacy. Most students graduate with $100k+ in student loan debt - and that's from law school alone. If you've got loans from undergrad, add those on top.

Why do we need great lawyers?

The world needs great lawyers. You will continually be presented throughout your entire legal career with opportunities to help people.

What do interviewers want to know about being a lawyer?

Interviewers really just want to know that you have an authentic reason for investing six years of your life towards qualification. And that you have spent real time and effort into researching what being a lawyer might mean for you. I think abstract answers about being a fan of problem solving or logica.

What is the most important thing to do in an interview?

But the most important thing you are going to be doing in your interview is demonstrating that, no matter what your reasons are, you can articulate them well and back them up in a logical fashion. That's one of the key skills of being an attorney.

Why is law so challenging?

Because its a challenging field. you come to know the daily functioning of our system. You study law and after that fight for your client. Like a doctor is responsible for life and death of his patient same way A lawyer is responsible for life and death of his client. Doctors prescribe medicines and tests for well being, we apply our brain and manipulate law to save the well being of our client. Everyone is scared of police but after studying law, we are not. We know what is law and how is it to be used.

What is the profession that analyzes the written decisions of the past as guides for current decisions?

Law is one of the few professions that intensely analyzes the written decisions of the past as guides for current decisions. Law is one of the few professions that encourages and promotes argument as a way to find truth.

Why do people go to law school?

People go to law school for any number of reasons, and although we tend to think of some of them as more noble than others, there's nothing wrong with simply believing it will be an interesting and challenging profession. Don't worry about coming having the "correct

How to communicate lawyer material?

I'd say your mannerisms in the interview will communicate whether you are lawyer material rather more than anything you'd say. Listen carefully and speak clearly while engaging with your interviewer. Sit back in your chair, avoid nervous tics and touching your face. Have a polished appearance.

How to answer why you want to become a lawyer?

You can answer this question by following the steps below to highlight your strengths and make a great impression on the interviewer: 1. Focus on your strengths and skills. Give examples of your strongest skills that make you successful as a lawyer. For instance, your ability to communicate ...

What inspired you to become a lawyer?

Discuss something you experienced in your previous roles or background that inspired you to become a lawyer. For instance, maybe a family member is an attorney and shows passion, excitement and enjoyment for their job and that interests you, or maybe you're interested in family law because you've personally witnessed the impacts of a divorce. Whatever personal experience you choose to share that inspired you to pursue law as a career, make sure to relate it to the field of law you'll be practicing within the firm you're interviewing for.

What are some examples of skills that make you successful as a lawyer?

For instance, your ability to communicate persuasively, your attention to detail and your compassion towards your clients are strengths that you can have as a lawyer that make you successful at doing your job. Your pride in your skills and expertise can show the interviewer how motivated you are to succeed in the career.

What does it mean to interview for a lawyer?

Interviewing for a position as a lawyer means you'll likely encounter several different types of questions that will help the interviewer get to know you, assess your skills and compare your qualifications with what they're looking for.

What do you want to know about practicing law?

The interviewer will likely want to see that your core values and philosophy about practicing law connects with the job responsibilities and their firm's mission and values. Describe the character traits you feel you have developed as a lawyer and how these traits helped shape the values you have today. Then, relate these values to what you know about the company and the clients it serves.

Why do you ask a question about your interests?

Your answer to this question (or a similar variation of it) will help the interviewer understand your core values, philosophies and perspectives on practicing law and how these ideals match up with their company and the job. Additionally, this question allows interviewers to get a sense of how you view this career path and whether you are truly passionate about it or you are just fulfilling a need for a lucrative career.

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