what it takes to be a trial lawyer if you’re not a man reddit

What is it like to be a lawyer?

If you’re seriously interested in becoming a lawyer, you probably know that careers in law are not like they’re portrayed in TV shows and movies, which usually offer a distorted-albeit dramatic and sometimes even inspiring-picture of the lawyer’s job and personality type, usually focused on high-profile trials and grandiloquent litigation, follo...

Can I become a lawyer without going to Law School?

Becoming a lawyer, other people can speak to that better than I can. But, as for not going to law school, I can speak to that. I'm the research director at Law School Transparency and have done quite a bit of work compiling employment stats.

How long does it take to become a lawyer after Law School?

I'm the research director at Law School Transparency and have done quite a bit of work compiling employment stats. Only about 55% or so of law school graduates get jobs as lawyers within 9 months of graduation (and this includes judicial clerks).

Do female Trial Lawyers make their gender work for them?

Some female trial lawyers have succeeded in turning the attributes associated with their gender—compassion, warmth, accessibility—to their advantage, particularly once they get in front of a jury. Shawn Holley, a prominent entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles, told me that she makes her gender work for her.

What does it mean to be a lawyer?

You work well with others. That’s right—being a lawyer means working with people! Fellow attorneys, judges, court clerks, clients, etc., are all crucial to a lawyer’s job. You have to be a “people person” to succeed. Sure, lawyers must always have their clients’ interests at heart, but those interests are often best served by exercising effective ...

What makes a good attorney?

A key trait of a good attorney is the ability to convince others of their point of view through persuasion—both oral and written. Yes, that means that excellent writing skills can’t be underemphasized. More on this in a bit.

Why is it important to build a network as a lawyer?

Building your network as a lawyer, both throughout law school and beyond, is immensely important, especially if you decide to go the sole practitioner route. Lawyers will build relationships with other attorneys they know and trust and refer clients to one another.

Is LSAT good for law school?

This is an essential LSAT skill, too, and at least part of the reason your LSAT score is a predictor of first-year law school success, since it is relevant to the actual practice of law. Being able to recognize the key components of an argument and spot its flaws and inherent assumptions will prove critical in your future as a lawyer—both in composing your own compelling, airtight arguments and in effectively advocating for your clients by breaking down opponents’ arguments.

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).

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 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 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.

Is a law degree a good career path?

It isn't exactly as promising of a career path as the movies make it out to be. A lot of lawyers are unemployed or working in buisness. That being said a law degree does open up a lot of doors. If my father didn't own a law firm I probably would not have pursued law.

Can you catch fish without bait?

You cannot catch fish without bait in the water. You cannot get a job if you don't apply. Yes, firms say they want the top X%. My buddy, very much not in that top X%, is working his dream job because he applied and whoever was reviewing his resume went to the same undergrad.

Is Biglaw the only type of law?

Biglaw isn't the only type of law out there. Plenty of attorneys are content working in the legal field outside of it.