what its really like to be a lawyer

What Being a Lawyer is Really Like

• You’ll realize you know nothing. Law school does not prepare you to practice law. Sure, it teaches you how to “think...
• If you don’t get a job at a high level firm, you are really starting at the bottom. Students at highly rated schools...
• Your first job is just that. While many attorneys do quit what they are doing, for most if you...

Full Answer

What is the best thing about being a lawyer?

Despite the commonly held misapprehension that the lawyer is a litigious adversary, a lawyer is more often concerned with securing harmonious and orderly arrangements, and with avoiding …

What are the pros and cons of being an attorney?

Apr 11, 2012 · What Being a Lawyer is Really Like You’ll realize you know nothing. Law school does not prepare you to practice law. Sure, it teaches you how to “think... If you don’t get a job …

What is it really like to be a lawyer?

Law feels like a career you can count on. A career as a lawyer comes with respect, prestige and an impressive salary—but there’s a big difference between daydreaming and actually being a …

Why should you should become a lawyer?

Dec 02, 2021 · No matter the size of the firm, the nature of legal work is stressful and comes with long hours. But the work you do will likely have a meaningful impact on your clients. Working at …

How enjoyable is being a lawyer?

How do you know if I really want to be a lawyer?

Is it impressive to be a lawyer?

Is being a lawyer really hard?

What are the disadvantages of being a lawyer?

How intelligent do you have to be to be a lawyer?

What personality makes a good lawyer?

Why I Want to Be a lawyer reasons?

What makes a successful lawyer?

Are lawyers happy?

What is the easiest type of law to study?

Are doctors or lawyers richer?

What is the job of a lawyer?

A typical first job for a lawyer might be setting up an individual practice; working in a law firm or a corporate legal department; entering government service at the local, state, or federal level; accepting a judicial clerkship; joining a bank, trust company, or accounting firm; or working for a public interest group. Following is a list—though not a comprehensive one—of some of the specialties within the law profession: corporate and securities law, antitrust law, intellectual property law, family law, tax law, labor law, criminal law, public interest law, international law, entertainment law, environmental law, real estate, estate law, tort law, and bankruptcy law. Other areas of specialty exist and often are more prevalent in some parts of the country than others; there is quite a bit of overlap in specialty areas as well. New areas of expertise, such as banking, health services, and sports law continue to develop to accommodate our rapidly changing world; a lawyer may develop a well-defined subspecialty by accumulating a high volume of a particular kind of case that may recur. The law school's career services office can provide you with more information on these specific practice areas.

What are the skills learned in law school?

These skills, specifically, are 1) ease in dealing with legal terminology and concepts, 2) ability to analyze facts, and 3) ability to persuade others. The book outlines various career possibilities in business organizations (such as real estate, public relations, insurance, and employee relations) and other organizations (education, health care, media, accounting, publishing, and so forth).

Why are clerkships considered government work?

Although clerkships may be classified as government work, they can be considered a separate category because of the unique opportunities offered and the limited duration of these jobs. Clerkships offer new lawyers the opportunity to observe closely the trial and appellate system, to work with experienced litigators, and to strengthen their writing skills. These positions are not normally considered career paths but rather gateways that will lead to future career options. Most judicial clerkships are only one or two years long. There are generally far fewer clerkships available than students who vie for these positions, and the quality of the experience will usually correlate strongly to the personality and values of the judge served.

What is associate work?

Sometimes associates rotate from one department to another. The associate's work at the outset consists of supplying background research for the more senior members or writing simple legal documents or shorter portions of more complicated documents. Associates also proofread, oversee the mechanical aspects of preparing legal documents in the appropriate form, and serve as general assistants as needed. It may be some years before associates are given primary responsibility for a case. Competition for advancement can be quite intense. An associate will usually leave, or be eased out if it becomes clear that he or she will not become a partner, although today many non-partners stay on as senior associates or non-equity partners. Partnership selection typically begins about the seventh year. Although these large firms are likely to pay quite well, they do expect a lot from their associates for that compensation.

What are the federal agencies that employ lawyers?

Beyond them, there are numerous agencies, boards, and commissions in the federal government that employ lawyers, including the Internal Revenue Service, Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Reserve System, Federal Communications Commission, and Federal Trade Commission. Outside Washington, government lawyers may work in a U.S. Attorney's office, with local district attorneys, with a state attorney's office, as attorney for a municipality, or in one of many other federal regional offices.

What is solo practice?

A solo practitioner practices entirely alone with only secretaries and legal assistants employed in the office. As soon as an associate comes on board, the practice is no longer solo. More and more, however, lawyers who might have been drawn to a solo practice are sharing space and equipment to keep costs down and have a more flexible schedule. It would be beneficial, however, for the lawyer who chooses to be completely self-employed to acquire a mentor or guide who can give the kind of counsel and instruction offered by the more senior members of a larger law firm.

What is a small law firm?

The smaller the firm, the more local its practice. A small practice may handle routine family matters such as estate planning, investments, domestic relations, or simple litigation. Some firms—known as boutiques—may handle more complex and sophisticated work. Law firms may define an area of practice and compete with larger firms for clients. Each small practice is bound to have its distinct personality and method of operation, but it is likely that a lawyer just starting out in a small firm will have a higher degree of visibility, will practice more as a generalist, and will more quickly take on additional responsibilities.

What Being a Lawyer is Really Like

Awhile back, I wrote about what law school is really like. If you can manage to keep your head on straight, deal with the competitiveness, and tune out the insanity, then hopefully you’ll graduate, pass the bar and start doing some real lawyering.

Meet The Blogger

I am a lawyer who talks like a regular person. I provide direct, honest advice, and if needed, I will recommend a lawyer to you.

What are the skills required to practice law?

Logical reasoning and critical-thinking skills are essential to the practice of law. Analytical skills are necessary for all practice areas, whether you're structuring a multi-million-dollar deal or developing a trial strategy. You might enjoy being an attorney if you like logic puzzles, research, and critical thinking.

How much do lawyers make after law school?

While your salary after law school may help to make up for that, it all depends on where you work. The median compensation for a first-year lawyer working in the private sector was $75,000 as of 2018. The median compensation for all attorneys was $122,960 per year as of 2019, so your salary will improve as time goes on, making it easier to repay your student loans. 3 

How much will the number of attorneys grow in 2028?

The employment of attorneys should grow by about 6% in the decade from 2018 through 2028, which is an average pace. 3 

How many hours do lawyers work?

This isn't a requirement for all lawyers, but some value-conscious clients might expect you to be accessible around the clock. Most lawyers work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. 9  Lawyers who work in public interest venues and academia might have more forgiving schedules, but they often trade high salaries for a better work-life balance.

How much does a lawyer's student loan cost?

The average student loan debt for lawyers was $142,900 as of the 2015-2016 school year, the most recent year statistics are available. 1  Private law schools cost an average of $49,548 per academic year. Public schools cost significantly less, with an average cost of $21,300 per year. 2 

What professions can you choose after your name?

You can choose from a variety of specialties, including corporate law, tax law, entertainment law, and criminal law.

Do trial lawyers present information in court?

Trial lawyers present information in the courtroom. Corporate attorneys must be at ease in the boardroom. Regardless of your position, you'll be required to head committees and lead meetings.

What does it mean to be a lawyer?

Being a lawyer means being a writer. Just when you thought those law school papers were done, that's not quite the case. "I'm a litigator, which can be a bit like writing a term paper every night for the rest of your life," Devereux says.

What are the common problems lawyers face?

Burnout, stress, and depression are incredibly common among lawyers. Make sure you take advantage of mental health days, vacation days, and sick days, and if you're truly struggling (or your colleagues are), consult a mental health practitioner. 15. You probably won't be rich.

Do lawyers spend time in court?

You probably won't spend much time in court. All the movies that show lawyers only working when they're in court are not at all accurate. " In fact, you might never see a courtroom," Devereux says. You'll probably be spending a lot of time alone, in an office, researching cases, and processing paperwork.

Who developed the bar exam?

" Here’s the thing. The bar exam—like most academic exams in our country—was first developed by white, affluent, powerful men (a.k.a. the patriarchy) who very much wanted to retain their power," Rodgers says. While the exam and its policies have changed slightly over the years, it's still going to be a challenge to pass.

Can you make a partner?

It's not easy to make partner (or become a part-owner of a firm instead of an employee), even if you're a top performer. "In my experience, most people I worked with did not make partner," Jamie says. Often, it's worth it to leave and go to another firm to get to that level, she admits.

Does law school teach you how to practice law?

" Law school doesn't really teach you how to practice law," Devereux says. It turns out, you have a lot left to learn. "In the beginning, it may seem like nearly every time you are assigned a task, it's something that you've never done before," she adds. But don't worry, eventually, with more practice (pun intended) you'll get the hang of the skill set and type of law you're practicing. "The anxiety should subside after a couple of years when you've developed a decent base of skills," Devereux says.

Can a lawyer see the courtroom?

Some lawyers may never see the inside of a courtroom, first of all, and discerning what kind of law suits you is a more complex process. Whether you're applying to law school, trying to pass the bar exam, or just got a job with a firm, you need to know what's coming.

Why are lawyers so good at their jobs?

Lawyers are in the unusual position of actually being better at their jobs if they have a pessimistic mindset rather than a rosy outlook, according to the ABA. A lawyer’s ability to see everything that could possibly go wrong comes in handy when they’re building an airtight case against the opposition.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

The process of becoming a lawyer isn’t for the faint of heart. The BLS reports that it typically takes seven years of full-time postsecondary education to become a lawyer. This breaks down to four years for a Bachelor’s degree, followed by three years of law school. Law schools are highly competitive to gain acceptance, and aspiring lawyers will need to pass the daunting LSAT to prove their worth— a process that can take a full year of study and preparation.

How many law school graduates were full time in 2015?

Just 59.2 percent of 2015 law school grads held full-time, long-term jobs as lawyers 10 months after graduation, according to data from the American Bar Association (ABA). This can create a very difficult situation for those who take on substantial student loan debt to pursue their law career.

Is being a lawyer worth it?

Is being a lawyer worth it? That’s something only you can decide. Becoming a lawyer definitely isn’t for everyone. If you decide that the risks don’t outweigh the rewards, you don’t necessarily have to give up your dream of working in the legal field. There are plenty of other career options that may better suit your skills and interests.

Benefits of working at a law firm

Perhaps the greatest benefit of working at a law firm is the structure. You get training in the actual practice of law from people who have done it, you typically have support staff that can catch your errors, and you get a guaranteed salary. These are all things that you do not get if you try to start a law firm straight out of school.

Working at a big law firm

Though I can’t provide any firsthand tales of working for one of the nation’s biggest law firms, we have all heard the stories: 80-hour work weeks, years spent doing dry document review before you get more substantive work, and a much more formal and buttoned-down culture than your average small firm.

Working at a small or boutique law firm

Small law is where most private practitioners find themselves. And for most people, it is probably where you would be most comfortable. There are many positives to working in a small law firm, from typically a more casual attire and workplace to deeper involvement in more substantive cases and work earlier in your career.

Starting your own law firm

If you have seen my many posts on this blog, you know I’m a big fan of starting your own law firm. I did so after working for a few years in legal marketing. After striking out left and right with law firm interviews during the great recession, I opened a divorce law firm in Southern California before eventually getting absorbed by a larger firm.

How to land your dream job at a law firm

These values and goals will be important guideposts for you throughout your career. Once you have outlined these goals and values, consider strongly if that job at a firm will help you attain these goals or if it is just a paycheck.

Conclusion

There is that old, often mocked, truism that you can do anything with a law degree. I’ve been a lawyer, a blogger, and a marketer. I’ve worked at firms mid-sized and small.

What is it like to be a lawyer?

Being a lawyer is a lot like being a salesman, but being paid by the hour instead of by commission. It’s also like the line in the movie “Swingers” in that being a lawyer is like being “the guy behind the guy”.

What do people think of you when you find out you are an attorney?

Many of them won’t say it, some of them will deny it, but the fact is, the general public has a fascination with, fear/hatred of, and admiration for attorneys. People will assume you are rich - and that you’re very smart.

What is the best thing about being a transactional lawyer?

One of the best things about being a transactional lawyer is that (sometimes) it’s not as adversarial as being a trial lawyer.

What does "if your career goes that way" mean?

(“If your career goes that way,” meaning if you’ve chosen a path that involves getting promoted, as opposed to just starting your own solo practice firm.

How many hours do lawyers work?

Lawyers who work more than 50 hours per week (which is the vast majority of us) are 3 times more likely to abuse alcohol than those who work less. We're twice as likely to abuse drugs compared to the general population. 33% of us have been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Is law adversarial or adversarial?

Not all of the practice of law is adversarial, but much of it is.

Is adversarial law difficult?

The adversarial process can be very difficult. Imagine everything you do, there is someone working opposite you trying to undo it. That’s what a lot of the practice of law is like.

What is it like to be a barrister?

What’s It Really Like to Be a Barrister? Becoming a barrister is often considered one of the highest achievements for a person’s legal career and most are probably under the impression that it will be plain sailing once they qualify. As with any similar role, being a barrister is much more than knowing your stuff and getting up in the morning. ...

What is the advice for those seeking pupillage?

My advice for those seeking pupillage is that they must be resilient to rejection. Pupillage is hard to come by but those who succeed are the ones that do not give up. A huge amount of people who apply for pupillage do not get it first time, it’s just testament to the fact that it’s a very competitive process.

What does it mean to have an idea of a case's facts and legal principle?

Shortcuts in reading may be made too: having an idea of a case's facts and legal principle mean that the case report may be read much more quickly with more focus on the key points. This is not something which is taught; rather I have had to learn this myself during my law degree. 4.

What is the bell curve in law school?

In your law school, you are always competing against your fellow students for the best grades. Some law schools mark using a bell curve, so that your grades directly depend on how the rest of the year performs. Some students become extremely defensive and do everything they can purely for personal gain at the expense of others. This is rare, but law school can be a bit like being on "The Apprentice" competing against others in a high pressure environment with backstabbing and drama!

Does a law degree guarantee riches?

Furthermore, a law degree does not guarantee riches. There is a stark contrast between the high earnings people think lawyers are paid and what they are actually paid. I'm sure that the Criminal Bar Association can verify this. 2. There's so much reading.

Is law a good degree?

Law is a well respected degree but its graduate prospects are not as good as universities like to make out. Law firms and chambers have been reducing the number of training contracts and pupillages, with some firms cancelling their next trainee intake. Furthermore, a law degree does not guarantee riches.

Is a law degree expensive?

A law degree is a very expensive investment. In fact, some may be better off choosing a degree they enjoy at university in which they can gain better honours and then decide whether to commit to law and do the GDL. 9. The jump from A-Levels to law school.