4 answers
Grayson
Student
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
15
Questions
4 answers
Glenn Rowley
Attorney
36
Answers
Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Grayson,
Your question is an excellent one. As Henry said, practicing law can be challenging and even exciting at times. But it can also be tedious, and demanding, and stressful. For the right person, that mix can be the source of satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment. But, as demonstrated by the much higher incidence of substance abuse, addiction, anxiety and depression among lawyers, it can also be no fun at all. Many people go to law school and enter the practice of law because they want to earn a lot of money, but they find they do not really enjoy the work. Even for those who manage to make a lot of money, they often find themselves feeling unfulfilled and empty. The adversary nature of many areas of the law can also be wearing on one's soul. So I agree with Henry that one's attitudes, motivations, and personality, along with the nature and area of one's legal practice, will all determine whether one enjoys, or merely endures, the practice of law.
Your question is an excellent one. As Henry said, practicing law can be challenging and even exciting at times. But it can also be tedious, and demanding, and stressful. For the right person, that mix can be the source of satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment. But, as demonstrated by the much higher incidence of substance abuse, addiction, anxiety and depression among lawyers, it can also be no fun at all. Many people go to law school and enter the practice of law because they want to earn a lot of money, but they find they do not really enjoy the work. Even for those who manage to make a lot of money, they often find themselves feeling unfulfilled and empty. The adversary nature of many areas of the law can also be wearing on one's soul. So I agree with Henry that one's attitudes, motivations, and personality, along with the nature and area of one's legal practice, will all determine whether one enjoys, or merely endures, the practice of law.
Henry Zeng, Esq., LL.M.
International Tax Lawyer
8
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hi Grayson,
I think the joy that comes from being a lawyer really depends on how you view the career that comes with it and the day-to-day work that you'll be doing.
For me personally it's really about the excitement of taking complex issues and boiling them down to simpler points that can be understood by a wide range of audiences. Of course, there are times when being a lawyer means staying up long nights and managing lots of expectations at once, but that's part of most professional careers and Law is no exception.
I think the joy that comes from being a lawyer really depends on how you view the career that comes with it and the day-to-day work that you'll be doing.
For me personally it's really about the excitement of taking complex issues and boiling them down to simpler points that can be understood by a wide range of audiences. Of course, there are times when being a lawyer means staying up long nights and managing lots of expectations at once, but that's part of most professional careers and Law is no exception.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
147
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Grayson: As my mother used to tell me "life is what you make it"! So in answer to your question - all the above answers are perfect! Practicing law is fun sometimes, boring sometimes, stressful sometimes and a drag sometimes. I practiced law in New York City for 37 years. I, generally, don't regret a day of my time. There were some low times and some high times, some fun times and some boring times. If you elect to become a lawyer, follow your passion and work towards something you feel strongly about! Do that and the practice will be fun! Good luck!!!
Loree S
Lawyer
3
Answers
Royal Oak, Michigan
Updated
Loree’s Answer
Sometimes it is so much fun! And many other times it is no fun at all. Like many jobs, it is stressful at all times. It comes with a huge amount of responsibility. I truly believe that for any job, most of your job satisfaction comes from the people that you work for and with. Even if you're a loner kind of person, you will have relationships at work that will have a huge impact on your life, given how many hours you spend at work. So you might have the world's best job at anything, but if your boss, or your boss's boss, decides to leave, things can change. And that's normal -- that happens in private and government practice as a lawyer, and in most jobs. If you're at a law firm, that will happen less. And that can be good or bad. Just try to do the best you can, find what's noble in your line of work, give great customer service and be ethical at all times, and you will have fun. Good luck to you!