3 answers
Brianna
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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what are something's about being a lawyer
I am a 9th grader i want to be a lawyer #attorney #lawyer
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3 answers
Glenn Rowley
Attorney
36
Answers
Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Brianna,
Desiree and Norma gave you some great answers. I would just add that you should consider why you want to be a lawyer. Is it because you enjoy conflict? Is it because you want to make a lot of money? Is is because you want to help people? Your motivations will have a lot to do with whether you will find fulfillment in being a lawyer.
Those who become lawyers because they enjoy conflict may find that unless their appetite for conflict is tempered with regular and consistent doses of true humanity and humility, their careers becomes soul-shrinking and miserable. It is ever so easy to slip from being a knight in shining armor for your clients to just being a bully.
Some who become lawyers because they want to make a lot of money may find that the personal price they will have to pay for wealth is too high. Others who pay the high price, sacrificing their humanity on the alter of greed, will enjoy the fruits of their labors for a season. But, in the end, they will find their wealth is hollow and their lives empty.
Those who become lawyers because they want to help others, and who choose a legal practice that allows them to do that, and who, despite the sharp elbows they encounter in their practice, and despite the inevitable disappointments that can put a dent in their idealism, help others with skill, commitment and compassion will find that being an attorney enlarges their souls and brings them deep personal fulfillment.
Desiree and Norma gave you some great answers. I would just add that you should consider why you want to be a lawyer. Is it because you enjoy conflict? Is it because you want to make a lot of money? Is is because you want to help people? Your motivations will have a lot to do with whether you will find fulfillment in being a lawyer.
Those who become lawyers because they enjoy conflict may find that unless their appetite for conflict is tempered with regular and consistent doses of true humanity and humility, their careers becomes soul-shrinking and miserable. It is ever so easy to slip from being a knight in shining armor for your clients to just being a bully.
Some who become lawyers because they want to make a lot of money may find that the personal price they will have to pay for wealth is too high. Others who pay the high price, sacrificing their humanity on the alter of greed, will enjoy the fruits of their labors for a season. But, in the end, they will find their wealth is hollow and their lives empty.
Those who become lawyers because they want to help others, and who choose a legal practice that allows them to do that, and who, despite the sharp elbows they encounter in their practice, and despite the inevitable disappointments that can put a dent in their idealism, help others with skill, commitment and compassion will find that being an attorney enlarges their souls and brings them deep personal fulfillment.
Norma Brenes
Editor and Writer
9
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Norma’s Answer
Hi, Brianna. First, keep in mind that there are many different kinds of lawyers. Most of the lawyers you see on TV and in movies are criminal lawyers who try cases in court. But there are also lawyers who help people who had accidents, who need financial advice, who are buying or selling real estate, and so on. So if you're thinking of becoming a lawyer, do some research into what these different lawyers do. Think about what kind of lawyer you'd like to be. Do you like the idea of arguing a case in court in front of a judge and jury? Or do you prefer other types of legal work? Then look into the education that you'll need in order to become that lawyer. Getting good grades will help you get into law school one day, so keep doing your best in classes. Good luck!
Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Somethings about being a lawyer are that you need to read and research a lot and have strong writing skills. It's helps to be logical. If you like brain teasers you might like being a lawyer!
Depending on what type of lawyer you want to be, you might need other skills too. If you want to be a litigator - an attorney who argues cases in front of a judge, and sometimes a jury - you want to be a good debater and public speaker. If you want to be an intellectual property attorney, it's good to be really technical and detail-oriented -- like an engineer or scientist. Think about what you enjoy most and then research areas of the law that might align with your interests.
As Norma said above, you should also look into the education requirements. It takes 3 years of study at law school (after 4 years of undergraduate university) and passing the bar exam before you can become an attorney.
Depending on what type of lawyer you want to be, you might need other skills too. If you want to be a litigator - an attorney who argues cases in front of a judge, and sometimes a jury - you want to be a good debater and public speaker. If you want to be an intellectual property attorney, it's good to be really technical and detail-oriented -- like an engineer or scientist. Think about what you enjoy most and then research areas of the law that might align with your interests.
As Norma said above, you should also look into the education requirements. It takes 3 years of study at law school (after 4 years of undergraduate university) and passing the bar exam before you can become an attorney.