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How might being a lawyer affect your schedule?
#lawyer #lawyers #career
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Desiree’s Answer
Firstly, qualifying to become a lawyer takes a LOT of time/education. In the US you need an undergrad degree (4 years), and law school (3 years). To get a good job, you'll need great grades, so plan to do lots of studying for those 7 years! You also have to pass the dreaded Bar Exam, which will means studying practically full time for the summer between when you graduate law school and sit for the exam. (Really, it's an insane amount of studying.)
Once you are admitted to practice law, there is a wide range of how it can impact your schedule. Are your practicing full time or part time? Is your practice linked to a local court calendar, or will you be on calls/video conferences with global clients in time zones all around the world? Will you be traveling to clients (around your state, across the US or all over the globe)?
To be honest, most attorneys put in lots of hours - it's a requirement at most large firms to do so to maintain good performance reviews/stay on partnership track. But even roles at small firms, in-house and as govnt attorneys tend to be demanding jobs that are rarely just 9AM-5PM. In addition to working for your clients, you have to maintain your skills with Continuing Legal Education classes (specific hour requirements vary by state), volunteer your time with Pro Bono legal work, and -- typically -- conduct some sorts of business responsibilities, too (e.g., developing new clients at a firm, management/review/HR issues for the team of lawyers who report to you). Some practices may allow attorneys to better can carve out routines than others. Once you really get into your role, you'll notice the ebbs and flows of your unique practice, when things get busy (e.g., end of quarter for in-house counsel or fiscal year in govnt) and when there is more flexibility (holiday weeks when court isn't in session for litigators).
Many attorneys find ways to make time in their day for things they prioritize -- whether it's early morning runs/yoga before work, leaving early to coach a kid's supporting event (and then logging back in after the kid goes to sleep), taking off a day to run an elderly relative to appointments (whether using personal time or making up the time on the weekend, depending on the HR policies ) or just making time for a weekly catch-up with friends. It's a time-consuming profession, but most practices have a groove and you can find what works for you.
Search on line for attorny work-life balance.
Once you are admitted to practice law, there is a wide range of how it can impact your schedule. Are your practicing full time or part time? Is your practice linked to a local court calendar, or will you be on calls/video conferences with global clients in time zones all around the world? Will you be traveling to clients (around your state, across the US or all over the globe)?
To be honest, most attorneys put in lots of hours - it's a requirement at most large firms to do so to maintain good performance reviews/stay on partnership track. But even roles at small firms, in-house and as govnt attorneys tend to be demanding jobs that are rarely just 9AM-5PM. In addition to working for your clients, you have to maintain your skills with Continuing Legal Education classes (specific hour requirements vary by state), volunteer your time with Pro Bono legal work, and -- typically -- conduct some sorts of business responsibilities, too (e.g., developing new clients at a firm, management/review/HR issues for the team of lawyers who report to you). Some practices may allow attorneys to better can carve out routines than others. Once you really get into your role, you'll notice the ebbs and flows of your unique practice, when things get busy (e.g., end of quarter for in-house counsel or fiscal year in govnt) and when there is more flexibility (holiday weeks when court isn't in session for litigators).
Many attorneys find ways to make time in their day for things they prioritize -- whether it's early morning runs/yoga before work, leaving early to coach a kid's supporting event (and then logging back in after the kid goes to sleep), taking off a day to run an elderly relative to appointments (whether using personal time or making up the time on the weekend, depending on the HR policies ) or just making time for a weekly catch-up with friends. It's a time-consuming profession, but most practices have a groove and you can find what works for you.
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Pablo’s Answer
You have two ways:
1) you from the beginning stop the extense day (push the limits)
2) you decide be a Lawyer to 24 hours for day.
I just want to say that your personal life is so important like your job, but you need your space and need desconecction because a mind and body tired is a complex combination: Your mind need take a rest to work much better
1) you from the beginning stop the extense day (push the limits)
2) you decide be a Lawyer to 24 hours for day.
I just want to say that your personal life is so important like your job, but you need your space and need desconecction because a mind and body tired is a complex combination: Your mind need take a rest to work much better
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Desiree's answer is spot on. It is well said that "the Law is a harsh mistress."