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How is your mind state after a case?
Hi, my name a Alimata, I'm in 9 the grade my dream is to be a lawyer. #criminal-justice #law #lawyer
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Alimata:
I am so excited for you that you have identified a career you feel you would enjoy! I, too, wanted to be a lawyer from a very young age. Remember that it's ok, however, if you change your mind along the way. Sometimes we learn about new careers which are even more exciting to us than the one we originally envisioned and making adjustments to achieve something you are passionate about is what we all need to do.
In the meantime, do follow the advice of others here to work hard to learn as much as you can in school. Challenge yourself to take on difficult coursework. Find ways to incorporate extra-curricular activities which will expose you to working with those who need help navigating their world and/or the legal system - community service projects are really excellent for this. There are also school clubs which are helpful, like debate team. This is a great way to practice learning about a somewhat controversial topic and presenting both sides of the argument. It's great practice for becoming a lawyer. You may also find opportunities to work with lawyers in their firms or in other environments which your guidance counselors can point you to which will provide you with some real life experience. These are definitely available for you once you go to college.
Remember too that achieving a dream does not depend on where you go to school. What matters more is how well you do and that you continue pressing forward to achieve your goal. You will need a college degree to attend law school, but you can major in any subject that interests you. Lawyers need to learn to write well and persuasively which is something you learn to do in most courses you take at the college level.
Most of all, enjoy your journey - it will be well worth the hard work. Our world needs dedicated and passionate people to help those in need and it's great you are willing to take on that challenge!
I am so excited for you that you have identified a career you feel you would enjoy! I, too, wanted to be a lawyer from a very young age. Remember that it's ok, however, if you change your mind along the way. Sometimes we learn about new careers which are even more exciting to us than the one we originally envisioned and making adjustments to achieve something you are passionate about is what we all need to do.
In the meantime, do follow the advice of others here to work hard to learn as much as you can in school. Challenge yourself to take on difficult coursework. Find ways to incorporate extra-curricular activities which will expose you to working with those who need help navigating their world and/or the legal system - community service projects are really excellent for this. There are also school clubs which are helpful, like debate team. This is a great way to practice learning about a somewhat controversial topic and presenting both sides of the argument. It's great practice for becoming a lawyer. You may also find opportunities to work with lawyers in their firms or in other environments which your guidance counselors can point you to which will provide you with some real life experience. These are definitely available for you once you go to college.
Remember too that achieving a dream does not depend on where you go to school. What matters more is how well you do and that you continue pressing forward to achieve your goal. You will need a college degree to attend law school, but you can major in any subject that interests you. Lawyers need to learn to write well and persuasively which is something you learn to do in most courses you take at the college level.
Most of all, enjoy your journey - it will be well worth the hard work. Our world needs dedicated and passionate people to help those in need and it's great you are willing to take on that challenge!
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hi Alamata! It think a large part of one's mindset after a case - be it criminal, as Kim describes in her answer, or civil (think suing someone for money or other damages) - is how the case turned out: was your client's side victorious? Was justice served?
In those situations, you feel great and want to celebrate!
However, when things don't go your way (or your client's way) and you see injustice, or witness first hand how unfair life can be, then it is heartbreaking. Firstly, you try to take comfort in knowing that you zealously represented your clients and did a good job given the facts, the direction and decisions of the client, etc. Secondly, you try to set realistic expectations with your clients, so even if things don't go their way, they are prepared for that potential outcome. But it's never easy when you are unable to realize the outcome you seek for your clients.
Having healthy ways to process that disappointment is an important. Whether its exercise, yoga, mediation, cuddling your pet, cooking -whatever works to help manage stress and practice "self care". There is no one right answer. You cannot help other clients well if you're in a funk because of another case.
In those situations, you feel great and want to celebrate!
However, when things don't go your way (or your client's way) and you see injustice, or witness first hand how unfair life can be, then it is heartbreaking. Firstly, you try to take comfort in knowing that you zealously represented your clients and did a good job given the facts, the direction and decisions of the client, etc. Secondly, you try to set realistic expectations with your clients, so even if things don't go their way, they are prepared for that potential outcome. But it's never easy when you are unable to realize the outcome you seek for your clients.
Having healthy ways to process that disappointment is an important. Whether its exercise, yoga, mediation, cuddling your pet, cooking -whatever works to help manage stress and practice "self care". There is no one right answer. You cannot help other clients well if you're in a funk because of another case.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Alimata!
Law is such an interesting field. I used to be a police officer, and, after retiring, did some work for criminal defense attorneys. There is a LOT of hard work that goes into preparing a case for trial. A huge percentage of cases, however, never actually make it to the courtroom. They are plea bargained. This is a great opportunity for a guilty client to get a reduced sentence. However, this is the point where some innocent clients would rather go to jail (or take probation) than take their chances with a jury.
So, if your client was guilty and got a good plea, you feel pretty good. If he was innocent, and took the plea, you feel sort of bad, but you understand why he made that decision. Now, if you go to trial, and get an acquittal, of course you feel really really great and happy for him. But, if he is convicted, and is going to appeal, you need to get to work right away working on the appeal. It's not over.
So yes, there's a lot of emotion that goes into it. But the important thing is that you are doing what you want to be doing, and trying to make a difference in peoples' lives. If law is calling you, by all means, follow that dream!
Kim
Law is such an interesting field. I used to be a police officer, and, after retiring, did some work for criminal defense attorneys. There is a LOT of hard work that goes into preparing a case for trial. A huge percentage of cases, however, never actually make it to the courtroom. They are plea bargained. This is a great opportunity for a guilty client to get a reduced sentence. However, this is the point where some innocent clients would rather go to jail (or take probation) than take their chances with a jury.
So, if your client was guilty and got a good plea, you feel pretty good. If he was innocent, and took the plea, you feel sort of bad, but you understand why he made that decision. Now, if you go to trial, and get an acquittal, of course you feel really really great and happy for him. But, if he is convicted, and is going to appeal, you need to get to work right away working on the appeal. It's not over.
So yes, there's a lot of emotion that goes into it. But the important thing is that you are doing what you want to be doing, and trying to make a difference in peoples' lives. If law is calling you, by all means, follow that dream!
Kim