3 answers
Kylie
Student
Eagan, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
824 views
Why do I want to be a lawyer ?
I want to be a lawyer because I have always wanted to help people that are innocent and my family and friends say that I am smart and that I would not let a person down when they need help.
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3 answers
Jennifer Luckow, MBA
Marketing Project Manager
5
Answers
Sussex, Wisconsin
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
It's up to you to determine why you want to pursue a career in law. If this field piques your interest, I recommend reaching out to lawyers who focus on your area of interest, be it family law, commercial law, real estate law, or any other. Engage them in conversation about their educational background and career journey; but don't forget to inquire about the advantages and disadvantages of the profession too. Once you've gained a clearer understanding of your interests, you can explore potential internships, volunteering, or job opportunities within a legal practice. This will provide you with firsthand experience and a more comprehensive understanding of the workings of the law.
Research different types of law that you could specialize in
Connect with lawyers in that field to learn more.
Build your resume with experience through internships, volunteering, or jobs
Jennifer recommends the following next steps:
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Kylie,
That is awesome that you have an interest in criminal law! That is what initially brought me to law school. I didnt end up practicing that type of law but I do find it very interesting and really respect those lawyers.
Being a criminal lawyer can be both challenging and rewarding. Criminal lawyers specialize in representing individuals or entities accused of committing crimes. Here's what it's generally like to be a criminal lawyer:
1. Varied Workload: Criminal lawyers handle a wide range of cases, from minor offenses like traffic violations to serious crimes like murder. This diversity in cases keeps the work interesting and requires adapting to different legal strategies.
2. High-Stakes Cases: Criminal cases often involve high stakes, as individuals' freedom, reputation, and sometimes even their lives are on the line. This can bring a sense of urgency and gravity to the work.
3. Legal Research and Analysis: Criminal lawyers need to research laws, regulations, and legal precedents to build strong cases for their clients. Analyzing the evidence and applying legal principles is a crucial part of the job.
4. Client Relationships: Building strong relationships with clients is important. Criminal lawyers need to communicate effectively, provide advice, and offer support during what can be a very stressful and emotional time for clients and their families.
5. Courtroom Experience: Criminal lawyers often spend a significant amount of time in courtrooms. They present cases, cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments to judges and juries. This requires strong public speaking and advocacy skills.
6. Negotiations: Criminal lawyers frequently engage in negotiations with prosecutors to secure plea bargains or reduced charges for their clients. Negotiation skills are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes.
7. Research-Intensive: Criminal cases require a thorough understanding of the law and the ability to research legal statutes and precedents. This is important for building a strong defense or prosecution strategy.
8. Long Hours: The workload for criminal lawyers can be demanding, involving long hours of preparation, research, and court appearances. This can sometimes extend into evenings and weekends, especially when deadlines are approaching.
9. Emotional Impact: Dealing with criminal cases, especially those involving serious offenses, can be emotionally taxing. Balancing empathy for clients with the need to remain objective and professional is a challenge.
10. Professional Satisfaction: Successfully defending a client or ensuring a fair trial can be highly rewarding. Criminal lawyers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives and the justice system.
11. Fast-Paced Environment: Criminal law often involves quick decisions and responses, as cases can move rapidly through the legal system. Lawyers need to be able to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
12. High-Pressure Situations: The pressure to perform well in court, especially during trials, can be intense. Lawyers must remain composed and focused under pressure.
Overall, being a criminal lawyer requires a deep commitment to justice, strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. It's a field that offers the chance to make a significant impact on individuals' lives and contribute to the functioning of the legal system. Let me know if you have any questions! I have several friends who are criminal defense lawyers and they really love it.
That is awesome that you have an interest in criminal law! That is what initially brought me to law school. I didnt end up practicing that type of law but I do find it very interesting and really respect those lawyers.
Being a criminal lawyer can be both challenging and rewarding. Criminal lawyers specialize in representing individuals or entities accused of committing crimes. Here's what it's generally like to be a criminal lawyer:
1. Varied Workload: Criminal lawyers handle a wide range of cases, from minor offenses like traffic violations to serious crimes like murder. This diversity in cases keeps the work interesting and requires adapting to different legal strategies.
2. High-Stakes Cases: Criminal cases often involve high stakes, as individuals' freedom, reputation, and sometimes even their lives are on the line. This can bring a sense of urgency and gravity to the work.
3. Legal Research and Analysis: Criminal lawyers need to research laws, regulations, and legal precedents to build strong cases for their clients. Analyzing the evidence and applying legal principles is a crucial part of the job.
4. Client Relationships: Building strong relationships with clients is important. Criminal lawyers need to communicate effectively, provide advice, and offer support during what can be a very stressful and emotional time for clients and their families.
5. Courtroom Experience: Criminal lawyers often spend a significant amount of time in courtrooms. They present cases, cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments to judges and juries. This requires strong public speaking and advocacy skills.
6. Negotiations: Criminal lawyers frequently engage in negotiations with prosecutors to secure plea bargains or reduced charges for their clients. Negotiation skills are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes.
7. Research-Intensive: Criminal cases require a thorough understanding of the law and the ability to research legal statutes and precedents. This is important for building a strong defense or prosecution strategy.
8. Long Hours: The workload for criminal lawyers can be demanding, involving long hours of preparation, research, and court appearances. This can sometimes extend into evenings and weekends, especially when deadlines are approaching.
9. Emotional Impact: Dealing with criminal cases, especially those involving serious offenses, can be emotionally taxing. Balancing empathy for clients with the need to remain objective and professional is a challenge.
10. Professional Satisfaction: Successfully defending a client or ensuring a fair trial can be highly rewarding. Criminal lawyers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives and the justice system.
11. Fast-Paced Environment: Criminal law often involves quick decisions and responses, as cases can move rapidly through the legal system. Lawyers need to be able to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
12. High-Pressure Situations: The pressure to perform well in court, especially during trials, can be intense. Lawyers must remain composed and focused under pressure.
Overall, being a criminal lawyer requires a deep commitment to justice, strong analytical skills, effective communication, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. It's a field that offers the chance to make a significant impact on individuals' lives and contribute to the functioning of the legal system. Let me know if you have any questions! I have several friends who are criminal defense lawyers and they really love it.
Mark -
Lawyer
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Mark’s Answer
That's a great reason! But are there other careers that would let you help people?
Being a lawyer is a great profession, but it does require additional schooling and costs and expenses. It's also one of the more demanding jobs. Why not explore as many options as possible? Are there particular classes you like? Maybe think about what kind of careers you can get with those jobs.
As a young person, it's great to explore! It's okay to think about many avenues. A lawyer might be a great job, but what about a doctor? Or an engineer? What kind of skills do you have that you really like using? Do you like math or more analytical things? What careers would satisfy that itch? Are you a creative thinker? What would scratch that risk?
Think about these things, and you'll be really satisfied with your decision to be a lawyer or even another profession!
Being a lawyer is a great profession, but it does require additional schooling and costs and expenses. It's also one of the more demanding jobs. Why not explore as many options as possible? Are there particular classes you like? Maybe think about what kind of careers you can get with those jobs.
As a young person, it's great to explore! It's okay to think about many avenues. A lawyer might be a great job, but what about a doctor? Or an engineer? What kind of skills do you have that you really like using? Do you like math or more analytical things? What careers would satisfy that itch? Are you a creative thinker? What would scratch that risk?
Think about these things, and you'll be really satisfied with your decision to be a lawyer or even another profession!