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How can I be a lawyer if I’m to nice?

I would love to be a lawyer but am too nice. For example, I wouldn’t want to give anyone the death penalty. Lawyers make decent money and I could use that money to keep my future family healthy and clean. Would I be able to still become a lawyer??

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Subject: Career question for you

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Job’s Answer

There are many areas to practice in law that you don't have to deal with criminals or divorce.
There's environmental law, bankruptcy law, wills and trust, contract law, family law defending women and children primarily. There are 26 different fields of law when I went to law school which was a long time ago.
Additionally even nice people get mad. Most lawyers are doing their field of law because they believe in it. You don't have to be mean you just have to be really good at what you do. Because people are not happy that you are able to resolve issues in your clients favor does not mean you're not nice. You do not have to be mean or rude to be a good lawyer
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Terri’s Answer

Collegiality is a cornerstone of the legal profession. As a lawyer, when you prepare well and collaborate effectively with others, you'll find that your professional network expands, often leading to more referrals from your peers. Kindness and empathy are not weaknesses in the legal profession! Certainly, you must stand firm in defending your client's interests, but this can be achieved without resorting to harsh measures.

As a lawyer, it's crucial to find the practice area that aligns with your personality and needs. You've expressed discomfort with arguing for the death penalty, which suggests that criminal prosecution may not be your ideal path. One alternative could be a transactional practice. In this role, instead of arguing in court, you'd be facilitating deals such as company mergers or real estate purchases. While parties may have differing views, everyone shares a common goal of successfully closing the deal. The beauty of being a lawyer is the multitude of practice options available to you! What's more, there's no rush to decide. Law schools offer a wealth of opportunities to explore different areas of practice, helping you discover the perfect fit.

Wishing you the best of luck!
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Craig’s Answer

Lillyana,

Achieving success in your legal career isn't about positioning yourself on a scale of kindness or harshness. It's about the depth of your understanding of the law, your grasp of your client's issues, and your strategic planning and preparation. The unexpected twist or dramatic cross-examination, while making for good TV drama, seldom occurs and is often a sign of inadequate preparation.

Top-notch lawyers are always meticulously prepared, keeping an eye on the potential trajectory of their case, anticipating the opposition's arguments, and preparing their rebuttals.

Judging by your question, you might be on the younger side. Consider it akin to playing high-level sports. You start with a spark of passion or talent, then train and hone your skills to progress. You strive to earn the respect and admiration of your peers and mentors. You put in the hard work during practice, unseen by others, to ensure you shine when it's game time and all eyes are on you.

To circle back to your original query, there are "good" lawyers who are harsh, and "bad" lawyers who are kind. Imagine a highly skilled, athletic teammate who constantly reminds everyone else of their inferiority. Does that motivate you to perform? There are numerous competent lawyers who exhibit this behavior, which prevents them from becoming exceptional lawyers. A "kind, bad" lawyer is someone who's easily manipulated or ineffective. A humorous example is the stuttering public defender from the film "My Cousin Vinnie", one of the most hilarious lawyer movies ever made.

I wish you immense success in your career endeavors. The world is in dire need of more kine champions.
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Colman’s Answer

Hello Lillyana,

As highlighted by earlier comments, the legal profession is a vast landscape with countless specialties, ensuring there's a perfect fit for you somewhere. The key is to find a career that truly piques your interest, whether it's within the realm of law or beyond. While it's true that certain legal sectors offer impressive compensation, remember that money shouldn't be your only motivation when choosing a law career.

Moreover, being kind-hearted is never a disadvantage in the legal field. If you approach your work with diligence, integrity, and professionalism, you'll undoubtedly thrive in your chosen career without having to alter your personality.

Here's wishing you all the best in your quest for a rewarding career.
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