4 answers
Klaryssa
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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How can I be sure that I want to become a lawyer?
I want to become a lawyer because I think it would suit me, but I am not sure whether or not that is what I want to do. I was told by my mom that I would make a good lawyer, and I think so too, but I am not sure whether I am sure if I want to do it.
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4 answers
Bob Echols
Retired lawyer and ethics officer--current blogger and author of the For Our Friends the Animals quartet.
26
Answers
Fairhope, Alabama
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Hi, Klaryssa!
With your permission I am going to share with you some advice I gave a young person asking what education and skills were requisite to being a good lawyer. The education required to become a lawyer in the US is pretty straightforward, so allow me to home in on the skills and attitude that I believe are needed to sere as a competent attorney.
Before I reprint my former advice, let me add one item; namely, an overriding desire that justice be done, that all people be treated fairly, that no one be deprived of the protection of the law. At essence the task of a lawyer is to do his/her best to ensure that clients receive justice, are treated fairly, and are provided the full protection of the law.
If those are issues that concern you, then you have the makings of the foundation to be a lawyer.
Now let me republish that advice--here goes:
Being a lawyer requires that you be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
So, find ways of improving your public speaking skills; take debate classes, go out for school plays, volunteer to give speeches. Work on your conversation skills--learn to provide oral communication that is clear, concise and understandable. Only by practice will you improve.
The same for writing--practice, practice, practice. Remember in a legal document a single word can change the meaning of the document, or the advice you are giving a client, so work on writing clearly and with precision.
And now to a skill many lawyers don't possess or need to improve upon: listening. You cannot adequately represent or assist a client unless you have a complete understanding of the client's problems. That understanding only comes from being a patient and complete listener, so with your family and friends, classmates and teachers, practice listening closely and completely. Work on curbing the tendency we all have (especially lawyers) to interrupt a client before s/he has finished.
And now one more skill: service. Being a lawyer is a calling of service. We exist to render advice and counsel to others, to serve them. We perform under a professional duty of service. So work on finding ways in your life to provide services to others. Work on it until providing service becomes second nature to you.
Finally, lawyers operate under a moral duty to act ethically. Our word is our bond, whether spoken or written. There is no room in the legal profession for anything other than honesty, timeliness, total integrity, total commitment to excellence in every legal action. So always do the right thing in your life. Always be truthful, be prompt, be diligent, be thorough in all that you do. That will help prepare you for legal work.
Klaryssa, I wish you a great future! I truly enjoyed my career as an attorney, and if you choose that profession, and prepare yourself with the right skills and education (that topic others will comment on for you, I know!) you will be a great success!
All the best and may God bless you!
With your permission I am going to share with you some advice I gave a young person asking what education and skills were requisite to being a good lawyer. The education required to become a lawyer in the US is pretty straightforward, so allow me to home in on the skills and attitude that I believe are needed to sere as a competent attorney.
Before I reprint my former advice, let me add one item; namely, an overriding desire that justice be done, that all people be treated fairly, that no one be deprived of the protection of the law. At essence the task of a lawyer is to do his/her best to ensure that clients receive justice, are treated fairly, and are provided the full protection of the law.
If those are issues that concern you, then you have the makings of the foundation to be a lawyer.
Now let me republish that advice--here goes:
Being a lawyer requires that you be able to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
So, find ways of improving your public speaking skills; take debate classes, go out for school plays, volunteer to give speeches. Work on your conversation skills--learn to provide oral communication that is clear, concise and understandable. Only by practice will you improve.
The same for writing--practice, practice, practice. Remember in a legal document a single word can change the meaning of the document, or the advice you are giving a client, so work on writing clearly and with precision.
And now to a skill many lawyers don't possess or need to improve upon: listening. You cannot adequately represent or assist a client unless you have a complete understanding of the client's problems. That understanding only comes from being a patient and complete listener, so with your family and friends, classmates and teachers, practice listening closely and completely. Work on curbing the tendency we all have (especially lawyers) to interrupt a client before s/he has finished.
And now one more skill: service. Being a lawyer is a calling of service. We exist to render advice and counsel to others, to serve them. We perform under a professional duty of service. So work on finding ways in your life to provide services to others. Work on it until providing service becomes second nature to you.
Finally, lawyers operate under a moral duty to act ethically. Our word is our bond, whether spoken or written. There is no room in the legal profession for anything other than honesty, timeliness, total integrity, total commitment to excellence in every legal action. So always do the right thing in your life. Always be truthful, be prompt, be diligent, be thorough in all that you do. That will help prepare you for legal work.
Klaryssa, I wish you a great future! I truly enjoyed my career as an attorney, and if you choose that profession, and prepare yourself with the right skills and education (that topic others will comment on for you, I know!) you will be a great success!
All the best and may God bless you!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
It’s ok to be unsure. Your life is about exploring and trying new things. I’d offer that you can work towards being a lawyer while taking interesting electives and joining clubs at school. If you decide that being a lawyer is a great fit, that’s awesome! If you find something else of interest, that’s ok to. It may not feel like it, but you have time before committing to something.
Thank you for your help, I will definitely put more thought into it even though I have a couple of years till college and university. Once again thank you for your advice, a really appreciate it!
Klaryssa
JOHN DARROUZET
Writer
10
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hi, Jerome.
In my experience, you reach certainty the moment you have used the process of decision-making that fits your current level understanding about decision-making itself.
Schools teach how to judge what has already happened based on what we know. They also teach about making choices for the present based on what we know now.
Making choices is like going on adventures. Making judgments is like going on a quest. By contrast, decision-making is going on a journey.
Decision-making requires us to face the unknown future. It requires us to "burn the bridges along the way," so to speak, and not question anymore. At the moments of significant decisions, we feel certain until the next issue we must decide arrives.
Check out the decision-making paradox on Wikipedia [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision-making_paradox].
In my experience, you reach certainty the moment you have used the process of decision-making that fits your current level understanding about decision-making itself.
Schools teach how to judge what has already happened based on what we know. They also teach about making choices for the present based on what we know now.
Making choices is like going on adventures. Making judgments is like going on a quest. By contrast, decision-making is going on a journey.
Decision-making requires us to face the unknown future. It requires us to "burn the bridges along the way," so to speak, and not question anymore. At the moments of significant decisions, we feel certain until the next issue we must decide arrives.
Check out the decision-making paradox on Wikipedia [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision-making_paradox].
Jacqueline Tate-Mathis
Attorney
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
I encourage you to actively pursue internships and volunteer opportunities. This will provide you with invaluable hands-on experience, and a chance to immerse yourself in diverse legal settings. My personal journey, which included clerkship under a judge and a stint in a corporate real estate department, laid a strong foundation for me to discern my likes and dislikes in my legal career.
I also urge you to connect with local bar associations. This is a strategic step that can open doors to networking events, career guidance, mentorship, and a wealth of resources to explore various legal fields. It's an excellent way to understand the intricacies of different law areas and connect with seasoned professionals who can offer valuable insights and guidance.
Here's to you discovering your unique path in the legal field. Best of luck!
I also urge you to connect with local bar associations. This is a strategic step that can open doors to networking events, career guidance, mentorship, and a wealth of resources to explore various legal fields. It's an excellent way to understand the intricacies of different law areas and connect with seasoned professionals who can offer valuable insights and guidance.
Here's to you discovering your unique path in the legal field. Best of luck!