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What is a day like as a law student; studying to be a lawyer?
I am interested into seeing if becoming a lawyer, and investing into law studies is up to my standards or values. I want to know what a day is like as a law student, the amount of work, and how to pick up a job after college. I want to know all the details, financial, social, mental etc. I am soon to attend college and I need to start jotting down what I want my career path to be. And being a lawyer is on my list. Thank you!
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Doc’s Answer
Michelle being a lawyer is not a 8-5 job, but an commit of truth. This means that the work will compose a big part of the lives of practicing attorney. Work weeks easily exceed 40 hours - frequently extending to 60 or 70 hours a week at some Big law firms. Emails and phone calls from clients will come in at any time of the day or night. You can self-select for practice areas that require less emergency client contact (real estate attorneys are less likely to field midnight phone calls than criminal defense lawyers, for example). But the real trick is finding a practice area you enjoy - if you love what you do, the hours you put in will be worth it to defend justice.
Earning a law degree is tough but rewarding for those who stay committed. Law school demands dedication, good study habits, and stress management in a competitive setting. From heavy workloads and complex topics to tough exams and the daunting bar exam, aspiring lawyers encounter many obstacles. Yet, with proper preparation and perseverance, overcoming these challenges can lead to a fulfilling career in law. Ultimately, while the journey to becoming a lawyer is challenging, it’s also a transformative experience that prepares you for meaningful roles in society.
STEP 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree Obtaining a bachelor's degree is the first step toward a legal career. While no specific undergraduate major is required, choosing courses that develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills is advisable.
STEP 2: Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam required for admission to law school. The LSAT assesses critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills.
STEP 3: Earn Your Juris Doctor (JD) Degree After completing the LSAT, aspiring lawyers must pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. A JD program typically lasts three years and covers various aspects of law, including constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, and legal writing. Students have the opportunity to choose elective courses based on their interests and career aspirations. Many law schools also offer affiliation groups and extracurricular activities that provide practical experience and networking opportunities.
STEP 4: Pass Your State Bar Examination To practice law, aspiring lawyers must pass the state bar examination in the jurisdiction where they wish to practice. The bar is a 200-question exam that covers constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, evidence, real property, and torts.
Earning a law degree is tough but rewarding for those who stay committed. Law school demands dedication, good study habits, and stress management in a competitive setting. From heavy workloads and complex topics to tough exams and the daunting bar exam, aspiring lawyers encounter many obstacles. Yet, with proper preparation and perseverance, overcoming these challenges can lead to a fulfilling career in law. Ultimately, while the journey to becoming a lawyer is challenging, it’s also a transformative experience that prepares you for meaningful roles in society.
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This was super helpful, thank you!
Michelle
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Initially, take a really good look at Doc's answer. Doc always gives excellent and detailed answers.
Then:
First. You wish to see if law school is up to your standards. To begin with, I'm not sure what your standards are. In addition, perhaps you should consider what the law school's standards are. Not everyone who applies to a particular law school manages to be accepted. And there are all sorts of law schools with all sorts of reputations. So if you are interested in studying law (what kind of law), you have some research to do regarding law schools themselves.
Second. What's a day like in a law school? It is not only up to the institution itself but the attitude of the student herself/himself. As the saying goes: "There are three things a student can do. Study, party, sleep. Pick any two."
Third. Law is just on your "list". Of course I'm not sure what else is on your list. And I am not sure if you have prioritized the list. And it all may change. Hence, one must attend a college/university prior to seeking admission to a school of law. Normally, the first two years of undergraduate education are courses all students must take to fulfill basic degree requirements for graduation. Some may enhance a student's life in ways that have nothing to do with a career; such as art and music appreciation. Others may offer directions toward a career goal. The last two years the normal student declares a major and a minor. For a student who is not sure what career they wish to have the first two years will help as it is an exploration of different academic studies. So in many fields, a major and a minor is very important regarding a future career. For law school they can be practically anything. Political Science is a common one. English is another.
But you have a list. Just get into a decent college or university and then see how the list develops. What may be added. What subtracted.
And talk to others about your goals in life. Parents. Siblings if you have any. High school counselors. Special friends.
The future is not always easy to decern. Therefore it is better to make it an exploration.
Then:
First. You wish to see if law school is up to your standards. To begin with, I'm not sure what your standards are. In addition, perhaps you should consider what the law school's standards are. Not everyone who applies to a particular law school manages to be accepted. And there are all sorts of law schools with all sorts of reputations. So if you are interested in studying law (what kind of law), you have some research to do regarding law schools themselves.
Second. What's a day like in a law school? It is not only up to the institution itself but the attitude of the student herself/himself. As the saying goes: "There are three things a student can do. Study, party, sleep. Pick any two."
Third. Law is just on your "list". Of course I'm not sure what else is on your list. And I am not sure if you have prioritized the list. And it all may change. Hence, one must attend a college/university prior to seeking admission to a school of law. Normally, the first two years of undergraduate education are courses all students must take to fulfill basic degree requirements for graduation. Some may enhance a student's life in ways that have nothing to do with a career; such as art and music appreciation. Others may offer directions toward a career goal. The last two years the normal student declares a major and a minor. For a student who is not sure what career they wish to have the first two years will help as it is an exploration of different academic studies. So in many fields, a major and a minor is very important regarding a future career. For law school they can be practically anything. Political Science is a common one. English is another.
But you have a list. Just get into a decent college or university and then see how the list develops. What may be added. What subtracted.
And talk to others about your goals in life. Parents. Siblings if you have any. High school counselors. Special friends.
The future is not always easy to decern. Therefore it is better to make it an exploration.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Two notes from my own experience in law school. First, it is difficult and often unpleasant, so it's only worth it in my opinion if you know you want to be a lawyer. While the degree has value more generally, it's not worth the cost and trouble just for general career advancement. I would advise working in legal-related jobs in college and even considering a year or two off to work in the field before going to law school so you know you would enjoy it and have a sense of what legal area you might want to focus in.
Second, being a law student teaches you many valuable things for a legal career, but it's not actually that much like being a lawyer. So if you dislike law school, you may enjoy legal work or vice versa. Bear in mind too that not every lawyer, or even most lawyers, regularly go to court or litigate. There are plenty of introvert lawyers. Being a family lawyer is very different than doing contract work. Another reason to get some practical experience first to learn the contours of legal areas that interest you before committing to one.
Second, being a law student teaches you many valuable things for a legal career, but it's not actually that much like being a lawyer. So if you dislike law school, you may enjoy legal work or vice versa. Bear in mind too that not every lawyer, or even most lawyers, regularly go to court or litigate. There are plenty of introvert lawyers. Being a family lawyer is very different than doing contract work. Another reason to get some practical experience first to learn the contours of legal areas that interest you before committing to one.
Your advice was so helpful!
Michelle