If you have ever watched a film or TV show about lawyers, you might think becoming one is your dream job. Unfortunately, reality can often differ.
Becoming an attorney requires dedication, hard work and time. Beware long hours and student debt before considering this career choice. If you are unwilling to put forth the effort required of being an attorney, do not pursue this path.
1. You Get to Help People
An effective lawyer or solicitor must be able to see the big picture and make quick, logical decisions quickly. If you enjoy discussing ideas with people for hours until finding the most viable path forward; law could be your perfect career.
Contrary to what may be depicted on television or movies, becoming a lawyer requires years of intensive training that could leave you with substantial student debt. Once established as an attorney in your community however, your services can provide invaluable value.
Rather than becoming a lawyer yourself, consider volunteering for a non-profit that aligns with your interests. For example, if writing is your passion, offer your legal expertise by helping authors with unique legal concerns like copyright and defamation cases. Or volunteer at an animal shelter where you can use those same legal skills while also building meaningful connections in the community.
2. You Get to Make a Difference
Lawyers work on some of the most pressing social issues today, and those who embrace their profession and fight for what they believe in can leave an enduring legacy of justice for future generations.
Human rights lawyers play an essential role in society by championing individual freedoms, protecting the environment and helping find homes for people in need. Their work must always be ready to face new challenges while managing multiple cases at once.
Lawyers need to remember why they chose this path, and creative outlets outside the law may help prevent burnout and keep their drive strong to make an impactful difference in society. While it can be hard to stay engaged when working can become so emotionally draining, never giving up your dreams should never be abandoned!
3. You Get to Help People in Need
Law provides individuals with an avenue to feel like their work is contributing to society – something which makes many attorneys passionate about their career choices.
Though attorneys sometimes get a bad rap for being callous and uncaring, their services are driven by empathy for their clients – this empathy allows them to fight harder for their clients and earn their trust. But all lawyers must also maintain healthy levels of skepticism.
No matter why you decided to become an attorney, it is vitally important that you prioritize your mental health and seek ways to relax outside of work to avoid burnout. Being reminded why you chose this profession can provide great satisfaction when day-to-day responsibilities of law begin to bind up our minds; this advice applies particularly well to young lawyers or recent graduates entering practice.
4. You Get to Make Money
Becoming a lawyer can be very satisfying; however, it requires hard work and dedication on your part. If money or prestige are the sole motivations for entering this profession, there may be better career choices available that suit you more effectively.
Contrary to what may appear on television and movies, law school and legal practice isn’t as glamorous as shown by Elle Woods in Legally Blonde or courtroom scenes on Law & Order. Becoming an attorney requires years of training and incurring significant debt.
If you’re an attorney and looking to make more money, check out Grow Law Firm. Their podcast covers strategies for drawing more clients to your law practice while making the most of the internet and social media – learn more here. Or volunteer in your community; this could increase well-being while opening doors and uncovering hidden talents!