Read our six-step guide to help you decide if you should pursue a career in law.
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A lawyer is a problem-solver.
Being a lawyer can be a fulfilling and rewarding career, but it is not for everybody. Most people fail to realize that a lawyer deals with other people‘s problems.
A lawyer either helps a client prevent a possible problem or handle an existing problem. This is a heavy burden that a lawyer carries on his or her shoulders. Suffice it to say that lawyering is a very demanding and stressful job.
Think long and hard before you go to law school.
If you are seriously considering a career in law, think long and hard before you take any steps. Going to law school is a major life decision, and you should not jump into it hastily. You must be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons.
Set aside some time to go through the questions below. You may write your answers on paper so you can review them afterward.
1 Ask yourself why.
Why do you aspire to be a lawyer? What is it about the legal profession that attracts you to it? Do you like it for yourself, or does somebody else want it for you?
Your motivation to become a lawyer will play a significant role in your journey through law school. When you feel like you cannot read one more page or attend one more class, your “why” will push you to go on.
2 Research.
What are your impressions of law school and the legal profession? Find out as much as you can about this path that you wish to tread.
Watch the movie “Bar Boys.”
Read about the experiences of a first-year student in the UP College of Law.
Watch the youtube video “Dear Me, Don’t Go to Law School.”
Watch the youtube video “Why Lawyers Matter: Marvic Leonen at TEDxDiliman.”
3 Talk to a law student.
What kind of life will you have for the next four or five years in law school? What does a law student do on a typical day? Does the “study, eat, study, sleep, study” routine appeal to you? Talk to a law student to find out what awaits you.
Law school is tough. As a law student, you will spend countless hours learning cases that may or may not interest you. You will be called to recite in class whether or not you finished the reading assignments. You will not have as much time for parties and social events. Hanging out with friends will often include some studying on the side.
4 Talk to a lawyer.
Spend an entire day in a law office to observe a lawyer in action. What does a lawyer actually do? What types of responsibilities does being a lawyer entail? Can you imagine yourself leading this kind of life?
Most people have a glamorized view of a lawyer dressed in a tailored suit, handling high-profile cases, and working in a fancy law office. The day-to-day activities of a lawyer, however, are not always as exciting and dramatic as what we see on television. The life of a lawyer is one of continuous studying, which does not end in law school but rather starts in law school. Many hours are spent on mundane tasks such as reading laws and cases, writing legal documents, and meeting clients.
5 Know yourself.
Take a career and personality test to assess your strengths and weaknesses and determine if you have what it takes to become a lawyer.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you have trouble expressing yourself?
- Do you dislike speaking in front of other people?
- Do you dislike long and difficult reading materials?
- Do you dislike writing?
- Do you dislike detail-oriented tasks?
- Do you like following your own schedule?
- Do you have anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues?
Answering “yes” to any of the above questions should make you think twice because these factors can make law school extra challenging. Also, if you have any mental health concerns, it is best to consult your doctor to find out if you can handle the stress and pressures of law school.
6 Reflect.
After going through the questions, set aside some time to reflect on your answers.
If you are far from discouraged, you probably want law school bad enough. This will help you survive the tough road ahead and make it easier to get through the endless reading materials, sleepless nights, and occasional embarrassments in class.
If, on the other hand, you feel that the legal profession may not be for you, you have to determine whether to push through with law school or not. To avoid regrets, you may try it for a semester or two before making a final decision.
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