Career as a lawyer can be both rewarding and stressful; years of training may be required, incurring student loan debt, and handling emotionally charged cases with high stakes for clients and attorneys alike can all add up.
However, if your motivation lies within upholding justice and helping people then becoming a lawyer might be worthwhile. This article will outline five reasons to pursue your ambition of becoming one.
1. You get to help people
Lawyering stands out as an occupation that provides immense satisfaction, unlike many others that require years of training and significant student debt. Lawyers’ work can have a direct and powerful effect on society.
Legal systems can be intimidatingly complex and lawyers provide invaluable assistance for their clients when navigating them. From fighting for client rights to defending criminals or filing lawsuits, lawyers assist countless people every day.
If you are an attorney who wishes to assist others, consider volunteering at a non-profit that benefits your local community. Studies show that volunteering improves both your sense of well-being and social network; opportunities can be found at animal shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and more! Whatever area of law your expertise lies within (e.g. immigration, family law, criminal, corporate or environmental), you can make an impactful change!
2. You get to make a difference
Becoming a lawyer requires hard work and persistence; however, if your passion lies within this field you can discover purpose and find meaning in what you do.
Even if your case does not garner much media coverage, your efforts could help make an impactful difference to those whose lives you represent. Furthermore, by challenging discriminatory laws and practices you can fight for justice and equality for all.
Though lawyers are commonly perceived to be workaholics, confident and successful attorneys can be very well balanced individuals. They understand how to prioritize their personal lives by scheduling time for family events, date nights and networking. Achieve this balance allows them to remain focused while performing at their optimal performance level.
3. You get to be creative
Thomas Edison once famously said, “Genius is one percent perspiration and ninety-nine percent inspiration”. Unfortunately, this quote might not apply in legal practice where many successful attorneys tend to be highly creative individuals.
Write legal complaints, prepare court arguments and negotiate settlement agreements all require creative thought and the ability to produce captivating legal documents that engage and inform readers are all hallmarks of success in this career.
Creativity can be fostered through exploring diverse perspectives and sources of inspiration. Reading books outside your field or attending legal conferences may open your mind up to new possibilities for your practice, while being creative when solving common firm challenges such as billing clients more efficiently is the key to unlocking creativity.
4. You get to work with your hands
When people think of lawyers, they typically picture them arguing cases in courtrooms. But being a lawyer requires much more than that: as an obligation of public service and commitment to upholding justice. Being an effective lawyer takes practice.
Passion is integral to being an effective lawyer. Although cliched, those who love what they do tend to perform better and achieve more. If law isn’t your passion, other careers might be more suited.
5. You get to travel
Many dream of becoming lawyers due to the prestige, money and power associated with legal careers. Although these benefits are certainly attractive, it is important to carefully consider your motivations for considering this career path as becoming one requires years of training that often results in considerable student debt as well as being less rewarding than advertised on television and movie screens.
As a lawyer can be quite taxing and demanding work-wise, taking time off can often be stressful and difficult due to ethical considerations (i.e. not conducting confidential calls in public places). Yet there are ways you can combine law with travel. Consider joining a work abroad program, exploring remote legal jobs or setting up virtual offices so that you can travel while continuing practicing law!