Some people pursue a law degree to become “rich” and “powerful,” but it’s important to take into account what becoming a lawyer entails. At the end of the day, the profession requires intelligence, fortitude, and the readiness to endure a challenging career. The money and reputation is alluring, but law is something you have to have a strong desire for. There are far too many dissatisfied lawyers who didn’t give a whole lot of thought to what it means to be a lawyer when they were students. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before picking up an application for law school.
Your Motivation
Before you apply to law school, you must know why you’re doing it. Money shouldn’t be your sole motivation. There are plenty of roads you could take that lead to wealth and clout. Law is a career that requires a strong sense of business, a great amount of attention to detail and research, and a sense of compassion while serving your clients.
Your Opportunities
The legal field is a broad one. There are very few aspects of personal and professional life that are untouched by law experts. Lawyers represent banks, entrepreneurs, burn victims, universities, newspapers, and much more. A legal education can be applied outside of the courtroom. The skills you develop in law school can make you an excellent candidate for a variety of business ventures.
Your Perception of Law
If you’re fascinated about the idea of law school because of television or movies, forget it. The real world of law is absolutely nothing like an episode of your favorite courtroom drama. These portrayals are driven by unrealistic clashes between clients, witnesses, judges, and the entire legal system.
The truth is that the majority of legal work is tedious and repetitious. Most lawyers never see a courtroom. Their time is spent doing research, speaking directly with clients and witnesses, and writing legal papers. For every minute they may spend in court, they spend a lot more time standing around courthouses waiting for trials to start. This is a profession that requires long hours, and if you’re lucky, you will be surrounded by equally dedicated associates. Law school is demanding, and a law career is even more so. Weigh the options and determine if this is a career path you could walk your whole life.
