After researching the legal profession for about ten weeks, I have noticed that most articles and blogs focus primarily on the downsides of being a lawyer. Sick of all the pessimism, I decided to research some more optimistic perspectives as well as interesting aspects of being an attorney.
Here are some direct quotes from practicing attorneys on why
they are happy they became a lawyer…
“As an attorney, I have also helped individual clients on
thousands of real estate, estate planning, probate, and business matters… I am
glad that my background as an attorney enables me to assist in shaping
legislation for a better Hawaii.” Marvin S. C.
Dang Law Offices of Marvin S. C. Dang, LLLC Honolulu, Hawaii
“Why am I glad that I became a lawyer? The clients! As a
lawyer, particularly a solo or small firm general practitioner, I have come
into contact with (to quote Thomas Berger’s Little Big Man) the “real
human beings,” the clients: the good, the bad, and the ugly, all interesting
and unique in their own way. They have challenged me with problems that are
always different, interesting, and intellectually stimulating—sometimes
entertaining, but never boring” Cameron C. Gamble
Law Firm of Cameron C. Gamble. New Orleans, Louisiana
Some reasons why you SHOULD become a lawyer…
- It’s Emotionally Rewarding: As an attorney you get the chance to fight injustices and make a difference by working to solve people’s problems. Personally, I do not think there is a better feeling in this world than knowing you have helped someone and made a positive impact on their life which is something I can see myself doing as an attorney.
- The Money: Though every lawyer is not ‘rolling in dough’ per say, lawyers tend to make significantly more than the average American. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012 the median annual wage for lawyers was about 113,000 compared to the almost 48,000 median annual wage for all other occupations.
- Intellectually Invigorating: Attorneys are some of the most innovative and critical thinkers out there. Lawyers often have to analyze past cases and use deductive reasoning to come up with trial strategies and or mediate between two parties.
- Influential: Lawyers have a substantial amount of influence on society. When great attorneys advocate for causes they are passionate about they can sometimes change the entire structure of society by the way they use and develop the law.
There are many people that are happy with their choices of
becoming attorneys and I do not think that their perspectives are shown enough.
I think that part of the reason why the negatives are emphasized so much has to
to with the fact that it takes a certain type of personal to be able to deal
with a lot of the stress involved with being an attorney, but that doesn’t mean
there isn’t a positive side to this profession.
By: Jasmine Shafquat
Gamble, Cameron. "Why I'm Glad I Became a Lawyer." Why
I'm Glad I Became a Lawyer. American Bar Association, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
Happiness Is. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
Happiness Is. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
Sometimes I Love Being a Lawyer. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.
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ReplyDeleteI really like the positive outlook. Too often in the world everyone just wants to be cynical about everything, and I am glad that you are passionate about getting a career in this field.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I agree! I wish that people highlighted the benefits in this profession more, especially when they talk about the negatives as a way to balance everything out.
ReplyDelete