Going through law school is often seen as a noble profession. It is client-facing for the most part and you’ll be required to provide the best representation. There are different specialties to choose from and there will never be a dull day in the line of duty.
As much as it might appear fancy, going through law school will not be a walk in the park. There will be a lot of challenges and it is important that you’re psychologically prepared. Here are some of the things you need to know before you become a lawyer.
It is Not Cheap
Getting a law degree just like any other in America will not come cheap. According to the Balance, the average debt of lawyers is estimated to be $142,000. You’ll be required to commit a significant portion of finances for the fees. As much as your salary after law school will help in paying off the debt, the trust is it will depend on the nature of work. You could find yourself focusing on Queens catastrophic personal injuries which can be highly rewarding. All lawyers obviously start from somewhere and there is no need to feel frustrated when things are not working your way.
Law School Timeline
If you attend law school full-time, you can expect to finish in three years. It is only possible to qualify for law school when you’ve received a bachelor’s degree which takes up to four years to complete. There are law schools that will offer accelerated programs and it is possible to finish in two years but it will require a lot of sacrifice on your part.
Testing
You’ll be required to score well on different tests before you can become an attorney. This will mean a lot of studying throughout the time you’ll be in school pursuing a degree in law. Once you’ve got your graduate degree, you’ll also be required to pass the state’s bar exam. In order to be able to practice in multiple states, you’ll be required to practice in multiple states, there will be no other option but also pass their bar exams.
Public Speaking
Public speaking will be essential for the day-to-day life of an attorney. You’ll be required to present information to clients, juries, colleagues, witnesses’ boards and so many other people.
Constant Writing
Words could be described as the attorney’s main tool of the trade. In addition to being an excellent speaker, you’ll be required to be a good writer as well. For a trial attorney, it is imperative that you’re mastering the art of written persuasion as that will form the bulk of the work. Drafting of legal documents requires attention to detail. This is something that you’ll want to master early on as it will come in handy in almost every aspect of your career.
Long Hours
Long hours are something that comes with the job when you decide to be an attorney. As much as you’d want to work the typical 9-5 schedule, there are some circumstances that will be out of your control and you might find yourself working more hours than you should. There are clients that will expect you to be available round the clock to provide the much-needed services. Those that work in academia or in the public interest will not have hectic schedules as those in the private sector.
Client Development
As a law firm attorney, you’ll be responsible for client development. The type of compensation and bonuses that you get will depend on the business that you bring to the firm. As an attorney that is just starting out, you’ll have a point to make. This should be seen as a motivation to get better at the trade.
Professional Dress
Wearing casually is not normal in the legal profession. You’ll be expected to be wearing a suit and tie for the most part. You might want to think about saving up for a couple of suits if people are to take you seriously.
Expect a Lot of Requests For Free Legal Counsel
Once everyone has known you’re a lawyer, they’ll want to get all the favors possible. Even when you’re a law student, people will still think that you’re an overflowing fountain of legal knowledge. This should be expected given how expensive legal services can get. Going through law school will take a lot of work. You need to position yourself to take up the opportunities that might arise at any point in your career.