Nobody becomes an established lawyer overnight. While it’s an exciting and prestigious goal, there is a lot to consider before jumping into something with as much of a commitment as law school. The process is going to require a ton of moral support along with financial assistance for the average student. If you end up making a good lawyer, the financial investment as well as the years spent in school would be worth the return, but what if that’s not the case? Here are some of the factors that go into the decision on becoming a lawyer.
The financial burden
Some of the top law schools in the country can cost up to $67,000 per year. If you’re planning on using loans (as most people would), you’re going to graduate with a substantial amount of debt to payoff. Not only are you going to be paying for this extra schooling, but you’re also not going to be making a salary like most of your friends during those years. You might be able to work part-time somewhere to help cover expenses, but you can count those years as lost potential wages.
Are you a calm person?
In order to become a practicing lawyer, you have to pass the Bar exam. This can be extremely stressful as you have to study for this exam on top of attending law school. Ideally, law school will prepare you for the exam, but it’s something that you absolutely have to pass in order to move on in the career. As crazy as it is, being a lawyer really does depend on your ability to take standardized tests.
Confidence is key
If you’re someone who cowers when you have to give a presentation in front of the class or can’t stop saying “uhm” as you draw blanks trying to deliver content to a group of people, maybe you shouldn’t be a lawyer. You have to be comfortable speaking in front of your clients, a jury, judges, and the opposition. Having confidence in yourself can help you with this aspect of the job, but it’s important to stand tall, articulate your words, and believe what you’re saying when you’re in the hot seat.
Are you ready to be a lifelong learner?
No matter what type of law you practice, no two cases are ever going to be identical. For this reason, you’re going to have to problem-solve, adapt to change, and brainstorm your way out of situations in order to see success for yourself and your clients. You should always strive to become a better lawyer and make yourself stand out by joining groups like lawyers of distinction. If you lose motivation easily, law is not for you.
Networking
Lawyers provide a service and therefore need clients to support their business. If you start out with a firm that can help you establish a list of clients, but if you’re going to go off on your own, how are you going to seek out business? Having a plan when it comes to how exactly you’re going to make money is important. After all, you’re going to have a significant amount of loans to pay back so you better figure out how you’re going to make a salary.
Availability
Lawyers have flexibility in their hours and rates that many other professionals don’t have. If you work for yourself, you have even more flexibility when it comes to your day-to-day schedule and the prices you can charge your clients. On the other hand, people are going to need you around the clock. You should be prepared for calls at all hours of the day and even the night. Depending on your specialty, some of these calls might even require you to drop what you’re doing and go work with your client.
Becoming a lawyer isn’t easy, but it’s worth it in the end. Just like any other career, you want to love what you do.
