okay, i got this offer from local university to study law. i’ve always wanted to study law. but, the thing is, i used to be a science student. i realized it just not my thing, n i really wanted to be a lawyer. when my family know about the offer, the just shocked and seem disappointed. they said that lawyer is a risky job. you sometimes need to represent clients although you knew he’s a bad guy. they said it just the same as being the bad guy. is it true? i mean, can’t you just reject the case since you knew he’s bad?
#1 by mailaccount63 on 11/29/2011 - 11:40 AM
Listen to your family.
The field of Law has a mystique that actually exceeds reality. The field of Law is a vastly overrated career – especially by television.< < There are many myths regarding the field of Law:
**myth: working as a Lawyer is mentally challenging (Actually, most work as an attorney involves mountains of routine paperwork: research, cite checking, drafting documents, and document review. Attorneys need to write down and track EVERY activity they do, all day long [in 6 to 15 minutes increments, depending on the billing system] - a painstaking but necessary task - handling details is a large part of working as a lawyer),
**myth: being an attorney is thrilling, high-powered, and glamorous (remember: television is FICTION - the fictional lawyers on TV are ACTORS - the majority of work that an attorney does, does not happen in a courtroom),
**myth: law students think that because they are good at arguing they will become great attorneys (Actually being a great attorney is more in one's ability to mediate between differing sides and bringing them to agreement/compromise. Many people mistakenly think that being an attorney is about the ability to argue. Actually, a successful attorney is defined by his/her commitment to the PEACEFUL resolution of disputes. Lawyers are actually: mediators, advocates, negotiators, advisors, evaluators, and peaceful intermediaries between clients.),
**myth: as a lawyer I can correct injustices (actually legal decisions are more about reaching compromises than about right vs. wrong),
**myth: guaranteed financial success (actually when salaries are compared, you also need to account for cost-of living expenses [most large law firms are in large cities - the bigger the city, the more cost-of-living expenses will be], payment of debts accrued while attending law school, and time needed to build a client base. Many large law firms require lawyers to work 60-80 hours per week. There are a FEW attorneys that earn a lot of money - but MOST attorneys just about make a living. Most attorneys do not make as much money as most people think. Also, remember: there are more attorneys than there are available jobs.).
And then, to top it off, attorneys have to keep their client's information confidential. (You cannot use "juicy" tidbits that you have become aware of as fodder for the gossip circles.)
Law is a more demanding profession than most people realize. It is not like what you see on TV.
Cost of law school to be lawyer, approx $150,000+. Be prepared to take on a LOT of debt, if becoming an attorney is your "true", ultimate goal!!!<<<<<<<<
**Check out these websites:
http://shillingmesoftly.blogspot.com/2010/09/meet-unemployed-lawyer-turned-cleaning.html
http://subprimejd.blogspot.com
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/business/09law.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me
http://finance.yahoo.com/college-education/article/111784/is-law-school-a-losing-game?mod=edu-continuing_education
http://lawandletters.blogspot.com/2007/11/why-you-shouldnt-go-to-law-school.html
If you want a JOB when you are done with your studies, consider and look into the fields of: >>>Healthcare<<<, Information Technology, Law ENFORCEMENT, environmentalism, emergency planning, accounting, education, entertainment, utilities, home-car-commercial-industrial repairs, vice industries, clergy, and/or debt collection. I spoke to a career counselor from Jobs and Family Services, and HE told me that these areas are where the jobs are, and future job opportunities/availability….and scholarships.
Good luck.
(This is based on my current knowledge, information, belief, and life experiences. This was intended as personal opinion, and not intended to be used as legal advice. Please be careful and do your research.<<< You DID ask the question here on Y/A. I am just trying to help you.)
#2 by Maskuzi on 11/29/2011 - 12:17 PM
NOPEE. in fact its a real thing to be proud about because being a lawyer and that too getting offered is exellent. but dont forget, its alot of hard work.
#3 by CrazyInterFan on 11/29/2011 - 12:36 PM
it depends how you think about the job. personally, i feel guilty defending a person who has committed a crime such as stealing. so it all depends on how you think about things. how about studying to become a notary instead? it’s a similar job and you’ll have to study law too but you’ll avoid the need to defend criminals.
#4 by strangechild on 11/29/2011 - 1:21 PM
i think you can reject the case but i think youll end up rejecting a lot of cases which would give you a bad reputation as a lawyer. and what about the people you think are guilty but arent and you wont represent them? i would wait until they are judged before you decide whether they are guilty or not.
#5 by Matt on 11/29/2011 - 1:36 PM
Not every lawyer is a criminal defense attorney. With a science background, you can go into patent law, medical malpractice law, environmental law… all sorts of areas that deal with technical issues.
And yes, you do not have to take a case if you do not like the defendant.