<p>I am really interested in going to law school someday, I am a history major, I love to read and write, but I have no debating skills at all. I just have a really hard time getting out the words in my head in a clear manner. Does this mean I will do awful in law school? Is debating something you can learn or is it only a natural talent?</p>
<p>bump........</p>
<p>debating is something that IS learned, but law isn't only about litigation in the courtroom...</p>
<p>I know there is more to it, but that was the one thing I was most concerned about. Thanks for the response. :)</p>
<p>but you do have argument skills right? like writing a good essay? sometimes, the quietest kid in the class might be the best at arguing, just not in front of the classroom but rather on paper.</p>
<p>You're still going to have to learn to present an argument well infront of others- that's part of being a lawyer. So it would be helpful to work on your debating skills beforehand, as you'll have to do it eventually.</p>
<p>On paper I do fine, it is just when I am put on the spot that I lack quick responses. I am trying to work on it. :) But although I love law, I feel as though some people are cut out for it, and some are not. I think I have the brains for it, but maybe not the natural talent.</p>
<p>Try participating in class (if you go to a small college) or discussion section (if you go to a big university). Maybe you'll build confidence and it'll snowball and after you break out of that shell, maybe you're good at verbal arguments after all! (who knows, just give it a shot)</p>
<p>Dear Corinnas: Most if not all of the abnove comments are from students like yourself, who have an idea of what law is about but have not yet entered the profession.</p>
<p>Most attorneys spend little or none of their time arguing in a courtroom, having to think on their feet for hours at a time.
Only those who engage in litigation do that.</p>
<p>Most attorneys spend much of their time reviewing situations, analyzing them, drafting papers (arguments, contracts, etc.) and providing recommendations for action or non-action. Most of the rest of their time is spent in small meetings with clients or other attorneys explaining what they have written and seeing if they can get another person to accept it. If you are, or can become, good at that, and are, or can become, good at backing up your positions against analysis or critcism by others (or are able to adjust your positions if the other person has a good point), then there are many areas of law in which you could practice - if they're interesting to you. These include wills and estates, real estate, securities, contracts, bankruptcy, family law, and many others - most of which is practiced in an office and not in a courtroom.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, such areas of law don't provide the necessary drama to support a TV show or movie, so most people don't think of them when they think of lawyers - except when they need to have a will prepared, a divorce or adoption carried out, a business contract written up, etc.</p>
<p>So, what is it that you love about law? </p>
<p>Even if the above topics don't interest you, there is another area - but only if you are, or could become a very very good writer - somone who can write in such a way as to persuade another person to accept their position on an issue. If that's you, then you might be able to do well writing briefs, especially briefs in cases being appealed. I believe that our moderate, Concerneddad, is in that line of work.</p>
<p>Dadofsam,
Thank you for your thoughts, that helps alot. As to what I love about law, well it is hard to put into words. I just find it extremely challenging and exciting to learn about. I could spend hours just pouring through cases and texts. I love that law is structured, but that on any given day their could be a new and opposing point of veiw or way to interpret something which was originaly thought to be set in stone. I guess I just find it exciting and intellectually stimulating.</p>