<p>I am an incoming freshman at a respected small private school, and I have been debating between majoring in Chemistry, or taking the political science/philosophy route for law school. Chemistry, Government and Politics, and English were my favorite classes in high school and I excelled in each of them. I am very interested in politics, philosophy, and religious studies, so I've been thinking about law school. I mean, I love learning about politics, writing my own opinions on court cases in class, deciphering parts of the constitution, etc. I'm also good at writing, especially when it comes to persuasive papers, and I enjoy problem solving. I'm quick to find errors in other people's logic and I'm also a good negotiator. On the other hand, I'm pretty reserved; I think my communication skills aren't what they should be to be a lawyer. I mean, I'm not shy and timid, I'm just not a person who would do well on something like a debate team. I'm not one to argue with people about politics and whatnot. Not to say that I'm not a people person, but if I had to debate in front of a class I would more than likely freeze up. I just feel like mentally I have what it takes to do well in law school, but maybe I don't have the right personality type.</p>
<p>So basically what I'm asking- do lawyers really need to be as competitive and as good at public speaking as they are on television haha</p>
<p>from what you describe about yourself, you may very well enjoy the study of law. however, it is essential that you understand that there is an enormous difference between the study of law and the practice of law. and that difference can be summed up in one word – CLIENT.</p>
<p>being a lawyer is about serving your clients’ interests. whether you work for a large law firm, solo practice, for the government, government agency, not-for-profit – there is a client – someone who is deciding what the lawyer’s agenda is. it is the lawyer’s job to represent the client’s interest with all due diligence, within the bounds of legal and ethical limitations.</p>
<p>so when you study law, you are free to indulge your own intellectual interests – what arguments are interesting, what theory to advance. but when you practice law, you are pursuing the clients’ interests – even if you personally disagree with them, even if another course might be more intellectually appealing.</p>
<p>so ask yourself long and hard – will you find negotiating as appealing, if someone else is dictating the terms you have to deal with? will you be as interested in writing persuasive papers when you’ve been told what position it is you are trying to advance? while doing your research you are not just free to pursue where interest carries you – your client and/or senior attorney will want to know the state of the law and whether the clients’ position can be supported – how will those guidelines make you feel? the constitution will rarely come into play. </p>
<p>the people who thrive as lawyers and enjoy their profession are the ones who love taking on the challenge of representing their clients – ask yourself how adding CLIENT to the equation makes you feel about what you view as appealing about the law. and remember – especially as a new lawyer, you have limited freedom in choosing your clients.</p>
<p>as for personality – i think a successful lawyer does need to be able to present their positions with clarity and conviction. you have to deal with other lawyers - both within your firm and representing others - they will readily pull apart your positions if you are not able to defend them. this doesn’t mean being loud or abrasive (though there will be many you run in to who are who you may have to deal with) – but you will need to be able to speak up for your position – whether its in a meeting with a client, a meeting with a senior lawyer, a conference, a hearing, or whatever.</p>