<p>I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Everything I can find online explains why one shouldn't go to law school, what the wrong motivations are etc. I am curious to know what skills, traits, and or abilities would indicate that a person would particularly excel or enjoy a legal career. If you are a lawyer and enjoy your work I would especially like to hear your input</p>
<p>That's a tough question, seeing as we're [most likely] not you.</p>
<p>is this a joke?</p>
<p>OP: you would love it.</p>
<p>It depends on whether you have a thick skin and won't run from a fight. Lawyers are looked upon in the way that car salesmen, plumbers and any other group that people have to deal with when conditions are potentially confrontational. I'm not an attorney yet, but from what I've seen you have to be one mean SOB at times. You must be willing to make Atilla the Hun look like a Sunday school teacher. I personally believe I will enjoy the legal profession, but also from what I see is that the work load is staggering.</p>
<p>Texaslawyer, what is wrong with you?</p>
<p>Wildflower, nothing. That's the truth the way I see it.</p>
<p>Fair enough. :)</p>
<p>Poor texaslawyer. You are jaded before you've even begun. :P</p>
<p>Bosque, I'm just being realistic. I'm not jaded or I wouldn't be going to law school in my mid 50s. The practice of law is not the genteel, polished verbal exchange that I believe many view. It is, from what I've seen vicious, mean nasty and downright brutal. On the litigation side anyway. I believe I'm going to love it. No, I'm not jaded, I'm just realistic and accept it for what it is.</p>
<p>No lawyers love their jobs. Part of the deal that comes with the big salary is telling everyone within earshot how lousy your life is.</p>
<p>Here are a couple of self-qualifiers for you:</p>
<ol>
<li> Do you like having your work criticized by a highly skilled competitor, most likely in a public forum? The practice of law can be very confrontational.</li>
<li> Do you feel called to be a lawyer? At some level it's not a job decision, it's a lifestyle choice and it helps you get through the tough times if you feel some inner calling to do it.</li>
</ol>
<p>MSUdad I'm used to being cricized by the best. I'm used to this. You don't get to where I've gotten in insurance being thin skinned. I do feel called, otherwise I wouldn't be pursuing becoming a lawyer. I know it's a lifestyle with many sacrifices. I've heard lawyers say how miserable they are and I'm sure they are. However most good lawyers I know are neurotic to some degree and love to hear themselves *****. I guess it comes with the territory.</p>
<p>If you love to read, write and argue (or at least like figuring out all the angles on an issue), you probably would enjoy law school and being a lawyer. I like being a lawyer and am proud to call myself one. I have never set foot in a courtroom as a lawyer, and instead have been an "office" lawyer, giving advice (and pointing out all sides of a problem or issue) to my clients, and rarely having to argue my clients' positions to others. I worked for a few years in private practice, then moved to state govt. where I've been for almost 20 years. Govt. practice has meant fewer hours and smaller pay than private practice, but more interesting work and an overall happier life (time to enjoy my family, hobbies, etc.).</p>
<p>To the OP, just factor in the time and cost as well.</p>
<p>Depends on what you like to do...do a search on reasons NOT to become a lawyer and also read these Amazon.com:</a> "Become a Lawyer? Think Twice." Also if you don't get into a top law school...forget about finding a job good enough to pay off all those loans.</p>
<p>I'm doing Law (in a country where we do it straight from High School) and I'm so going to change that. Unless you love LOTS AND LOTS of paperwork and sitting!</p>
<p>Midwestmom I can see why many attorneys do transactions. However, I'm sure that can be stressful as well. I know at my age the big firms don't want me and that's fine. I don't want to work 80-100 hours per week unless my name is on the door. Also I hear the big firms eat their young when it comes to junior associates. Moreover I hear if you aren't on the fast tract to partner after three years, they usually put you out. I go to church with the senior partner for a large international firm and he knocks down $2.5-3million/year. However, he has no personal life that I can see or much of one anyway. I have heard that most attorneys are miserable in the legal profession and many have told me they wish they had chosen other paths, but for whatever reason they didn't. But I know MDs, CPAs and professionals in most any field who feel the same way. I think most everone feels that way at one time or another. I've got a long way to go and am somewhat apprehensive about what the future hold. However, if I don't pursue it, Ill always wonder what if.</p>
<p>Do you know what you have to do to be a criminal prosecuting lawyer? I tihnk I'd like that, and I can definitely handle the stress (tons of school clubs and so much homework that i literally can't write it all down on my planner. i'm used to a million things going on at once)..I just wouldn't want to be the kind of lawyer where you deal with taxes and insurance and stuff all the time. (no offense to those who do that, it's just not my thing)</p>