There is no typical day at work because it depends on the kind of law
you practice. Some attorneys never go into court and some do it all the
time. It also depends on how big your firm is. I had a solo practice
with no help, so I spend as much time on clerical stuff, more actually,
than I did representing clients.
Skills are multiple. You have to think on your feet. You have to have excellent critical thinking skills and be able to analyze and come to a decision quickly. You have to have excellent speaking and writing skills. It also helps to be a people person - not in schmoozing, but in empathy. Although some loyers leave that for the paralegal. You have to be smart and know a lot of different things - depending on the kind of law.
Usually you have to have a bachelors degree than a doctorate in law (JD). You have to pass the bar for each state where you want to practice, although some states will let you practice if you are licensed in certain other states - but you still have to do paperwork to be licensed. The bar exam I took (and passed) lasted two and a half days. Nine hours of essays and six hours of multiple choice. Only 28% passed.
The kind of law I practiced was with the disabled, many of whom were homeless. I made a real difference in their lives helping them get disability benefits, to the point where they would no longer be homeless. I also helped clients with consumer issues be able to stand up against the corporations. So I didn't get rich, but I made a big difference. I also worked as a patient advocate in a mental hospital, protecting the rights of the patients. That was the rewarding part, helping the helpless and giving them hope. What I didn't like is the game playing, that it was more about that than justice.
I think the profession has become more specialized. You don't find many general law attorneys. Some of that has to do with the difficulty of keeping up with all the legal changes. And some of it has to do with growth of corporate law firms that can work virtually with clients.
Contrary to what some will say, most loyers are ethical. They aren't greedy. They are there to protect the rights of their clients. I am always puzzled by people who think it's great that businesses can have trial loyers, but get all pissy if the people picked on by corporations have trial loyers.
Skills are multiple. You have to think on your feet. You have to have excellent critical thinking skills and be able to analyze and come to a decision quickly. You have to have excellent speaking and writing skills. It also helps to be a people person - not in schmoozing, but in empathy. Although some loyers leave that for the paralegal. You have to be smart and know a lot of different things - depending on the kind of law.
Usually you have to have a bachelors degree than a doctorate in law (JD). You have to pass the bar for each state where you want to practice, although some states will let you practice if you are licensed in certain other states - but you still have to do paperwork to be licensed. The bar exam I took (and passed) lasted two and a half days. Nine hours of essays and six hours of multiple choice. Only 28% passed.
The kind of law I practiced was with the disabled, many of whom were homeless. I made a real difference in their lives helping them get disability benefits, to the point where they would no longer be homeless. I also helped clients with consumer issues be able to stand up against the corporations. So I didn't get rich, but I made a big difference. I also worked as a patient advocate in a mental hospital, protecting the rights of the patients. That was the rewarding part, helping the helpless and giving them hope. What I didn't like is the game playing, that it was more about that than justice.
I think the profession has become more specialized. You don't find many general law attorneys. Some of that has to do with the difficulty of keeping up with all the legal changes. And some of it has to do with growth of corporate law firms that can work virtually with clients.
Contrary to what some will say, most loyers are ethical. They aren't greedy. They are there to protect the rights of their clients. I am always puzzled by people who think it's great that businesses can have trial loyers, but get all pissy if the people picked on by corporations have trial loyers.
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