For a year and a half, I have been referring to myself as an attorney-at-law. (Fancy huh!) I’ll grudgingly admit that it's a pretty gratifying feeling, a fulfilment of a lifelong dream if you will.
Now, ever so often I run into a poor unsuspecting individual who wants to study law or is already studying law, and I am faced with one of the drawbacks of completing Norman Manley Law School as a moderately accomplished student: they think I have the magic potion of how to be a great lawyer (well, at least a great student).
Calm down people, I'm truly annoyed flattered.
Photo credit: Lawyer Dog
When pressed for advice, it doesn't help that my response is often --
Why? Why on earth are you studying law?
The answer to this question is a dead giveaway of those who have spent way too much time with their TV remotes and too little time researching what it actually means to be a real-life lawyer. To cease being bothered consulted with once and for all, I have finally summed up my advice in a blog post (I even thought about billing for my time).
Let’s face it, if you want to study law for any of the reasons below, you may want to reconsider.
Lawyers make lots of money
Ha-ha! Okay, this may be true of a small elite group of attorneys who have earned their stripes over the years, migrated to greener pastures, or a few newer ones who are taking advantage of the chase the ambulance concept.
The majority of attorneys make no more than (actually, probably less) the average civil servant or middle manager (with way longer hours and in far more stressful conditions). So, if your goal is to make money, try your luck at sports. Running perhaps?
As a matter of fact, how good are you at writing? I mean code for computer programs or apps. My point is if money is your goal, now is the time to abandon all dreams of becoming a lawyer!
Being a lawyer is exciting!
LMAO! You have clearly watched one too many episodes of Suits or Scandal. Acting, well now that’s an exciting career, and the characters that you have fallen in love with are doing just that -- acting!
Do you fantasize that you are an amazing version of Olivia Pope or Harvey Specter? Then forget law and take off to Hollywood! In reality, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be Viola Davis and your clients will always get away with murder. (See what I did there?)
If movies or television series are your inspiration, you will be gravely disappointed with the life of a real lawyer. I'll admit, there are a few exciting moments if you are the type that gets excited about reading new judgments and doing research. Or, as I have discovered quite recently, reviewing new legislation and wading through a maze of complex commercial transactions.
Indeed, if you opt to practice criminal law, you may have some exciting moments. But do not be misled! See those nail-biting movie scenes where someone races to the court and bursts through the door with last-minute critical evidence that alters the universe and sets the innocent victim free? Doesn’t happen in real life. Nope, that’s not how evidence is admitted into court.
I really hate to burst your bubble, but the practice of law is not nearly as glamorous or exciting as portrayed in movies. Law is mostly boring. It could quite possibly be the most boring career on earth. Okay fine, accountants win.
Studying law is a great investment
Buying real estate is a great investment. Stocks and shares? Also pretty solid investments. Studying law is NOT. Unless by investment you mean torturous self-sacrifice. Law school requires five years of commitment (even more if you have to resit a school year). If you opt to study here in Jamaica at the Mona Campus, your yearly fees can easily run you a cool million.
At the end of law school, most students are in higher debt than the Jamaican economy (comparatively speaking of course). It doesn't help that while you may yet still be job hunting you are bound to receive the congratulatory letter from student loan which basically demands that you sell a liver or kidney to pay back their loans.
Lawyers are in demand
If ever there was a lie! Health care professionals are in demand, lorry and truck drivers are in demand. Lawyers? Naah... not so much.
Like the public sector hiring freeze, many established law firms are not hiring, and if they are, chances are it’s not the student who just completed law school. At most, there are vacancies for one or two well-connected (by far more important than academic achievement) graduates.
The rest of us are left to fight in the jungle. For fear of completely dissuading you from studying law, I won't mention some of the paltry salaries that are being offered. The bottom line is that the law of demand and supply never fails, and as it stands there are far more attorneys entering the job market than there are jobs to accommodate them.
Do your own research! (Hint: you may already be earning way more than a lawyer with a lot less stress).
The beauty of law is that I don't have to work for anyone! I can start my own practice!
Well, so can a plumber, an electrician, a hairdresser or any skilled professional for that matter. After 10 weeks of in-service training, you should be properly cured of this misconception. If you are still rearing to go, then you, my friend, are what I call a brave soul. May the force be with you.
Alas, the need to forego any tutelage and immediately set up shop (or your own 'shingle' as we say at law school) is often born of necessity and not desire. One must survive, right?
I want to carry on the family tradition
If you are studying law because your parents, siblings or some other relative has an established practice that you will join, you, my friend, are a fortunate but curious creature.
You already have the advantage of knowing the reality of practising law and yet you’ve voluntarily opted to study law. I'm bewildered by this. What more can I say? Carry on my friend and make your bloodline proud.
I want to make a difference in people's lives
Oh noble one, I greatly admire you (stifles laugh). To be fair, this noble profession does need more people like you. Unfortunately, inordinate delays in the justice system (read: man held in custody for five years without trial), unexplained adjournments (read: case put off for another year) and undesirable working conditions (read: RM court closed as staff protest leaking roofs, sweltering heat from dysfunctional AC units) may well leave you jaded and disillusioned within a few months of practice.
I love to debate and argue
Then go be a politician! Though to be fair, most lawyers do end up being politicians. My theory: after studying law they discover that it has little to do with loving a healthy debate. So, they run off to find the most suitable alternative. Yes, there is room for arguments and debates of facts, but that aside, law is mostly about research and relying on decisions that are already made by a bunch of wise people -- they are called judges. Your personal opinion is worth diddly-squat. Who the hell do you think you are?! Lord Denning?
Do not despair, I can think of many great reasons for studying law. Wait for it...
I got nothing.
OKAY FINE, if you insist…
- You do learn to think analytically and critically about all things;
- After a few years of practice, you'll perhaps be really great at it;
- Eventually, you may make a few bucks;
- People tend to think you're smart and the skills learnt are transferable to any vocation; and
- More often than not, you’ll make your clients very happy.
There!
If after reading the above you remain passionate and resolute, then law is definitely the career for you and I welcome you with eager arms to the profession that I myself have recently joined.
However, if you have had an epiphany, then take off into the sunset like the protagonist of a John Grisham novel and chart your own course!
P.S. Feel free to send me a token of your appreciation for saving your poor unsuspecting butt!
Lol. Girl why you gotta do accountants like that? !!!! I’m an accountant and yes it’s quite boring but we get by 🙂 great post as usual
Lol! I couldn’t help myself Miss Priss!
Awww! Someone enjoying studying law thinks they are passionate about the practice of law. I’m tempted to say ‘They’re so cute at that age’ while ruffling head and pinching cheek. I loved law school: listened stories of nostagic practitioners, read the interesting case already identified by someone, completed an assignment or passed an exam which once done was DONE, visited court a few times merely to watch as i would my television and not to mention the breaks for weekends and holidays. Oh, the good old days!!! And then I became a lawyer. A real one. And almost 8yrs into practice Lecia-Gaye Taylor does what I’ve been meaning to do for years: accurately record everything you learn about law AS a lawyer (and that’s just what she learnt in her first two). Who knows? Maybe Ruaca, in her first month will also ‘preempt’ me and write a blog about how lawyers get branded as liars while their clients walk away as saints and therein explain to some unsuspecting lawyer-wannabe (seriously, no offence intended; I was one too) what it really means to be a ‘creature of instruction’ although I myself think ‘beast of burden’ is perhaps a more apt term. Anyhoo, the legal plantation awaits us all, whether we’re passionate about it or not.
Celia, I wish I could like this 1000 times!!!!
Ah Lecia…if this on point one more time. People ask me excitedly everyday..’So how is law??!’ and then look at me with utter shock when I saw ‘boring and exhausting’.Law definitely has its rewarding times, but after I spend an entire day combing thru cases from every jurisdiction I can think of, to at the end of the day find 1 case barely applicable to mine, I couldn’t (at the time) have thought of a better description of law. Mayb i need to do something fun…like baking. 😀
Oh yes Grace – Ann not to mention the hours spent doing research and more research in an attempt to find a single point that fits your arguments
O.M.G!!! Thank you, I could not have said it better, When I tell people these things they think its because i want to keep the money and glory to myself. I’m yet to find the money or the glory. I wish someone warned me before.
I know Trisian! This is exactly why I wrote this post!
It’s all I’ve ever longed to do. I don’t care about the money, I am paying my way through while working to limit debt, hopefully I can do it without loans. When I am in the classroom I thank my lucky stars I am fortunate enough to finally in my mid forties follow my dream. I am so energized after a class it takes me hours to come down. I appreciate everything about it, including it being hard. If someone doesn’t feel that passion for it then it’s sad they pursued it. It’s too much work and sacrifice for anyone if they don’t love it. I tell everyone that.
@Ruaca exactly and when someone is as passionate as you are then I know they really want to be a lawyer and they know what they are in for but when I hear some of the reasons I’m sure they have no idea! Thanks for sharing!
This is the only other profession I would have considered had I not become a teacher. I would have specialized in Family Law. I would have been good too, lol (or maybe not, as I am too emotional when it comes to kids and can’t think straight if I think they are being wronged). Like any other profession, it comes with its struggles, but like the Japanese say 頑張ってください。（Do your best 🙂 There is a work to be done that only you can do.
So next time anyone tell me I should have been a lawyer, I’ll point them right here. Now that this is coming from the horse’s mouth, it seems my daughter is one smart child after all. I overheard her chiding a friend who wanted to do law because of the money. But then again, I shouldn’t be surprise, she doesn’t watch television.
Girl, you speaking gospel there!!! I try to tell ppl the same thing but it can come off as bad mind. But the cold hard fact is it can be quite boring, not very gratifying (financial or otherwise) and there is a glut on the market. Kudos to those die hard passionate lawyers. Maybe they should write a counter post as to why they would recommend it.
yes, you are so right. I am sometimes hesitant because people think you are trying to discourage them from becoming a lawyer, but it is what it is!
Oh my! Believe me when I say u definitely saved my butt when I spoke to u lol. Continuing on my med rep path and moving up otherwise. Thank you for the noble advice!
I love the legal profession but the cost is a turn off for me but I would rather spent 3 years in law than do a PhD
Uhhm not comparable. Several variables influence your chances of success (measured as wealth here). Some PhDs are quite marketable and afford greater flexibility because of a broader range of skills than can be acquired. Also, academics (if thats your path post phd) tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction and, although the job may be demanding, there is greater opportunity to have multiple engagements (flexible time). BTW law is not 3 years of study if u intend to practice as an attorney. its about 5 years in jamaica and around 4 years in the UK. The point is that, in this economy, there are limited opportunities so you simply have to be amongst the cream of the crop in whatever career you have chosen. Of course, being the cream could mean anything from scoring well on your exams to having solid social capital. Sad, but such is the condition of an affected meritocracy. Comparing a phd and a law degree is a classic case of apples and oranges. Totally contextual.