I am trying to decide what type of lawyer to be but I am having trouble. All of a sudden the ideas I have had in the past 5 years seem too idealistic. I want to help out...make a difference...fight injustice. But a job with the ACLU for example pays around 60,000 a year. On the other side of the spectrum a job with corporation pays over 100,000 but I find it meaningless. Does anyone have any ideas on how to reconcile the two and obtain a job that pays good money but also makes a difference?
Thanks guys!
2006-10-14 21:40:11 · 9 answers · asked by Nicole83 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You're really confused.
There are countless areas of the law you in which you can concentrate your practice. There is no area of the law that is devoid of opportunities to fight injustice. That's what the law is all about. You can fight injustice while being paid fairly, and you can waive your fees if you deem the matter and the client worthy. I can assure you that even real estate lawyers find such opportunities, and people who are about to lose their house to foreclosure can't get the attention of the ACLU.
Get wise to the ACLU. They are not about fighting injustice. They are about fighting the American legal system. If you think that's the same thing, go ahead and work for them.
2006-10-15 01:47:29 · answer #1 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I live in a big city, and you will starve on 60k unless you have three roommates in a studio apartment. I don't know where the people who think 60k is good money live, but it sure isn't in NYC.
If you can swing it, a job with the ACLU will give you the exposure to find out what you really want to do, and if you get enough personal satisfaction, the money won't matter as much.
I have been a paralegal for a gazillion years, and it is a good feeling when you help someone. The problem is ... to be honest, most of the people you will help are really ungrateful, and shockingly so.
The stars come out of your eyes really quick when you see how stupid many people are. I would say that 75% of the people who come to my office are there because they have no common sense. Then they want you to help them for free, because they are special in their own mind. And each of these people think that their matter is the only thing you have to do all day. It gets old real fast.
2006-10-15 03:30:02 · answer #2 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't the rewards for making a difference in this crazy world we live in make up the difference in pay? Not to mention the higher taxes you will be paying in the corporate world.
Don't brush aside other avenues where you can make a difference. There are non-profit groups that help abused and neglected children, not to mention the mentally handicapped. We need more lawyers who are willing to fight for these people's rights. People who cannot fight for themselves. While the ACLU is a very good group, sometimes they go a bit overboard (but that's just my opinion.)
Contact your state or local bar association. They should be able to tell you who and what is in your area where your desire to help and make a difference can be utilized.
Good luck. Sounds like you have a good heart and may help change others' negative opinions about lawyers.
2006-10-14 22:25:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nicole, if you want to make a difference, why not go into criminal law and help those who cannot afford to pay the high dollars for their defense.......
Court appointed attorney is another word for:Kiss Your A** Goodbye.
Not everyone who is in jail is guilty.
Innocent people go to jail all the time,
it is people with money who don't do the time
Find the people who are in there and are innocent and help them.
2006-10-15 00:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by Moma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Richard Branson observed the affliction the McCanns suffered after Madeleine went lacking. whilst they have been then made "arguidos", they confronted the possibility of finding out to purchase to sell their abode to sparkling their names and preserve themselves. Richard Branson is an astute guy. he's impressive sufficient to comprehend that undemanding experience dictates that the McCanns weren't and could no longer be in charge for his or her daughters loss of life / abduction, no longer count how lurid the headlines. He has performed what he believes to be ideal and that i'm in contract together with his motives.
2016-12-26 19:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nicole, darling, Law and Ethics is an oxymoron and if you are dedicated why do you worrie about $$$'s. Life wasn't meant to be easy, was it. This from a mate, not a guy.
2006-10-14 23:25:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree 60k is great money...but the answer is no-the nobler jobs always pay less money. Why do you think our teachers make so little?
2006-10-14 21:44:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you chose being a lawyer then there is no hope for you. There is not a justice system in America its a criminal justice system run for profit not for justice
2006-10-14 22:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by beaudrycharles@sbcglobal.net 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
60K is good money, but if all you care about is money, then you're not going to accomplish anything good anyway, so just go ahead and be a sleazeball tobacco company lawyer.
2006-10-14 21:42:16 · answer #9 · answered by Jim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋