To those of you who are lawyers?

Question

What's it like being a lawyer? Do you think it's a very stressful job and do you ever find time for vacations/family? Any information you have, please tell. Thanks to those who reply.

Answer 1

It's a wonderful job. The first few years were stressful but once you learn your way around you enjoy it. I find time for family because of my job choice. Many attorneys choose jobs that demand nights and weekends. That ruins their family life. Overall I am very happy with the balance I have.

Answer 2

I'm not a lawyer, although I know quite a bit about the Profession. First of all, Lawyers work in a variety of settings. Some are employed by government agencies such as the Attorney General's Office or the Department of Justice. Others work in law firms with anywhere from 5 to 500 other lawyers. Some work for themselves, as “sole practitioners.” More and more are being hired as “in-house counsel” for large companies. Many use their legal skills to become teachers or public policy lobbyists or analysts, and some work for public interest groups.

Much of a lawyer’s time is spent in offices and law libraries, reading, researching, and writing. Meeting with clients or colleagues and going to court may also take up a large part of lawyers’ workday, depending on the type of law they practice. Some lawyers travel frequently as well.

Since law is a competitive profession and many get paid according to the amount of time they work, lawyers often work long hours. Most work between 8 and 11 hours a day. During trials or big negotiations, this can stretch to 15 or 16 hours a day. Weekend work is also common.

Lawyers who work for government agencies or as in-house counsel for large companies are paid a salary, rather than by the number of hours they work, and typically have more regular hours.

It's a good idea to read books, magazines, and newspapers that relate to the field you are considering. You should also be willing to work hard.

While some people say that opportunities are limited for lawyers, your chances of finding a job are good if you're at the top of your class in law school.

Depending on the state you live, The average entry wage is $30.00 an hour.

I hope this helps you.

Answer 3

As an attorney, I can tell you that things like the stress level and vacation time vary so much from job to job that it's impossible to generalize. The most that can be said is it's not an easy profession and the salary for a typical attorney is alot lower than people might think. But then again, this could describe most other professions as well.

Answer 4

It all depends on where you decide to work. There are jobs where you could work 60+ hours a week, there're also jobs where you'll work 40. So basically it all depends. Stress level too depends on what kind of law you practice. I have friends who work for Legal Aid and they don't make too much money, but they have a pretty low-stress environment and work under 50 hours a week, while I also have friends who work in corporate law who get paid significant amounts of money ($150K+, 2 years out of law school in NYC). Many have family and kids, though when it does get busy you see them in the office on weekends occasionally and 'til late during the week.

Only go into law if you really really want to do it. A friend of mine just recently quit his job at a big corporate firm after working there for the past year and a half and is going back to business school. The money was great for him, but he hated the work. I think a lot of people these days go to law school just to do it. Don't do it unless you WANT to do it.

Answer 5

I am an engineer, but I know a pretty well established attorney. He works in corporate labor law for a decent sized law firm. The guy has more time off in one year than I have as an engineer working for a defense contractor the last 10 years....stress, what stress...lol...he also drinks like a fish and is a real good guy for whatever that is worth...good luck...my 2 cents worth.

Answer 6

Depends on the type of law you practice and where you work. I worked in Immigration law for several years and got tired of the cheating by Illegals and greedy businesses.

Now I do probate law and deal with greedy beneficiaries.

There's a reason lawyers are known as bottom-feeders. Sorry, but you asked the question. Just being honest!

Answer 7

I work for attorneys and I tell ya I'll never want that job with the hours, stress and responsibility they have.

I'll keep my paralegal status.

Answer 8

nice question