What are some health benefits and vacation time and stuff for lawyers?

Question

Also what is a typical day like for a lawyer? What are some personality traits or talents that are necessary for a lawyer. And what are some personality traits that will help you be better being a lawyer?

Answer 1

Health benefits. For solo practitioners, you are on your own. The larger the firm, the better the benefits probably. If you work for the government, the benefits are very good.

Vacation time. That can be difficult. I can block out 3 weeks/year for vacation, but I often still answer phone messages during that time. If you want to keep clients happy, you can't just disappear during a crisis or when they want to talk to you. I've heard in big firms sometimes, they make you cancel your vacation plans if a partner needs you to do something.

Typical day- I'm in court half the time, but many lawyers never go to court. Court is usually routine- but occasionally dramatic. I have started to dislike the drama- I prefer the routine now. Just make my money and go home.

After I get back to the office, there are lots of phone messages to call back to, papers to deal with, etc.

Personality traits. You have to think logically and analytically. It's like doing algebra or engineering only with words instead of numbers (algebra) or things (engineering).

Since you call yourself emotional, I'm not sure if logical and analytical is your thing. You can't be flying off the handle or crying, etc. if you want to look like a lawyer.

Lawyers are overly serious- frivolity or silliness is frowned upon. Creativity and individuality are not highly valued in the legal business. Conformity and "thinking like a lawyer" are valued, which means they want you to think like they do and like other lawyers do.

I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Answer 2

Depends if you work for a firm or not...if you work for a mid-size to large law firm, health benefits for the employee are usually included. Also, 2-3 weeks vacation is the "norm" and sick time is usually separated and is another 2-3 weeks.

Typical day - depends on the type of firm and the area of practice. It's anywhere from 7 am to 7 pm, 9 am to 7 pm, or 9 am to 5 pm (it also depends on whether you can get all your billable hours done in the day [is there a minimum daily requirement, minimum weekly requirement, minimum monthly requirement, minimum quarterly requirement, or minimum yearly requirement??])

Personality traits - have to have a thick skin and let comments (criticism) roll off of you. Good knowledge of the law; quick to speak; quick-witted.

Answer 3

Health benefits - great! You may not even have to pay for them. Vaction time - minimal. Do not even ask for vacation time in your first 5 years, unless you are working as a lawyer for a non profit, than they are more lenient. You will want to be able to read for hours and hours, and you have to be a critical, logical thinker.
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Answer 4

Most attorneys are self employed. You usually have to work to find clients. If you are employed by a large corporation or a government. you could begin to think about benefits.