Why Law?
Legal Advocacy
What do attorneys really do?
As a lawyer, also called an attorney, you would be an advocate, advisor, and counselor
to the clients you represent. Your job would include counseling clients about legal
options and representing them in a wide array of venues and matters. Lawyers serve
to uphold the law while also protecting the rights of their client. The practice of
law is incredibly diverse, reflecting the totality of law's impact on our lives. There
are laws and lawyers for nearly every aspect of day-to-day life, from contracts when
you purchase goods or services to laws regulating marriage and personal behavior towards
others.
Where you work will be dependent on the particular job you choose. You could work
for a law firm, own a solo practice, or hold a position in a government office, corporation,
or other organization. In most cases, your clients will be individuals, but they may
also be state or local governments, or for profit/non-profit businesses or organizations.
Legal Education
Exploring your interests.
Most lawyers spend more time outside of a courtroom, than inside a courtroom. As an
attorney, you may spend time researching, consulting with colleagues, preparing cases,
drafting documents, analyzing changes in the law and offering advice to your clients.
The exact duties you'll perform will vary depending on your practice and if you choose
to specialize in particular areas. Your legal education will be general in scope,
with some electives that may allow you to test different specialties; most lawyers
choose their specialization area(s) after completing their professional education.
In most states to become a lawyer, you'll need a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which
takes around three years to earn. After completing a J.D. degree program, you can
take the bar examination in any state where you wish to practice law and, upon passing,
become licensed to practice law in that state.