Have You Considered Becoming a Lawyer?

Students aspiring to be lawyers should be aware of the true nature of the profession of law. Unlike the attorneys depicted in movies and television, and those who occasionally make the headlines of the nation's newspapers, the vast majority of American lawyers spend little time in courtrooms. Rather, most members of the bar devote the bulk of their effort to the humbler aspects of the law — research, preparation of briefs, client relations, etc. A significant number of American law school graduates do not even "practice law." Instead, they occupy positions in business or government, utilizing their legal education only indirectly.

If a student is considering a career in law, a good first step would be to speak with practicing attorneys about their jobs. A student's family may have an attorney, or perhaps one of their relatives or friends is a lawyer. It is recommended that students ask them to discuss with the student the positive and negative aspects of their job. Explore the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) site and The American Bar Association Division of Public Education Web sites.