There are certain fields and industries that play a vital role to the framework of our contemporary society. Health is one of them, with doctors and nurses providing essential care throughout our shared history. Business is also an intrinsic part of our society, and will be for the rest of time.
The law is another crucial part of our society, with lawyers being the predominant agents representing the industry. Although the initial challenges of being a lawyer may seem daunting, there are also magnificent rewards for being a lawyer. As long as you are certain that this is the career path for you, representing the law can be an amazing experience!
However, like most professions, there are different pros and cons of being a lawyer. Here are eight different advantages and disadvantages for being a lawyer:
Pro: A lawyer’s compensation
Generally speaking, being a lawyer is one of the highest-paying professions in our society. Those who are fresh out of law school may earn a salary that is close to six figures. The more established you become, the more your salary is bound to rise.
The average salary for being a lawyer is around the low six figure mark, so you will not have to worry about not making ends meet. Just be cognizant of which area of the law you choose to work in; some may be more economically fruitful than others. Money isn’t everything, but a good pay certainly helps!
Con: Law school is expensive
While compensation may be a good advantage for being a lawyer, the profession is infamous for being expensive to get into. Law school tuition is astronomical, with expenses after the average four years nearing six figures. That isn’t even taking into consideration ancillary factors, such as textbooks, transportation, or other living expenses.
In addition, student loans make it very challenging to open a practice. The debt only adds to the relative expenses prospective lawyers will have to contend with, and could impact their general well-being. Always be sure to ask yourself if it is viable to go down this career path, before setting off to do so.
Pro: Lots of choices
Criminal law is a section of the law that garners a lot of attention, mainly due in part to its exposure. The media, and various entertainment mediums, have showcased lawyers going head-to-head to defend or convict an accused person. However, just because it plays a significant part of the law, doesn’t mean it is your only choice.
Prospective lawyers have a wide array of choice going into the industry. They can choose to go into civil law, or other niche areas such as family law. In addition, you are able to, as a lawyer, work in either the public or private sector as well. You never have to confine yourself to one path!
Con: Stress of being a lawyer
Unfortunately, the long hours and time preparing to become a lawyer doesn’t actually end. Being a lawyer usually means you will be working long hours during your typical business day. Depending on the magnitude of the case, you will inevitably see an increase in stress.
Client demands may range from being a nuisance, to being unfair in some cases. In addition, some lawyers have experienced bouts of depression, in addition to anxiety attacks in some other cases. If you don’t want your work to consume your life, you may want to ask yourself if this is really the career path for you.
Pro: The thrill of being a lawyer
If you are someone who enjoys debating, then becoming a lawyer may be the best career option for you. In the case of trial lawyers, arguing a new case, using relevant case studies and legal theory, can be an exciting time. Debating certain legal subject matter is as old as history itself; if you live for this activity, you will flourish as a lawyer!
Con: Emotional job
Being a lawyer means you have to be flexible, as well as multifaceted. Generally speaking, clients who have just experienced an emotional disaster will come seeking your assistance. In this time of grief, it may be difficult to ensure a client that you have their back. This is why it is important to continually develop traits like empathy, otherwise it will be challenging.
Pro: Positive work environment
For the most part, the advantage of being a lawyer means you are afforded the opportunity to work in a positive space. Everyone there has a job to do, but the cohesiveness is something that connects all those working at a firm. Some of your colleagues may even turn into lifelong friends!
Con: Competitive profession
This is one of the pros and cons of being a lawyer, depending on your personality. As societal standards become more demanding, so too does the prospect for becoming a part of a specific industry. Becoming a lawyer no longer means just doing well on your LSAT test; you’ll have to constantly network, and campaign to get your name out there!
