Lawyers are very important when it comes to courts. Their role is to conduct lawsuits for clients and to represent others in legal matters. From law offices to courtrooms, and from courtrooms to client meetings, they are most definitely occupied and busy people. Without lawyers, many would not be able to defend themselves properly with the law.

Like any other profession, lawyers need at least a certain amount of education. They are required to have a graduate law degree from an accredited law school. It takes about 7 years of study; 4 years of undergraduate study and 3 years of law school. That’s not all, most states require lawyers to continue taking law education courses throughout their careers in order to maintain their license to practice law. Having the knowledge isn’t enough, though. Many essential skills are needed like having good teamwork skills since lawyers work in law offices, strong communication skills (both verbal and written), and time management. Being bilingual is also a beneficial skill to have since they are able to take more clients.

On average, full-time lawyers work about 50 hours per week. Some Big Law attorneys work up to 80 hours per week. They get paid $61.31 per hour/$127,550 yearly. Course, the job has many perks as well. Lawyers get medical and dental plans, short or long-term disability plans, retirement savings plans, life insurance, firm-paid business travel insurance, firm-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and health care. They also get 20 days of paid vacation per year (and sometimes, senior associates get about 25-30 paid vacation days). Even though they work in good work environments and have lucrative careers, they do have their cons. They are in high-stress situations, require expensive education, and have to work long hours.

There will still be a need for lawyers in the future because it requires a very expensive and long education therefore not many people would want to pursue it. Also, courts and other law enforcement are always happening, and doubt it’ll stop in the future. This career would be a good choice for me because I would love to help people with their cases and make sure there is justice and fairness. I also have many of the extra quirks that are helpful in this career like being bilingual, having good communication skills, and time flexibility/management.