The best lawyers and law students, in my very humble and unsolicited opinion, are the ones that do not take themselves too seriously. I think to really succeed in this profession, you have to want to realize that you don't know everything--and that you can always learn more. I think it's unfortunate that because getting into law school and surviving it, law students are often tempted to think that they are "more intelligent" than everyone else. And frankly, I've given into that temptation a few times, with "few" meaning "more times than I'd care to admit." However, when I think about the things I admire about my favorite current and former bosses, they all seem to possess a certain humility that compels them to want to continue learning, even as they become senior litigators, biglaw partners, and heads of government bureaus.
I enjoyed law school, and I enjoy being a lawyer. It took some experience and determining what really made me happy, but I am thrilled to walk into my company have people barrage me, asking for guidance and advice. I love it that I have only been there but three months, and people think of me first when they need to get something done. I like knowing what "price elasticity" means, and being able to joke with my supervisor about it. A litigation risk calculation tickles my fancy...well partially because I don't have to do the actual litigating itself. I'm just one of those people whose personality fits this little corner of the legal profession in which I sit.
So to those of you who have that question in the back of your minds: yes, it does happen. You can be a lawyer and be fairly happy.
Posted by equilibrium-girl at March 9, 2005 09:33 PMYay! Now I just have to get into law school. Can this post be my fault? I will take responsibility if it is. :)
Posted by: jeanne at March 10, 2005 09:23 PM