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Is Law Practice Your Passion?

By Lisa F. Geherin posted 10-19-2015 08:12

  

What is the reason you went to law school? Did you have a knack for debating? Were you a natural at negotiating? Did you want to make a lot of money? Or better yet, did you simply believe in the American justice system? Whatever your reason for going to law school, is the practice of law what you thought it would be? Are you happy? If the answer is not a resounding yes, you are not alone. In a recent study from CareerBliss  the top vote getter for most unhappy job was “associate attorney.” So what is the secret to happiness in the practice of law?

According to a 40-year study conducted of 50 successive graduating classes at the University of Michigan, it could be linked to perceptions of the social value of one’s work and the quality of relationships with coworkers. From my own experience, I was happiest about practicing while working for a firm that valued the attorneys as much as the clients. There were lots of opportunities for professional development, and the firm encouraged social interaction. Once a week all the attorneys would get together for a calendar meeting where we would discuss who would cover the many court appearances and depositions—over a beer or a glass of wine and plenty of salty snacks. Sometimes the calendar meetings would last for a couple of hours, even though the “business” portion of the meeting had concluded quickly. It was a great way for the younger associates, more senior lawyers, and partners to get to know each other.

What doesn’t lead to lawyer well-being? According to a 2015 study involving several thousand lawyers in four states, money and status, such as partnership in a law firm or high class rank. Attorneys in large law firms and other prestigious positions were not as happy as public service attorneys, despite higher pay and status.

So how can you find your passion—whether it’s law or something else? Try answering these seven questions as discussed by John C. Maxwell in How to Carve Out Your Life’s Passion.

  1. If you inherited so much money that you would never have to work again, what would you do with your time?

  2. What would you never give up because you love it so much?

  3. What hobbies have you pursued over the years and why?

  4. What are you naturally good at—so good that other people compliment you?

  5. When others consult you for advice, what do they ask you about?

  6. What are you curious about?

  7. What do you do better than anything else?

If you take the time to really think about the answers to these questions, as Maxwell states, you may just find the answer. Still not sure? Check out these alternative careers for lawyers.

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10-23-2015 10:35

Glad I read this. It was a rewarding experience. I ran off the list. I'm going to have to take some time to consider my answers and what they mean.