Expert: Sally A. Kane - 1/17/2009

Question
Hi Sally,

I have kind of a different situation right now as an undergrad; I went to a community college for two years while in high school, so when I started university I technically had junior status. Though right now I'm only in my second year here, I am a senior, but won't be graduating until 2010 when I am 20.

I've been bouncing around lately with career options. Writing has always been my strongest skill, so I initially wanted to go into the international journalism field (I am currently an international studies major). I tried it out for a while (wrote and news edited for the college newspaper and completed a magazine internship) but ultimately decided it wasn't for me. I am now in the process of switching to a communications major to pursue a communications/PR career (I am also interning at a small PR firm).

While doing all of the above, I took a few law classes: law and politics of international trade, mass media law, and this quarter I am taking the place of law in multicultural conflicts. The first two I found very interesting and did very well in and I am finding the third class very interesting as well. Honestly these classes are just fascinating and although they are like puzzles, they just made sense to me.

I know that writing and analyzing skills are crucial to excel in law (I love researching as well), and since this summer, though I am still contemplating a PR/communications career, going into law has frequently been on my mind. But I'm not sure if I have the right personality traits to be a successful lawyer (by that I mean earning six-figures)--I'm not naturally outspoken and I've never participated in a debate before.

So my ultimate question is: how can I figure out if going to law school and becoming a lawyer is for me? If I do decide on going to law school, how should I start preparing especially since I am planning on graduating next year?

Sorry for the long message and thank you for your time.

Kim

Answer
Kim,

There are a few common stereotypes about lawyers that are not necessarily true. Two of these are that lawyers must be outspoken and that lawyers must have good debating skills.  (For more lawyer myths, see:
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/lawyermyths.htm)

While excellent communications skills are necessary to be a successful lawyer, introverted personalities can and do lead thriving law practices. Working as a trial lawyer may not be your forte but you may do well in a transactional practice.   

What's most important in succeeding as a lawyer is an intellectual curiosity and honest interest in the law. Good research and writing skills are essential. Moreover, the ability to excel academically is important to success in law school.  You seem to have the interest, writing skills and academic potential to succeed as a lawyer.  

For other skills necessary to succeed as a lawyer, see:
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/legalcareerbasics/tp/Legal-Skills.htm

To learn more about a career as a lawyer, you might check out the legal careers site (http://legalcareers.about.com/) and talk to practicing lawyers and your career services center.

The time to begin preparing for law school is now.  For a list of specific things you can do to prepare for law school, review:

Law school admissions tips: http://legalcareers.about.com/od/educationandtraining/a/admissionstips.htm

Preparing for your first year of law school:
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/educationandtraining/a/lawschoolprep.htm

Best of luck!

Sally A. Kane, Esq.
About.com Guide to Legal Careers
http://legalcareers.about.com/