Finding the Right Fit as an Attorney
September was my first month attending the Lawyers Connecting networking group. The most unexpected person I met was board member Alan Levin, who provides therapy and counseling to attorneys. Among all the others looking to build professional connections or find employment, it was interesting to have someone present whose goal was to help lawyers find happiness. Studies have shown that the most common reasons for entering law are the pursuit of intellectual challenge and the opportunity for social service. On the other hand, those dissatisfied as attorneys reported not having enough time for personal endeavors or a lack of fulfillment in their work. Finding the right fit for you as an attorney may make the difference between a promising career and burning out.
What questions can help determine how to find personal satisfaction in your work as an attorney? The type of law you practice is one of the most basic factors that determines the basic work environment. Time commitment, stress levels, amount of paperwork, all of these are tied in with what type of law you practice. If one of these factors has created personal problems in the workplace, it may be time to look for a new focus. Another thing to consider is that most people change careers during their lifetimes. In the likely event that you do not stay a one firm your entire life, what kind of training is your employer providing that can help you take that next step? If your current placement doesn’t teach you anything new, what are you personally doing to prepare for that next job? Constantly developing new skills will help prevent the roadblock of becoming trapped in an unfulfilling position. How you interact with clients is also a factor to take note of. Supplying vital information and services in a time of crisis can be an incredibly gratifying occupation. However not all people need to play such a personal role in their work. How much human interaction you have with clients is another thing to consider when deciding what kind of attorney you want to be. Often these kinds of questions slip by when looking for work or trying to pay off debts. But if you can’t find happiness or fulfillment in your work, is it worth spending the time and effort necessary to become a lawyer? In the end, this kind of self-analysis may make the difference between making healthy career decisions and a few miserable years as a practicing attorney.
Nils Robbins recently graduated from The George Washington University with a double major in Political Science and International Affairs. He is currently looking to gain experience in a law firm with a strong commitment to client advocacy.
He can by reached by phone at: 1-224-392-0897 or by email at Nils.Robbins@gmail.com.