Quote:
Originally Posted by socialite
I have alot to think about based on all of this, like whether or not I'm going into law because I want to be an attorney or whether or not I'm going into law to roll in the money...
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This is a
very good question to ask yourself. Most lawyers make a comfortable living. Not all lawyers "roll in the money." A lot depends on where you live and what kind of practice you have.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KSigkid
. . . but in my experience most of the successful attorneys are ones who put in a TON of hours at the office, doing high-pressure work, whether it be corporate, public interest, government, or whatever.
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I'm going to disagree with this just a little. I think it depends on what you mean by "successful." If you mean "making the most money," then you're probably right (except you should remove public interest and government lawyers from your list -- they'll rarely make as much in those sectors as they could in private or corporate practice). If you mean quality of life -- family, outside interests, etc. -- then I'd say maybe, maybe not. After 20+ years of practice, I've seen way too many "successful lawyers" who lament missing big chunks of their kids' lives or who are looking at serious burnout. It's kind of like the old saw -- nobody ever uttered the last words "I wish I'd spent more time at the office."
Don't get me wrong -- I know plenty of lawyers who love the "tons of hours at the office" life and don't regret it all, and who have happy family and personal lives. But I also know many who are looking to "escape" private practice for what they see as a more balanced life. (I've also known my fair share of wives -- almost always wives -- who want their husbands to get out of the jobs that require so much time at the office and who really resent that he's not there for meals, for bedtimes, for soccer games, etc.) Again, a lot can depend on where you are and what kind of practice you have.
The important thing is for a lawyer to decide for him- or herself what "success" means and then go for it . . . even if it means making less money.
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