To Be Or Not To Be (A Lawyer), That is The Question!

I stumbled upon this amusing but informative article on the virtues/disadvantages of being a lawyer.

Some of the comments are directly relevant to the topics we've been studying this year. For example, under the topic 'top 10 reasons not to be a lawyer', coming at number 10 is the requirement to wear appropriate attire in court. And that's very true. Court etiquette; when to bow, where to stand/sit, the terms of address used, the appropriate clothing - these are all things quite relevant to the day-to day practice of appearing in court or in chambers.

Number 7 is people will ask you for free advice. This was also something that we were lectured on - and generally taught that we should direct business through the business and offer a discount if appropriate - in order to cover your own ass if things go hay-wire.

There is a story about a doctor and lawyer at a party. They were engaged in conversation when a guest approached and asked the doctor for some free medical advice. Not wanting to appear impolite, the doctor answered the question. After the guest had left, the doctor resumed his conversation with the lawyer.

"I noticed no one has come up and asked you for free advice. How do you keep people from doing that?"

"Every time someone asks me for advice I send them a bill," the lawyer replied.

The doctor thought that was an excellent idea and, the next day, sent the guest a bill for $75. Two days later, the doctor received a bill from the lawyer for $150.

Of course there are also advantages to becoming a lawyer; improving communication skills, learn the ability to focus on an issue, and learning your various rights.