Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Life as a lawyer
So I just completed my first session of in-class CPLED. Most of the time was spent on orientation, and seemingly endless discussions on how bad being a lawyer sucks.
It was nice to hear from CJ Wachowich. He was one of the few I found who made me feel proud to be becoming a lawyer. It was pleasant to hear his war stories, and to find that after as many years as he has been in the daily midst of litigation it is possible to still like the law.
I mean, who in their right mind would enter a profession where they are constantly reminded of the following:
1. That many lawyers, and mainly female lawyers leave the profession within 5 years.
2. That the hours will be almost intolerably long, and the pay for the first while intolerably low (especially considering student loan payments.)
3. That your reputation is everything, and slipping once will take a lifetime to recover from.
4. That wearing your hat in a restaurant is not becoming of a lawyer.
5. That we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard in our personal life. How many jobs do you know have positive duties to this extent outside of the office?
6. Working for free is required.
7. There are a multitude of programs set up to aid lawyers suffering from addiction, stress, marital discord, and the like - which will be all of us at at least one point in our life.
8. That at least once in our career things will go wrong, and it will be painful, and it may result in very bad things happening.
After all of that, who doesn't want to be a lawyer???
You know, when I am in the office, I really like doing "law-talking" stuff. I enjoy the people, I enjoy the research, and working in a situation where I am paid to learn is exactly suited to my personality. I have been challenged on a regular basis. I like challenge.
Yet everyone spouts: it will be hard, non-monetary rewards will be sparse, and most people crack under the pressure. It's like rallying the troops to a war that is voluntary and will destroy one's life. At some point such a damaging repetitive message will be believed. No wonder people leave this profession in droves.
Fact: The number of lawyers who have been at the bar 6-10 years is 27% less than the number who have been at the bar 0-5 years (2006 Alberta numbers)
It was nice to hear from CJ Wachowich. He was one of the few I found who made me feel proud to be becoming a lawyer. It was pleasant to hear his war stories, and to find that after as many years as he has been in the daily midst of litigation it is possible to still like the law.
I mean, who in their right mind would enter a profession where they are constantly reminded of the following:
1. That many lawyers, and mainly female lawyers leave the profession within 5 years.
2. That the hours will be almost intolerably long, and the pay for the first while intolerably low (especially considering student loan payments.)
3. That your reputation is everything, and slipping once will take a lifetime to recover from.
4. That wearing your hat in a restaurant is not becoming of a lawyer.
5. That we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard in our personal life. How many jobs do you know have positive duties to this extent outside of the office?
6. Working for free is required.
7. There are a multitude of programs set up to aid lawyers suffering from addiction, stress, marital discord, and the like - which will be all of us at at least one point in our life.
8. That at least once in our career things will go wrong, and it will be painful, and it may result in very bad things happening.
After all of that, who doesn't want to be a lawyer???
You know, when I am in the office, I really like doing "law-talking" stuff. I enjoy the people, I enjoy the research, and working in a situation where I am paid to learn is exactly suited to my personality. I have been challenged on a regular basis. I like challenge.
Yet everyone spouts: it will be hard, non-monetary rewards will be sparse, and most people crack under the pressure. It's like rallying the troops to a war that is voluntary and will destroy one's life. At some point such a damaging repetitive message will be believed. No wonder people leave this profession in droves.
Fact: The number of lawyers who have been at the bar 6-10 years is 27% less than the number who have been at the bar 0-5 years (2006 Alberta numbers)
Saturday, August 08, 2009
As Per Your Request Carol!
Duane and Kelly's wedding yesterday was fantastic. I thought I played the roll of drunk cousin really well. I don't particularly know why I drank as much as I did, but it sure felt good to let loose a little. And it was great to see my family. Some members, like Shauna and Ryan, Gwen and Gord, and Wayne and Irene, I haven't seen for years and years.
The bride and groom looked fantastic, the kids had a great time, and I kissed a pig. Look for pictures to come up shortly!
(This refers to the below three posts): Here are pictures from the first 10 days of my European excursion. I will post more once I know more about what I actually took pictures of!
The bride and groom looked fantastic, the kids had a great time, and I kissed a pig. Look for pictures to come up shortly!
(This refers to the below three posts): Here are pictures from the first 10 days of my European excursion. I will post more once I know more about what I actually took pictures of!
The Chateau, Pont du Gard and Barcelona
I would encourage you to play the music with the show as well. It's fun stuff!
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