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)
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2 comments:
Hey Jodi, Just read your blog, and I wanted you to know that I am sure that you will be a greeat lawyer and all the bad things about it do not apply to you! You are a very strong woman and I sure as hell wuldn't want to be on the other side of the courtroom you are in.lol, I would however like if we were on the same side! Congrats on getting there.
very interesting article
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