What is a common misconception about being a lawyer or the business of law?
One of the common misconceptions about lawyers is that they have a magic wand and can solve any legal problems regardless of the real facts, and that a lawyer can manage the time of legal procedures and can control them.
50-59-year-old associate at a private firm
That as you advance in your career, things get easier and you have more control.
50-59-year-old nonequity partner at a private firm
That every lawyer has essentially the same job. There are huge differences between, say, being a corporate lawyer specializing in projects, and a criminal litigator.
20-29-year-old associate at a private firm
That the hourly rate I charge all goes to me.
60-69-year-old equity partner at a private firm
That the job inherently comes with respect.
30-39-year-old associate at a private firm
That there is any security at all. It’s always 'what have you done for me lately?' There’s a lot of lip service about other factors, but, really, nothing matters, except, 'what did you bring in this year?'
50-59-year-old nonequity partner at a private firm
That this is a glamorous job. Most of my days are spent staring at a computer screen stressed out by emails or word documents.
20-29-year-old associate at a private firm
That we're all litigators and that we all make a ton of money.
40-49-year-old nonequity partner at a private firm
That what we do is simple. That despite how much responsibility we have, it should be easy.
50-59-year-old
What is the best part of being a lawyer?
Achieving a just result for my client.
50-59-year-old of counsel at a private firm
Being able to help people solve very serious problems.
60-69-year-old equity partner at a private firm
Constantly learning new things and occasionally meeting interesting people.
50-59-year-old of counsel at a private firm
Feeling like you're figuring out a puzzle and finding all the pieces to make something work.
20-29-year-old associate at a private firm
Getting paid to argue with people.
30-39-year-old
Harry Potter costume in court.
30-39-year-old equity partner at a private firm
I feel useful. I work in labour and employment, and the advice I give really matters to the functioning of employers across my province.
30-39-year-old associate at a private firm
Please provide any advice and tips for the newer lawyer.
Apply the 10,000 hour rule before thinking you can generate new business, meaning you must first become as expert as you can in your field.
60-69-year-old equity partner at a private firm
Find real mentors who will stick their neck out for you. You don't need to have loyalty to a firm.
20-29-year-old associate at a private firm
At least some of it will actually get better. Figure out which bits won't and decide whether or not you want to live with them.
50-59-year-old
Be prepared to be treated horribly by clients and by fellow lawyers.
40-49-year-old associate at a private firm
Be very technically sound. Understand it is a business. Understand the politics at your firm and who the decision-makers are.
40-49-year-old equity partner at a private firm
Do not underestimate the client service aspect of law. They don't teach you that in law school.
40-49-year-old equity partner at a private firm
If a senior lawyer offers to have a conversation with you about the practice of law, or answer any questions you have, they are not just saying that — they mean it and you should take them up on it.
30-39-year-old associate at a private firm