What is it like to be a lawyer?

Law practice is so diverse that it is not possible to describe the so-called typical lawyer. Each lawyer works with different clients and different legal problems. However, certain basic legal skills are required of all lawyers. They must know how to:

• analyze legal issues;
• find the common links in diverse documents;
• advocate the views of groups and individuals within the context of the legal system;
• provide intelligent counsel on the law’s requirements;
• write and speak clearly; and
• negotiate effectively.

Becoming a lawyer is hard work, but very rewarding in many ways. It is important, intellectually stimulating, challenging, and always changing. It can be financially lucrative, prestigious, and can open doors to many successful directions in life. Lawyers help people, change lives, and even make history. There are few other professions that have such broad potential.