17d • General discussion
So you want to be a lawyer?. What I learned....
I was never “academic”. Growing up, I struggled through exams while my friends seemed to sail through with ease. I genuinely thought something was wrong with me and assumed I was average at best when it came to learning.
Even my own parents didn’t think I’d be cut out for a professional career. Encouragement was limited, but what I did have was determination. I told myself I would prove them wrong.
I enrolled on a law conversion course and failed. I resat the exams over the summer while my friends were out enjoying life. I eventually passed, which allowed me to progress to the practical course — advocacy, drafting, the real skills. I passed that too. Not with a commendation or distinction, just a pass. But it was enough!.
In 2005 I landed my first job as a paralegal on £12,000 a year. I couldn’t believe they hired me. It wasn’t a Magic Circle firm where trainees command six-figure salaries — it was a high street firm. But for me, it was the stepping stone that mattered.....
As I climbed that slippery pole to promotion, I quickly realised that being a lawyer isn’t just about legal knowledge. You need people skills. You need to negotiate. You need to know when not to be an asshole. You need humility, kindness, and perspective.
I met many lawyers who were technically brilliant but lacked those essential human qualities — putting clients first, communicating clearly, treating people with respect. Some still climbed the ladder because they knew the right people or mastered the art of kissing up. I saw that pattern again and again. I saw some lawyers who clearly had no clue - but they had a way with people and they got promoted much to my annoyance!.
I also saw many people reach the “top” only to burn out from stress or leave the profession entirely. The law for the most part is not glamorous, there are targets to reach, nine to fiver's are frowned upon, your boss may be difficult to deal with, you always think "are you doing this right" - it's one of the most heavily regulated industries so many lawyers have real concerns of being sued or falling foul of the Regulator....
What matters to me is helping people. I don’t charge the most. I’m contactable out of hours. I genuinely want to help people resolve disputes. I avoid legalese because it puts people off — I once worked with a boss who sent five-page letters to clients, only for the client to ring the next day asking what it actually meant.
Law can be challenging and rewarding. Some people love it. Others hate it. If you’re considering it, I always recommend getting work experience — but make sure it’s varied. One placement won’t show you what the job is really like. It can be boring, stressful, competitive, and emotionally draining at times.
I eventually chose self-employment, and I love it. No boss. No targets. I set my hours. I’ve built a loyal client base who like me as a person as well as a lawyer.
If I had my time again, would I do it? Yes.
What would I say to someone thinking about law? Get work experience. Speak to different lawyers — we are not all the same. Some are assholes. Many aren’t. The people you meet will often decide whether this path is for you.
If you go for it, you’ll gain valuable life skills and meet some amazing people along the way. If you have questions, feel free to ask. Knowledge really is key!
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So you want to be a lawyer?. What I learned....
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