How do I get a close up look at what lawyers do?
I wanna become a lawyer but I wanna see what they do daily to make sure I am making the right decisiion. I mean can I volunteer in a law firm or something?
Answer:
"What lawyers do on a daily basis" can be very broad, indeed, and can vary greatly from one lawyer to another. DON'T watch television for that info. If you decide to check out the courtroom, check out family law, probate (not just wills, but guardianships, conservatorships, etc.), criminal, civil. State and federal. And keep in mind, too, way more time is usually spent doing things other than courtroom appearances (research, discovery, pleading, conferring, taking/attending depositions, etc.--a pivotal deposition can be quite an event, especially if you are the one taking it and the other side starts talking settlement or dismissal during or afterward), and many (most?) lawyers do not appear in court regularly. Also, there are MANY types of hearings and trials that occur outside of the main courthouses---in the vast sea of administrative law. I am working on an administrative law matter currently. Private mediations are also pervasive and are usually held in private offices. And transactional lawyers draft documents, make deals, etc., without stepping into the court room.
Perhaps make contact with the largest law firm in your area AND the smallest (such as a solo practitioner). And spend some time at each. (For a real change, spend a day with a public defender, especially to include a visit to the jail!)
"How do I get a close up look at what lawyers do? "
Place a mirror behind your rearend...you'll get the picture.
Larger law firms usually offer internships. The internships are designed to do exactly what you describe - introduce people interested in becoming lawyers to the field. Law firms tend to scout undergraduate students with fairly good GPAs for these internships. You could also apply for a part-time or full-time job at a law firm as, say, a copy clerk or a file clerk. My fiance is going through this process right now and he's learning quite a bit about the inner workings of a law firm. Good luck.
And for a little less commitment, you could go hang out in your local courtroom for the day. And sure, you can volunteer. If you have any skills at all they could use around the office, just type up a letter of introduction outlining your skills and what you are looking to do. You may not get in with the biggest law firm in town, but I bet someone could use some help in return for letting you peek behind the scenes.
Volunteer for your local Citizens Advice. I did, and am now an employment specialist. Gives you insight to all duties including admin work that goes with the job.
The answers post by the user, for information only, FreeLawAnswer.com does not guarantee the right.
Answer question:
More Questions and Answers: