I named my blog not as a question as Evan asks, but rather a reminder. I started my blog right after the LSAT. I was such a wreck, and I wanted to remember why I was putting myself through all that LSAT agony. I'm going to law school to better understand how the world works, to learn about complex ideas, and to maybe, just maybe, contribute in some way to making the world a little shinier.
That said, reading Evan's post and some responses made me wonder why people seem to constantly ask each other why they want to be lawyers, or why they are lawyers. Maybe it's just because I am around pre-law and law students almost constantly and other groups of people discuss the same topic regarding their own chosen professions. But, I tend to think this is not true.
For example, J isn't constantly asked, "Why do you want to be a computer scientist?" My mom isn't constantly asked why she is a marketing analyst. When I was leaning towards "Environmental Scientist," I wasn't asked why. Yet, ever since I began the law school application process I have gotten this question from fellow students, friends, professors, parents, etc.
What is it about hearing the words "law school" and "lawyer" that makes people so inquisitive?
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
-- The Dalai Lama
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
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7 comments:
I can't think of a time I was ever asked "why law" (although I'm sure that I have been), but it is something I have to ask myself. I think that I, like you, am trying to pound out my own reasons for choosing law school and remind myself of them. There are lots of hoops to jump through to get a JD, and apart from a pure love for the law, I think it's important to be sure of your motivations before going in. That's been my experience, anyway.
Without any irony or sarcasm, my answer would be: to help people. I've been working on a post to this very question for nearly a year now and it's really hard to pin something like that down, especially when I went in so naively (is that a word?) and in three years feel so jaded by it. Which isn't to say that I still don't want to help people. Okay, I'm not sure what I'm trying to say but um, look for the answer to this and other burning questions on my blog? At some future date? :)
I was working on a comment, but it got too big so I just posted it back at the homestead (www.badglacier.com). It might be interesting. Then again...
Maybe it's because we need to be reminded ourselves, so we like to ask each other -- why are we putting ourselves through this again?
When we're asked by non-lawyers, I sometimes feel defensive too. But I think it's because it's unclear what lawyers do that's of value. Most people picture lawyers either filling out forms (which sounds boring, so why would you choose that?) or arguing in a courtroom (which sounds more glamorous, and I think is more understandable as a career choice).
I think that people ask why because law is such a vague, nebulous and frequently scary thing to non-lawyers. See, you know what a doctor does or what a computer scientist does, but what does a lawyer do and HOW? I think lots of people are wondering hmmm. . .could I do that? If she can do it, why not me? What is it about her that makes her be a lawyer and not me.
I'm not sure anymore why I practice law, but I think its almost like having brown hair or green eyes. You are a lawyer. It's that simple.
I'm not a law student, but thinking about becoming a lawyer. I asked myself, " why do i want to become a lawyer?". The only reason is to proterct my family. I live in Florida (Miami), where they are frivalous lawsiuts everyday or accusations.
But, this is not a good reason to practice law.. i think you must love it.
Still deciding.
As a freshman in law,
I always ask myself this Question.
Especially when attending the boring lecture, with all those Black & White ; dull ; small-printed cases.
But I believe it's something within that makes you want to DO it.
Or else, you can't be that determined all those years if u finally work it out! it's just impossible
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