Lawyers have a tough job. They are responsible for helping people through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and they often have to make tough decisions that can impact a person’s life forever. Not only that, but lawyers also have to deal with complex legal issues and navigate through a complicated legal system. It’s no wonder why being a lawyer is considered one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
I am Your Lawyer
Sometimes, clients don’t understand the role we must play as a lawyer, which often involves telling the client he or she is totally wrong or what the client wants isn’t possible.
Clients who don’t get the answer they want will often think the Lawyer is acting against the client’s interest. Also, clients sometimes have wildly unrealistic expectations from their lawyers.
Giving an answer you do not like is not taking a position against you. It’s like the difference between being a parent versus a friend.
There are No “Simple” Answers
Clients who just need a “quick answer” to their “simple question.” Then the potential client gets frustrated when the answer is inevitably “it depends.”
Of course, we lawyers know that “there’s usually not ‘an’ answer. We’re not being argumentative or wishy-washy when we won’t give a definitive ‘answer.’
Being the Bearer of Our Clients’ Secrets
The level of stress that accumulates from managing others’ stress and problems and not being at liberty to talk about it. It’s a low hum even when it’s not obvious that takes developing a tremendous level of detachment and conflict management skills.
You May Win, and Still Be Unhappy
Several Lawyers share this sentiment that litigation is generally a lose-lose proposition. There is no ‘winning.’ Litigation takes a negative toll on the people involved, regardless of the outcome. We want to win just as much as you do.
We often want to win even more than the client. We see the bigger picture, law, precedent, our reputation, plus all of the work that we put into their case. I think I’ve cared about most of my cases far more than my clients cared about their own case.
Going to trial and/or having your day in court is not as wonderful as the client imagines.
- First, it is shockingly expensive to prepare for trial, and preparation is required. Clients do not understand the long hours and work in preparation for pleadings, briefs, mediation, hearings, trials.
- Secondly, that day in court is rarely as invigorating and cleansing as they expect. Usually it is painful, exhausting, hurtful, and ugly.
- And afterwards, you feel dirty, regardless of the outcome.
We Can’t Guarantee Results and Each Case is Different
We can’t deliver outcomes on demand. We’ve all had clients that say they want the result that so-and-so got.
Just because your friend got one result does not mean that you will get the same result. The little facts actually do make a difference.
Being a Lawyer is Dangerous to a Lawyer’s Personal Life
The hardest thing for me about being a lawyer is the nagging voice that is constantly telling me that around every corner lurks a bar complaint or a malpractice claim. I’m not suggesting we can be loosey-goosey with the law, client files, trust records, etc., but still. Having to be perfect, or at least thinking you can’t make a mistake OR ELSE.
- It’s hard to be a lawyer and not constantly walk around with the lawyer brain and mindset.
- We think differently and are always issue spotting, even in our personal lives.
- Lawyers are the one profession in which pessimists outperform optimists.
Conclusion
Becoming a lawyer is not an easy decision, but it can be a rewarding one. If you’re up for the challenge, then being a lawyer might be the right career for you. Just remember that it’s important to understand the difficulties that come with the job before you make your decision. Lawyers have one of the most if not THE most difficult jobs out there! Let’s explore some reasons why this is so.
A lawyer’s job is to help people. But often times, the clients they are helping are going through some of the toughest times in their lives. This can be emotionally draining for lawyers, who have to see their clients suffer.
In addition, lawyers have to make a lot of tough decisions. Some of these decisions can potentially impact their clients’ lives forever. The weight of this responsibility can be very stressful.
Furthermore, the legal system is complicated. There are a lot of rules and regulations that lawyers have to familiarize themselves with. This can make it tough to do their jobs effectively.
Finally, lawyers often work long hours. They may have to work weekends or evenings in order to meet deadlines. This can be tough to balance with a personal life.
All of these factors make being a lawyer a very difficult job. If you’re considering becoming a lawyer, it’s important to be aware of the challenges that come with the profession. But if you’re up for the challenge, being a lawyer can be a rewarding career. Just remember to weigh all of the pros and cons before making your decision.
What do you think? Is being a lawyer one of the most difficult jobs? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
Lawyers have one of the most difficult jobs out there! In this blog post, we’ll explore some reasons why this is so.