The Lawyer that I want to become

A career as a lawyer is an extraordinary calling. However, becoming a lawyer is an entirely different

obstacle to surpass and an enormous undertaking in terms of time commitment. Therefore, it is
important to learn as much about the profession as possible before you embark on a career path as a
lawyer. These are just some of the facts I needed to understand as my chapter in law school comes to an
end and the chapter to being a Member of the Philippine Bar Association commences in a few week
time.

It hass been said that for as long as there have been people, people have needed lawyers — or at least
they occasionally need someone to provide legal services and defend their rights in disputes or when
they've stepped afoul of the law. The legal industry has traditionally thrived, and it is a great option
when you're choosing a career.

Plenty of jobs exist within the legal field to choose from. The delivery of legal services is a complex
process that typically requires teams of skilled professionals to provide quality and cost-effective
service.

As a result, the legal field offers numerous career options encompassing a diverse range of skills,
experience, and education. Developments in the law and technology have also created new legal career
opportunities.

The benefits of being a lawyer include being able to select from a wide variety of career options in the
public and private sector. It all depends on one’s calling if it is to make the world a safer place for
oneself, one’s family, and everyone else, one may choose to become a criminal prosecutor. On the other
hand, if one believes our criminal justice system is grounded on the principal that everyone is innocent
until proven guilty and everyone has the right to competent legal counsel, one may choose to become a
public defender. Of course, some people believe this but choose to be a criminal defense attorney in the
private sector because private attorneys tend to earn a great deal more than attorneys in the public
sector.

In addition to criminal defense, one may choose from many areas of law including domestic law, real
estate, corporate/business law, bankruptcy law, immigration law, or estate planning. If there is a law
that covers a particular subject, one can always choose to specialize in that specific area. One can also
choose to become a sole proprietor who handles several areas of law for many clients or a corporate in-
house attorney working for one client.

The Possibilities are endless.

People become lawyers for different reasons, depending on their specialty. Becoming a lawyer offers
the chance to advocate for social causes. A desire to uphold family tradition often motivates people to
become lawyers, especially in legal practices that continue for generations. A desire to uphold family
tradition often motivates people to become lawyers, especially in legal practices that continue for
generations. Some lawyers see their practice as a social responsibility

The lawyer I wish to become ultimately ties into my passion in life. I’ve always been a firm believer in
the saying that success comes to those who dedicate everything to their passion in life. The key to
success lies in one’s passion. As a soon to be lawyer it is my solemn duty to be the peace makers of the
society. As a lawyer I intend to be the voice of those who have been aggrieved, to be the calming
presence of the downtrodden and the hand that serves justice to the ones who ultimately deserve it.

My true passion in life has always been about caring for others, to be of service to those who has been
victimized by the harsh realities of life. I would ideally hope to be the kind of lawyer that gives me an
opportunity to use the law to make someone’s life better. To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-
Reliance,” it affords me a chance to accommodate my contrarian nature by confronting those who think
they understand my duty better than I. I could not ask for more.
The Philippines ideally in a perfect world should be a society based on law and justice. A Chance to be
able to play a role in molding that idea to a reality however small my role as a lawyer would be the
venture worth taking as a lawyer.

In this current generation of lawyers finding one’s niche in the society could be a burdensome task to
do. Finding that specific area to grow as a lawyer could sometimes take year to achieve. Finding that
specific environment to grown and learn the ropes of being a lawyer could prove to be tricky business.

As a Lawyer it puts me in a unique position to help individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal
problems and further the public good. I hope to the a Public interest lawyer that shall be the champion
of legal causes for the greater good of society and help those in need of legal assistance who might not
otherwise be able to afford a lawyer. If destiny decides that I will be a Lawyer that is in private practice
but shall often perform pro bono work to help low-income individuals and underserved portions of the
population such as the elderly, victims of domestic abuse and children.

As lawmakers, thought leaders and change agents, lawyers are in a unique position to affect societal
change. For centuries, lawyers have stood at the center of society; they write the laws, rule the courts
and hold influential positions in government. In these roles, lawyers are able to impact top policy
makers and leaders and affect change around the globe.

Another one of the many benefits of being a lawyer that I wish to be instilled as a lawyer is the mental
stimulation an attorney experiences when working through complex legal theories, statutes, and case
law to find a solution to a legal question. Most lawyers possess exceptional analytical skills including
reading and writing skills. Practicing law allows you to use your mental skills each day in effective ways
to solve problems for your clients. Because each case is unique, you must use your full mental
capabilities to research, speculate, hypothesize, and formulate legal strategies to effectively solve
problems for your clients.

Law affects every part of our lives and it is really not difficult to find examples to that: driving a car,
buying something from a shop, getting into a fight, being employed, and renting a house. There is no
right answer, just a convincing one.

My own motivation came from seeing a small part of the law in action. I was just student at the time
when I was asked to do a research. Some on the research involves me to present my findings to a class
of on the upcoming changes to certain legislation affecting students.

By gaining a practical insight I realized two things – first, the power the law has on people's lives, and
second, interpreting law effectively can mitigate loss of income and make lives better.

Incorporating this into my answer to "why law?" gave me, in the absence of any real legal experience,
the chance to show a more personal response as to how I gained a deeper insight as to what I was
passionate about as well as

Given the Opportunity I would hope to be a lawyer involved in litigation particularly those which are civil
in nature It has been said that civil litigation is the “sport of kings.” Any lawsuit that falls outside the
scope of the criminal realm is considered a civil lawsuit. These lawsuits encompass many diverse areas
of law, including but not limited to, personal injury, wrongful death, divorce, employment law, toxic tort,
product liability, medical malpractice, and intellectual property law. Unlike mediation, civil litigation is
an ambitious endeavor that can be difficult and costly to pursue and not an expeditious road to travel
toward an ultimate resolution.

Civil litigation is the single most popular area of practice among attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, and
other legal support staff. Litigators represent individuals, large and small companies, and other entities
and strive to provide competent legal services and zealous representation to their clients. Litigators
often take cases from inception to a final verdict at a bench or jury trial. While litigation is one of
the highest-paying legal practice areas, it is a passion for the work that keeps many litigators working in
the litigation arena.
I always loved writing and solving problems. Law seemed to offer the perfect blend of language and
helping people: I wanted to be able to use language and ideas to solve problems. I also have a
competitive streak and thought I would enjoy the competition that is inherent in so much of litigation
and law.

I believe Litigation could be a viable option for me as Litigation allows for tremendous personal
and career skills advancement, professional respect, excellent compensation and benefits, the potential
for bonuses and a coveted seat in the front of the courtroom. If you are contemplating a career in
litigation, these advantages of working in litigation can help you choose the right career path.

To begin with what is litigation? When two or more parties become embroiled in a legal dispute seeking
money or another specific performance rather than criminal sanctions, civil litigation is the result. They
must instead head to the courtroom for trial so a judge or jury can decide the matter.

A lawyer who specializes in civil litigation is known as a “litigator” or a “trial lawyer.” He represents
clients across a broad spectrum of associated proceedings, including pretrial hearings and depositions,
as well as arbitration or mediation before administrative agencies or court personnel.

Arbitration and mediation are processes that attempt to guide the parties toward settlement without
the time and expense of going to court.

The role and responsibilities of a civil litigation attorney can be challenging and diverse. It is an
adversarial process with two or more parties pitted against each other.

The attorney is his client's advocate, obligated to fight for him to achieve the best possible outcome on
the client's behalf. Lawyers specializing in this field must be willing to assume oppositional positions, to
embrace conflict and controversy, and to effectively act as human pit bulls in defense of their clients.

Attorneys and litigation paralegals in this field often work long hours, especially during a trial.

Civil litigation can be divided into several stages, including investigation, pleadings, discovery, pretrial
proceedings, potential settlement or trial, and even appeal. Discovery is typically the longest and most
labor-intensive stage of a case. Unlike the way they're often portrayed on television, civil attorneys
spend comparatively little time in the trial.

Much of their time is devoted to the discovery stage -- the exchange of information pertinent to the
case through depositions, interrogatories, and subpoenas. The latter are demands for information or
documents from third parties. Depositions and interrogatories involve questions posed under penalty of
perjury to the parties in a lawsuit.

Deposition questions are posed orally under oath. Interrogatories are written questions.

Not every lawsuit passes through each stage -- in fact, most don't. The majority of lawsuits are settled by
agreement of the parties and never reach the courtroom. Parties can settle during a trial, even after a
jury has begun deliberating or has delivered a verdict. They can settle or "stipulate" to some aspects of
the lawsuit, leaving others in the hands of the judge or jury.

When a case does go all the way to trial, the entire process, from filing documents with the court to
initiate the case through resolution, can take anywhere from a few months to several years.

Contemplating on the Idea of being a litigation lawyer there are a lot of advantages following are just
some of the ample advantages of litigation in line of my ultimate goals of serving those less fortunate.

Assisting clients in litigation is rewarding. During the course of litigation, you will become the client’s
closest advocate. Clients will call you with questions and seek explanations regarding complex and
foreign legal concepts. Typically, those working within the litigation realm develop close-knit working
relationships with their clients. It can be very rewarding to help a client navigate a complex legal matter
and obtain a successful outcome.
Each case tells a different story. While litigation cases generally follow a standard course through
the litigation pipeline, each case tells a new story. Diving into a new client’s file is much like reading a
mystery book. You will quickly ascertain the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how” of the
matter. The diversity of each case helps to diffuse the monotony that is sometimes associated with
certain aspects of litigation.

Litigation pays well. Attorneys specializing in civil litigation (also known as “litigators” or “trial lawyers”)
are among the highest paid legal professionals in the industry. In addition to excellent compensation
and benefits, there is potential for bonuses and other perks.

Litigation work is diverse. When you work in civil litigation, you develop a general understanding of the
litigation process, litigation rules and procedures, standard deadlines and the forms for pleadings,
discovery requests, demands, chronologies, and other legal documents. On any given day, you will
perform an array of diverse duties – from advising clients and preparing witnesses to performing
research and drafting documents – which makes for an interesting work day.

Litigation is relatively recession-proof. A recent report released by the National Center for State Courts
found that the down economy prompted a sharp rise in the number of civil cases filed in state courts, an
increase of 106 million more cases than the previous year. Litigation is trending upward, signaling job
security in a challenging legal climate.

Litigation work breeds independence. Once you gain litigation experience and earn your supervising
attorney’s trust, you will become more competent and independent. You will work more proactively and
handle a variety of tasks without being prompted. The litigation realm is a great place to expand your
independence and hone your career skills.

Litigation provides an opportunity to gain trial experience. While attorneys, paralegals, and legal staffers
who work in other practice areas never see the inside of a courtroom, those working in litigation often
do. Litigators advise clients, develop case strategies, depose witnesses, and advocate in the courtroom.
Litigation paralegals learn the intricacies associated with trial preparation and the compilation and
assembly of trial binders and blow-ups. They attend a trial and assist with voir dire and the indirect
presentation of the case. A trial is a challenging and competitive niche and one that can be a great deal
of fun.

Litigation is exhilarating and rewarding. If you work at a small to mid-size firm, you will likely handle files
throughout the entire litigation process, from inception through trial. Handling a case from the onset to
a final resolution or trial verdict can be extremely exhilarating and personally rewarding.

Litigation offers transferable career skills. A litigation background allows you to learn and hone a diverse
skill set. These skills will serve you well in other areas of law and provide you with transferable career
skills if you should ever decide to leave the litigation arena. Typically, an individual who thrives in the
fast-paced world of litigation will do well in other practice areas. Litigation experience will also help you
to expand your general knowledge base and become better-rounded.

Litigation inspires passion. Whether you represent individuals or large corporations, you develop close-
knit working relationships and a strong sense of passion for your chosen area. If you typically represent
plaintiffs, you become very pro-plaintiff; those representing the defense side become defense-oriented.
You become passionate about advocating the rights of others throughout the judicial process and feel
like an integral part of an important team. As a result, you will develop a great deal of personal passion
and enthusiasm for your career.

Theodore Roosevelt best summed up the passion that fuels litigation when he stated:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the
doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short
again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually
strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a
worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst,
if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid
souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

As President Roosevelt so eloquently stated, there is nothing more gratifying than “spending yourself in
a worthy cause,” and litigation is certainly no exception.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/public-interest-law-2164664
So you’ve mastered the core skills of a legal secretary. How do you set yourself apart as an in-demand
secretarial professional in the legal field? The answer is learning how to be a good legal secretary by
going above and beyond to master these seven important work traits.

01 Be Reliable

Businesswoman writing daily plan

•••

A legal secretary is the attorney’s right-hand person, so reliability is a crucial work trait that will ensure
success. This goes beyond showing up promptly. You might occasionally find yourself called upon to stay
at your desk long after other offices have closed for the day. Your attorney may have to appear in court
first thing in the morning — with an orderly file so he can put his hands on whatever he needs at trial
without rummaging.

Make adjustments to your personal life, if necessary, to ensure that this doesn't become a stressful
problem and your office knows they can rely on you. Line up emergency child care for these situations if
you have kids. Put the phone number of your favorite take-out restaurant in your phone so you can call
on the fly when you finally head home.

02 Be a Self-Starter

•••

The most successful secretaries possess drive and initiative. They don't sit waiting for an attorney's
instructions or assignments — they stay on top of what needs to be accomplished in any given time
period. They anticipate their employer’s and clients' needs. They're willing to step beyond their comfort
zones to learn new skills that will help keep the practice running smoothly.

03 Be Efficient

•••

Efficiency translates to dollars in a law firm, a valuable work trait of any successful legal secretary. It can
yield cost-savings that your employer is sure to notice. Secretaries who perform their jobs quickly and
efficiently contribute to the bottom line, making themselves indispensable.

04 Be Discrete
•••

Legal secretaries handle confidential client files and data, so discretion is essential. Disclosing
confidential information, inadvertently or on purpose, is one of the quickest ways to end your legal
career. Just as you should leave your personal life at the door when you arrive at work, leave work at
work when you close the office door behind you. Avoid rehashing your day with family members or
friends. It's easy to slip and say something you shouldn't.

05 Be Pleasant

•••

This goes hand-in-hand with compassion. Let’s face it, no one likes to work with a grumpy, demanding
or negative employee. Secretaries who are friendly with co-workers and courteous with clients go far in
the workplace. That client who's grappling with a serious problem will appreciate a calm smile, but be
prepared for anything — remember that you're probably meeting him at the worst point in his life.

Keep smiling even if he's surly and rude. If he needs to be alone for a moment, offer him coffee or a
glass of water, then go get it for him. Patience is key. The secretary who handles these issues with
diplomacy and tact, smoothing over differences or forging solutions, can become an invaluable member
of the legal team.

06 Be Patient

•••

Attorneys are not always the easiest bunch to work with. Some are chronic procrastinators. Others are
pretty sure they're always right, and some are woefully disorganized. An ability to handle all personality
types and work challenges with grace is a crucial work trait of any successful secretary.

07 Be Compassionate

Though all of these work traits stand out as hallmarks of a successful legal secretary, the most important
might be compassion. Clients entrust your law firm with issues that are fundamentally and critically
important to their lives — something they feel so strongly about they enlisted the help of a law firm.

Handle everything with this understanding and you might find yourself at the head of the pack before
you know it. Clients will appreciate it, and the attorneys you work for will as well.