I am a third year student studying Law/Arts (major: crime & legal studies). I love studying law, but I don't know if I want to be a lawyer anymore. I first visited a court at 16 and I believed then that I wanted to be a solicitor. The 'idea' of being a lawyer intrigued me, I suppose. However, my ignorance meant I knew nothing about what being a lawyer (or studying law) actually entails.
It's hard for me to deal with this because I feel I have some emotional attachment to law. I've learnt so much about it over the years and it have been interested in it as a potential career for so long. Yet, as the years have passed by, I've realised I'm far more passionate about my Arts subjects that relate to criminology. This makes sense to me, as the only law subjects I'm interested in (and love) are criminal law and family law. If I could study these two areas alone I would be so happy!
You see, next year we are 'supposed' to be applying for clerkships with various law firms. I am so terrified. The process for applying (not to mention interviews) sounds absolutely daunting. I don't even know if I want to do that. I'm trying to convince myself that I would make a good lawyer, but deep down I think I know it's not suited to me.
Further, I am an introverted, quiet person. I'm terrible at 'thinking on my feet' or coming up with arguments when put on the spot. I've always despised public speaking and giving presentations with a passion. Many of my classmates/peers are confident, talkative and sociable and most of them want to do commercial law or work in top-tier firms. I'm not like that. I love helping others, and I want to genuinely help people. Perhaps this is why I am drawn to criminal/family law. I've been told I'm a great listener. From my own experience, I've noticed I am able to be objective/impartial without letting my emotions take over. But I don't want to work in a top-tier firm. I want a work/life balance. I don't want to do something that makes me feel terrified, or that adds to the generalised and social anxiety I already struggle with.
Thus - what are some careers outside of practicing law in the criminal justice area that I could think about pursuing? Would I even have a chance? I was thinking, perhaps, a position with the government in a crime unit. I still want to graduate with my law degree, of course, but I just don't know if I should practice law. If I am hesitant about it, does it mean I shouldn't do it? What do you think?
All opinions, advice and anecdotal stories would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
It's hard for me to deal with this because I feel I have some emotional attachment to law. I've learnt so much about it over the years and it have been interested in it as a potential career for so long. Yet, as the years have passed by, I've realised I'm far more passionate about my Arts subjects that relate to criminology. This makes sense to me, as the only law subjects I'm interested in (and love) are criminal law and family law. If I could study these two areas alone I would be so happy!
You see, next year we are 'supposed' to be applying for clerkships with various law firms. I am so terrified. The process for applying (not to mention interviews) sounds absolutely daunting. I don't even know if I want to do that. I'm trying to convince myself that I would make a good lawyer, but deep down I think I know it's not suited to me.
Further, I am an introverted, quiet person. I'm terrible at 'thinking on my feet' or coming up with arguments when put on the spot. I've always despised public speaking and giving presentations with a passion. Many of my classmates/peers are confident, talkative and sociable and most of them want to do commercial law or work in top-tier firms. I'm not like that. I love helping others, and I want to genuinely help people. Perhaps this is why I am drawn to criminal/family law. I've been told I'm a great listener. From my own experience, I've noticed I am able to be objective/impartial without letting my emotions take over. But I don't want to work in a top-tier firm. I want a work/life balance. I don't want to do something that makes me feel terrified, or that adds to the generalised and social anxiety I already struggle with.
Thus - what are some careers outside of practicing law in the criminal justice area that I could think about pursuing? Would I even have a chance? I was thinking, perhaps, a position with the government in a crime unit. I still want to graduate with my law degree, of course, but I just don't know if I should practice law. If I am hesitant about it, does it mean I shouldn't do it? What do you think?
All opinions, advice and anecdotal stories would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!