Lawyer Career Insights: Why We Chose to Keep Going—or Not (Part 2)

💡 Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a lawyer—or if it’s worth continuing in the profession? In this video, I sit down with my former supervisor, April, to share our honest journeys in law: why we started, what it’s really like, and why we chose to continue—or not.

👩‍⚖️ In this conversation, we cover:

• Why we decided to study law

• The realities of becoming a lawyer

• Why we continued—or stepped away—from practising law

• Lessons and advice for anyone considering law school, a legal career, or deciding whether to keep going in law

Life as a Practicing Lawyer

April enjoys the competitive aspects of law—debating with colleagues, clients, and opposing parties—but I quickly discovered that being a practicing lawyer drained my energy. Here’s why:

• Long hours and lack of personal time: Lawyers often work beyond regular office hours, making it difficult to maintain work-life balance.

• High-pressure environment: Law firms demand quick learning and decision-making, leaving little room to work at your own pace.

• Managing conflicts: Negotiating between clients, colleagues, and opposing parties can be exhausting, especially for those who prefer cooperation over constant competition.

While I loved law itself, the daily life as a practicing lawyer didn’t align with my personality or lifestyle preferences.

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Deciding to Leave Law Practice

Leaving a law firm after investing years of study can feel daunting due to social expectations, family pressure, and financial concerns. However, my experience shows that leaving practice does not make your law degree a waste. Legal training provides:

• Critical thinking and research skills

• Knowledge of societal rules and procedures

• Confidence in navigating legal and bureaucratic processes

My current research-based role still uses my legal background while allowing me to work at my own pace—a balance that suits me better than law firm life.

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Recommendations:

For high school or university students considering law:

• Do internships in multiple law firms to understand the daily life of lawyers. Avoid focusing only on simple tasks like photocopying—observe how lawyers work, their work pace, and the type of clients they handle.

For those lawyers considering whether to continue or not:

• Identify your preferences: Determine whether your dissatisfaction comes from the firm’s environment, the practice area, or the profession itself.

• Plan your next step: If law practice isn’t a good fit, consider roles that still utilize your legal skills, such as research, policy, or consultancy.

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Final Thoughts

Being a lawyer is not just a job; it’s a life experience that teaches you to understand people, society, and yourself. Whether you continue as a practicing lawyer or choose a different path, legal training equips you with valuable skills that are useful throughout life.

Key takeaway: Analyze why you feel dissatisfied, explore different environments or practice areas, and remember that leaving a law firm doesn’t waste your education—it opens doors to new opportunities.