Choosing the best law specialization for you can make a big difference when it comes to your overall career satisfaction, whether you complete law school, or if you’re successful with your career in the future. If you’re considering applying to law school and have already ruled out jobs in the field of law that don’t involve becoming an attorney, it’s a good idea to be sure of your specific interests in law first. Where one person might enjoy law as a personal injury lawyer who works daily with insurance companies and uninsured motorists, another might be happier focused on medical malpractice or lawsuits involving worker’s compensation. For a few things to think about before deciding where you’ll concentrate in the field of law, read on.
Consider your life experiences and what’s important to you.
The reality is that people tend to be happier in careers where they can make a difference and are passionate about their work. For this reason, as a potential law student, you’ll want to start by thinking about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Not only will you be able to tell the admissions committee why it’s important for you to get into law school, but you’ll have a better understanding of your future goals and the motivations behind them, too.
Maybe you were in a car accident when you were younger. Perhaps there were serious injuries and a family member was hurt in a way that changed their life forever. For someone like you, becoming an uninsured motorist lawyer or a personal injury lawyer could be a great way to move forward in the future. In your position, you understand the importance of liability insurance, are likely sympathetic to accident victims, and know the toll bodily injury can have on the bigger picture.
Think about your values, skills, and interests.
More than one law student has decided to make a big change after enrolling in law school and later realizing their true passion for another area of law. Before you find yourself Google searching for ‘how to transfer law school credits,’ putting some consideration into the best fit for you now would be a good idea.
At the same time, the bottom line is that when you graduate from law school, you’re in a great place to begin a career you’re passionate about that represents your values. If you’re already a student in good standing and are considering the transfer process, consider taking some time to reflect on your values now to ensure you’re happier in your next law school program. Your skills, interests, and causes you’re morally passionate about are all things to consider before making any big move.
Determine your resources, strengths, and support system.
Attending law school is a big commitment. Being a successful law student could hinge on the resources and support you have behind you. Before deciding where you’ll specialize, think about the people and resources you have in your corner. If you have an unlimited budget, for example, that’s different from a student who will need student loans. If you have other people who depend on you for support, considering your responsibilities and obligations could make a big difference in, not only where you choose to concentrate, but in what matters most to you with your outcome. Someone who has a family relying on them, for example, might care more about income than someone who is interested in law because they’d like to go into advocacy work and are passionate about social justice. Look at your own strengths, weaknesses, and flaws, too. In being honest with yourself and the people in your life, you’ll be in a better position to make a decision that works best for you.
Whether your legal education leads you to a career of working with insurance adjusters or representing plaintiffs in divorce lawsuits, having taken the time to really consider where your interests are will go a long way in giving you better career satisfaction in the long run. In fact, in having a good handle on your focus, you’ll even be better prepared to take the best course of action when it comes to which law schools and scholarship assistance programs to apply for. Before filing that law school application and pulling together your resumes and extracurricular activities in your undergrad, do yourself the favor of taking an honest look at, not only who you are, but who you truly hope to become in the future. You’ll thank yourself for it later on. Finally, remember that you don’t have to be an attorney to have a successful law career. Keep an open mind about other careers in law as you research the next best steps for you.
