Thinking of a Career in Law?

 

 

"The profession of the law is the only aristocratic element that can be amalgamated without violence with the natural elements of democracy and be advantageously and permanently combined with them. I am not ignorant of the defects inherent in the character of this body of men; but without this admixture of lawyer-like sobriety with the democratic principle, I question whether democratic institutions could long be maintained; and I cannot believe that a republic could hope to exist at the present time if the influence of lawyers in public business did not increase in proportion to the power of the people." - Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
  

 

There are as many reasons to become a lawyer as there are individuals interested in becoming one (though a desire for money, prestige, and perhaps political office do make it onto the lists of at least a few aspirants to the law).

3 concrete things you can do to find out if you really want to become a lawyer:

1) Take some law-related courses.

2) Work in a law-related job in the public or private sector.

  • Public sector - Prominent opportunities in the Duluth area:

    The offices of both the County Attorney and Public Defender have in the past overseen UMD students in internship programs they sponsor.

  • Private sector - Many UMD students have work either part-time or full-time for Duluth law firms.

3) Talk to some lawyers.

You might want also to read the three-page chapter in the Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools entitled "Being a Lawyer," which outlines the various different fields of law.

For an excellent overview of the different areas of legal practice, you should also consult this University of Pennsylvania Pre-Law site.