Why Do I Hate Being a Lawyer?
If you’re a budding attorney, you may be wondering: “Why do I hate being a lawyer?” Here are some reasons why you might be unhappy in this line of work: People, deadlines, fiduciary duties, and the threat of malpractice. And of course, the rising cost of living. If you’re thinking of changing career paths, this article has some great advice. The first step is to reverse engineer a typical lawyer’s day.
Choosing a career path as a lawyer
If you hate being a lawyer, you’re not alone. Many lawyers complain about the job they do, and feel guilty for complaining. Remember, though, that there’s only one life. It’s important to ask yourself whether you want to spend the rest of it practicing law. There are several ways to choose a career that is satisfying for you, including starting your own firm.
One approach to choosing a career after law school is to consult a career counselor or therapist. A career counselor, formally known as a lawyer career coach, can administer aptitude and interest tests and provide a sounding board for your ideas. There are also a few “leaving the law” blogs online. You can follow these blogs to learn more about what’s out there for attorneys.
Reverse engineering a lawyer’s day
The recent BitKeeper flap has brought to light some issues regarding reverse engineering. For example, some people have been accused of using illegal methods to gain access to the source code of a software program. Reverse engineering is a common practice that may be legal but it must be done carefully to avoid violating copyright laws. The intent of the reverse engineer is critical in determining whether the technique is legal. The intention should be to create something original and distinct from the original.
The process of reverse engineering involves making copies of software or executing code. Copyright laws grant exclusive rights to copyright owners, and this applies to software. To copy software, one must obtain permission from the copyright owner, or fall within a specific exception. Often, permission is implied through an agreement to use the software or outright purchase of the copy. In some cases, this permission is not required but can be ruled upon by interpreting the fair use doctrine.
Attitude and life are a train wreck in a lawyer’s career
Lawyers are often unhappy with their jobs, but wallowing in dissatisfaction will not change this. Instead, ask yourself a series of questions to determine whether your legal career is salvageable. Consider the following:
Avoiding a law firm that values billable hours more than sanity
Billable hours are vanity and profit is reality. The phrase “billables are a law firm’s sanity” is often cited, but it is difficult to attribute its origin to any one firm. If it was a single firm, Google would likely suggest that it is not a widely-cited quote. But as firms transition from practice to business, their use of the phrase will likely change.
Finding a non-law job
If you feel that you hate being a lawyer, there are many things you can do to change your mindset and find a non-law career. Lawyers are faced with many challenges, from narcissism to a toxic culture. It’s also important to know that your reasons for not wanting to practice law will likely differ from those listed here. If you’re unhappy with your current profession, it’s important to find other options, such as consulting, law teaching, or business development.
If you feel stuck in your current position, you can consult with a therapist or career counselor. These professionals, called legal career counselors, are often ex-lawyers themselves. They can provide advice and help you navigate the law-career world. Taking aptitude and interest tests can help you decide what you’re best suited for. There are also many “leaving the law” blogs that can help you identify your passion.
