Law School: The progression into law

Everybody has their own story about why they decided to write the LSAT and apply for law school. Everybody has their own story about why they chose the law classes that they chose, why they decided to get involved in the extracurricular activities, the law moots, the summer positions, etc. that they partook of during law school. Everyone has their own story about why they chose to apply or accept an offer at a Big Firm, a medium firm, a small firm or a public practice outfit. Everyone has their own story about why they decided to work in a Big City, a Small City, or even a Town.

So, What’s Your Story? I am interested, and would love to hear how you came to your decisions. Whatever stage of your legal career. I am sure that others would love to hear other’s stories.

Here’s mine, now that I am done law school, and just about to finish articling, in case you care:

I went to law school because the industry that I worked in popped. The “bubble” burst. Our company ran out of money, the economy was tanking, and I wanted to enter a field where there was the promise of more security. There have always been lawyers, always will be lawyers. I chose to take the law classes that really interested me. It has paid off, as I am now practicing in the areas that interest me. I often struggle with some of the core subject areas, such as Debtor/Creditor, Wills, Family, etc., but have found that I have been able to pick up my socks in those areas by “jumping into the deep end” of private practice. I chose to get very involved in law school leadership opportunities, a moot, and the Law Review. I regret spending too much time away from my family, but do not regret the things that I experienced or learned from these law school activities. I chose to apply to non-conventional summer jobs – in house legal department at a multinational corporation, and Editor in Chief of the Law Review. I chose (among a variety of offers in 4 different centres - some at Big Firms) to accept an articling position in a small city, as I felt I would get a more hands-on experience. It paid off! I have been able to go to court on many occasions, my practice is nearly exclusively my own client-base, and I rarely did “research memos” during my article. I am now breaking off and starting my own firm with a partner, with offices in a few centres, and with myself enjoying the life of a “country lawyer” in a nice small town. Life is great when you create your own circumstances.

So again, what’s your story?