Tuesday 15 January 2008

Advice from the disenchanted lawyer to the naive little lawyer

I am a newly admitted little lawyer. Clutching my certificate in hand I go to find a place where hopefully I will get a job, get a paypacket, and as some of my friends have said to me "this is a place where you can make a difference" and The College of Law tells you all about things like Professional Responsibility and Duty and so forth. So my eyes gleam for now not with little dollar signs but with candles of faith in justice and other honourable such and suches.

And then I was redirected to Lawyer Trixie's blog. Oh what a site it was! Naked people for Christmas parties at the Big City firm, not Fighting the Good Fight for the Weak and the Gentle.

I fear I have been seriously misled.

It is this kind of thing that leads lawyers to the bottle - either the disillusionment or the naked girls with the body paint. One or the other, it is a downhill path.

Then it is a spiral downwards and soon they will all either became sad lonely drinkers or investment bankers.

It is a path I have chosen now, I suppose, and I pray for strength.

8 comments:

R.H. said...

What does a lawyer charge now for a consultation?

Is it less than a clairvoyant?

Maria said...

I'm not sure.

I just went to an interview today and for my pay (if I get the job), I don't think I could be charging out much.

Also, the thought of any of these solicitor partners I interviewed with having a Christmas party with naked women, or - horror of horrors - bouncing about naked - makes me physically sick. I really need strength now.

Maria said...

Anyhow, I didn't get that job.

They rang me up afterwards to tell me that I got shafted from their list after I reached the final two. Now, is that supposed to make me feel worse or better?

R.H. said...

Why ever should someone study for years to get a diploma etc and then have to go on their knees to be allowed to WORK for some peanut. Put out your own shingle darling, you don't need experience, determination is enough.

Maria said...

R.H. you are absolutely right.

In fact, after all the work I've put in, I'm wondering if I shouldn't be up for retirement by now. It's a tempting thought.

Yours are heartening words. I give you much thanks

Anonymous said...

While not a lawyer myself (perish the thought, Mother Nottlebsy would turn in her grave) but I come into close professional contact with them. And I have to admit that many of the stereotypes are true. Avarice-a-go-go, arrogance a plenty and be damned the meek and gentle seems to be de rigeur for these brave scholars.

Bah!

But good luck to ye, nonetheless. I'm sure that I've been blinded to the great and good specimens by the vulgar cads.

Sally forth and make your mark, remember the humble folk, and do some good!

Maria said...

I've been rather wondering what turned me to the law meself, St John.

Surely it could not have been the blindingly expensive texts, the befuddlingly boring lectures, the long-winded case law?

I think musta been the wigs and gowns.

Possibly what's done it.

And here I is today.

Wigless and unemployed, and in debt 'cos of texts. Sigh.

Anonymous said...

If it's wigs and gowns ye be after, then why not consider a career as a Variety Artiste? When last I checked the academic bar was set pretty low, there are gowns, wigs, and interesting sorts aplenty, and you can Travel and See The World (while still being an amusement for old white men).

Pretty much like Law, really.