(Newswire.net — March 30, 2021) —
Chris Jackman has over a decade of experience as a practicing lawyer. Specializing in personal injury can often be a rewarding career that fosters relationships. In addition to helping others, there are many aspects of the job that aren’t always highlighted.
There Are Different Ways to Work
An attorney can work for a firm or start a firm of their own. Chris Jackman has done both but can refer clients to other lawyers if he thinks they have more experience with a specific situation. Many attorneys work together so they can combine different skills within one subset.
The two most basic categories of this legal profession include private practice and public attorneys.
Private Practice Attorneys
Private practice lawyers can work alone or in a firm. Lawyers that work in large firms often specialize in specific areas of interest. Cases a private lawyer can handle include civil litigation suits, commercial cases, and divorce and child custody. Chris Jackman specializes in family matters as well as working in personal injury law.
Public Defenders
Public attorneys can be provided for those who do not have representation. A public defender is usually assigned a client and then paid by the government. Federal defender programs are made up of experienced attorneys from a local or state organization. They can also come from private firms. Defender programs are funded at a regional or local level.
Depending on what style of career chosen, the work environment will vary. Attorneys that work by themselves can also work in an office with other lawyers who also work independently. While firms can work closely together, jobs are largely dependent on the individual cases.
A Day In The Life Of A Lawyer
Regardless of the specialty, lawyers often work long hours. Working from 9 to 5 may not be possible at a big firm. An attorney working at a typical large law firm can work up to 60 hours per week.
Depending on the area of focus, lawyers can spend more or less time in the courtroom. Personal injury lawyers like Chris Jackman typically spend more time at administrative hearings or courtrooms than most real estate or corporate lawyers. Many attorneys find the morning hours to be more productive because there are less distractions.
During “down time”, lawyers may need to catch up on reading case files or researching case information. Responding to emails, answering phone calls, and attending to memos from paralegals are all necessary daily tasks. Reviewing pending cases may also be a routine activity for attorneys that spend more time in court settings.
Before practicing in a court of law, hearings take preparation. Extra research is usually involved in a case to successfully represent a client. Paralegals can help find information and gather materials but will not be the primary researcher. Briefs, physical letters, and emails must be written before a hearing.
Regardless of the specialty, lawyers spend a large amount of their time on the phone. Clients are not the only ones who will need consistent communication with an attorney. Court clerks and other lawyers may also need contact.
Personal injury lawyers usually meet with clients more than just once. In fact, personal injury lawyers typically meet with clients more often than other lawyers. Depending on the firm, a lawyer may meet with a client multiple times per week or once a month.
Is Court Like It Is On TV?
Depending on the type of trial, courtroom scenes can be dramatically different. The four main types of cases include civil, criminal, juvenile, and traffic.
Civil Cases
A civil case happens when there is a disagreement between businesses or individuals. Divorces and small claims cases can be handled as a civil case. The actual intensity of a case usually depends on the individuals. A small claims case is likely to be less intense than a divorce.
Juvenile Proceedings
A juvenile case can involve anyone under the age of 18. The family division of the circuit court handles these cases. Possible reasons for this type of trial include delinquency and child protective hearings. Family issues can frequently enhance emotions in a courtroom and may be unsettling for some attorneys.
Criminal Cases
Criminal cases are most often portrayed on TV. These trials involve an individual accused of either a felony or misdemeanor. Criminal cases take lots of preparation, but do not usually involve serial killers.
Traffic Cases
Traffic cases are probably the least intense of all trials. Traffic trials are usually conducted because of a civil infraction. Traffic violations can include unpaid tickets, reckless driving and DUIs.
Balancing Work and Life
There are pros and cons to every career. The rewards and challenges of being an attorney can swing in both extremes depending on the type of law practiced. Many of the pros can produce cons, especially when it comes to family vs. work life. Knowing how to manage time is critical.
Pros
Helping clients is usually the number one reason why attorneys want to work in the field. Regardless of the specialty, representing individuals so they can receive justice can be extremely rewarding. Immigration lawyers and public defenders frequently help people that may live on a low income and have little hope for justice. Helping all clients live lawfully in the United States is a gratifying experience.
There are also many career options as a lawyer. Both the public and private sector are valid work choices. In addition to becoming a public defender or a private lawyer, many attorneys can choose to represent citizens in a local community.
Lawyers can also earn a significant salary. Depending on the firm, lawyers can hundreds of thousands of dollars. How much money a lawyer can make depends on the field, the firm, and the location.
The Cons
There is a significant amount of pressure that comes with being a lawyer. Criminal lawyers must work to prevent their client from going to prison. Estate lawyers are often responsible for helping parents support their children financially. Personal injury lawyers must help to win compensation for injured clients.
The long hours can be daunting for some professionals. There are many days where eating at the office is essential. Demanding work can leave most people feeling tired or anxious. For some people, this is a deal breaker.
Although being a lawyer can be a lucrative position, the education is often expensive. Law school can have hefty fees in addition to paying for the bar exam. Many lawyers do not pay off their debt as fast as they would like.
Life As A Lawyer
A lawyer’s life is filled with benefits and sacrifices. While it may take passion and drive to gravitate toward a career in law, those same characteristics can feel draining. To be a successful lawyer while still enjoying other areas of life, balance and strength is key.