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Warning! Proceed With Caution Into The Practice of Law
Warning! Proceed With Caution Into the Practice of Law is a written mentor for those who are thinking about becoming lawyers, and those practicing attorneys who want a change or a way out. Topics entering and surviving law school, the realities of law firm life, contract work, and options beyond being an attorney. Having a plan is a consistent theme throughout the book. Other topics planning for financial independence; planning to own a law firm instead of being an employee; and making a plan for a full and purposeful life. For attorneys feeling trapped by economic need and remaining in unsatisfactory employment, there is a chapter entitled What Do You Do Now? Having practiced law for 20 years, the author asked the If I knew then what I know now, what would I have done differently? The answers form the content of this book.
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If I knew 20 years ago what I now know, I would have done things differently. Most likely, I would never have become an attorney. Since I can t turn back time, I have written this book to give the benefit of my hindsight to those who have not yet embarked upon an unmarked path. For those who are committed to becoming attorneys and have no clue as to the nature of the ride upon which they are about to embark, I hope that this book will serve as the mentor that they will probably never have. For those already on that path, may they find a kindred soul.
Hopefully, by reading this book, you will adequately prepare yourself psychologically and financially to deal with any situation. Your best protection will be the power and confidence to walk away from any unfulfilling job. That ability will be your greatest personal asset.
When I made the decision to go to law school, I had minimal knowledge of what a lawyer was and did. This sounds odd because everyone thinks they know what lawyers and doctors do. But think about your ideas about being a parent. Knowing what a mother does as an observer is entirely different from actually being a mother. Eating good food is not the same as being a chef. Just as taking care of a child for a substantial period of time would give you an idea of parenthood, it would be wise to learn as much as you can about the practice of law before you go through the expense, time, and effort to become a lawyer.
Private attorneys get paid by billing clients, generally by the hour. Attorneys who work for law firms are governed by billable hours. Meeting your billable hour requirement can be all-consuming. You think about it all of the time. When you are lunching with friends, you are thinking I am going to have to stay until 9pm tonight to make up for this . If you want to take a vacation, you know you are losing the ability to bill, so you have to double up before and after. You work until 10pm or 11pm and on weekends to bank hours or to catch up. Your life revolves around meeting your hours.
Law firms can create environments for abusive relationships. This is especially true if an attorney has no self-direction, has no independent means of financial support, and has massive student loan indebtedness. You have basically made yourself an indentured servant.
SELECTED BOOK
If I knew 20 years ago what I now know, I would have done things differently. Most likely, I would never have become an attorney. Since I can t turn back time, I have written this book to give the benefit of my hindsight to those who have not yet embarked upon an unmarked path. For those who are committed to becoming attorneys and have no clue as to the nature of the ride upon which they are about to embark, I hope that this book will serve as the mentor that they will probably never have. For those already on that path, may they find a kindred soul.
Hopefully, by reading this book, you will adequately prepare yourself psychologically and financially to deal with any situation. Your best protection will be the power and confidence to walk away from any unfulfilling job. That ability will be your greatest personal asset.
When I made the decision to go to law school, I had minimal knowledge of what a lawyer was and did. This sounds odd because everyone thinks they know what lawyers and doctors do. But think about your ideas about being a parent. Knowing what a mother does as an observer is entirely different from actually being a mother. Eating good food is not the same as being a chef. Just as taking care of a child for a substantial period of time would give you an idea of parenthood, it would be wise to learn as much as you can about the practice of law before you go through the expense, time, and effort to become a lawyer.
Private attorneys get paid by billing clients, generally by the hour. Attorneys who work for law firms are governed by billable hours. Meeting your billable hour requirement can be all-consuming. You think about it all of the time. When you are lunching with friends, you are thinking I am going to have to stay until 9pm tonight to make up for this . If you want to take a vacation, you know you are losing the ability to bill, so you have to double up before and after. You work until 10pm or 11pm and on weekends to bank hours or to catch up. Your life revolves around meeting your hours.
Law firms can create environments for abusive relationships. This is especially true if an attorney has no self-direction, has no independent means of financial support, and has massive student loan indebtedness. You have basically made yourself an indentured servant.
112 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2012
3 people want to read
About the author
Robin D. Hart
2 books1 followerRobin D. Hart is an attorney practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mills College, a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Master of Arts degree in theology from the Pacific School of Religion, part of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.
Robin's first book Warning Proceed With Caution Into the Practice of Law was published in December 2012 and is available in print and e-book formats on Amazon Books, Kindle, and Barnes and Noble's Nook.
Robin's first book Warning Proceed With Caution Into the Practice of Law was published in December 2012 and is available in print and e-book formats on Amazon Books, Kindle, and Barnes and Noble's Nook.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 23, 2013
This is my own book and I think it is very readable and full of valuable information and insight. However, the following is a review that is on the Amazon and Kindle websites, as well as my own: www.stronghartpublishing.com:
Beautiful story telling, wit, intelligence, and common sense advice are laced throughout the entire book. After reading Warning! Proceed With Caution Into The Practice of Law, I am deeply inspired to continue along my own path of passion from the honest account of Ms. Hart's journey through the profession of law. Although the book is directed towards those who are considering becoming attorneys, it is a must read for every and any person who is unsure of their career choice or even life direction at any age. Every viewpoint and question around the importance of a clear career plan and how it is a process of growth, as a human being, are thoroughly covered.
If you are having any reservations about purchasing this book, no matter what your possible or chosen profession, Do Not Hesitate! Warning! Proceed With Caution Into The Practice of Law is a Must Read!!
Rev. Lynne Herod-DeVerges
Center of Light Miracles
Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful story telling, wit, intelligence, and common sense advice are laced throughout the entire book. After reading Warning! Proceed With Caution Into The Practice of Law, I am deeply inspired to continue along my own path of passion from the honest account of Ms. Hart's journey through the profession of law. Although the book is directed towards those who are considering becoming attorneys, it is a must read for every and any person who is unsure of their career choice or even life direction at any age. Every viewpoint and question around the importance of a clear career plan and how it is a process of growth, as a human being, are thoroughly covered.
If you are having any reservations about purchasing this book, no matter what your possible or chosen profession, Do Not Hesitate! Warning! Proceed With Caution Into The Practice of Law is a Must Read!!
Rev. Lynne Herod-DeVerges
Center of Light Miracles
Los Angeles, CA
Displaying 1 of 1 review