Igniting Curiosity: A Legal Career is Much More Than a Job

Welcome! Whether you are a law graduate, current law student, or pre-law, I am excited to embark on this year-long adventure of posts. I am an attorney career counselor who practiced family law and criminal defense in metro Detroit. I was a first generation attorney in my family and learned a lot during my first ten years - from career advice to networking, to being a good self advocate. I now work in the law school space where I advise and coach the next generation of future attorneys. I also love being involved in various leadership roles and community engagement. One of my favorite parts of what I do is mentor young women who are thinking about (or pursuing) a career in law.

One of the best pieces of advice I received in my early years of practicing law was: “lift others up as you climb.” I hold those words close as I continue to learn and hope that some of the lessons I have acquired along the way can help others. You and I are on this journey together, so I hope that we will learn together. 

I chose the title above as a primer to career exploration in the law. Maybe you already know exactly what you want to do with a law degree. Or, conversely, you have zero ideas about what a legal job could entail. And maybe you’re somewhere in between. 

The fact of the matter is that you are here, at whatever stage of life you find yourself in. And if you are interested and enthusiastic about learning what opportunities exist in the law, then you are at the perfect spot. 

Over the course of the next several posts, I will share different career ideas, opportunities that you may wish to pursue, and tips for career planning. But right now, I want to talk about YOU.

What does a lawyer do?

Lawyers can do many things, and the possibilities may seem almost limitless. I encourage you to think about your strengths. Your interests. The different jobs you have held or currently hold. What is your narrative?

Why are you becoming a lawyer? 

Finding your why for pursuing law should be your anchor during the long days of studying, learning, researching, and working. Similar to career opportunities, the “why” for going into law may appear to be endless, but we each have our unique reason for pursuing this journey. So think on your “why.”  Take ownership of it. Don’t apologize for it. And use it to guide your steps forward.

What makes a good, or a great lawyer? 

There is no secret formula for this. Certain characteristics such as honesty, ethical commitment, diligence, and discipline are important for all lawyers. BUT good lawyering is not something that only a select few can do. Lawyers can come from all walks of life, backgrounds, demographics and bring their unique experiences and strengths to better serve their clients.

When is the right time to pursue the law?

When you say it is. Trust me when I say, there is generally no perfect time to embark on law school. Law school is fascinating, busy, exhausting, stressful, and can be more rewarding than you ever dreamed. While there may never be the perfect time to pursue a law degree, try to minimize the stress for you ahead of the law school journey by:     

• Obtaining your undergraduate degree and learning the admissions requirements for law school.

• Checking out financial aid options, scholarships, and knowing your own financial situation.     

• Assessing your support team. This can include friends, parents, grandparents, partners, children, and mentors. While going to law school is a personal journey, it sometimes involves many. Your support team is your lifeline when you need it most.

• Looking for free resources that can help you on your journey. For example, Ms. JD’s Pre-Law Foundations course has dozens of free webinar recordings, worksheets, and events!

Some individuals immediately attend law school after graduating from college, while others achieve their law degree as a second or third (or more!) career. There is no magical timing for the study and practice of law. Rather, it should be a researched, calculated, and soul-searching process. Weigh the pros and cons. And once you have thoughtfully deliberated and you have decided the time is right for you, feel confident in your decision.

So, how does all of this relate to the general topic of career exploration?

 First and foremost, finding the right career path is about knowing yourself. Becoming a lawyer doesn’t mean losing all the skills and strengths you brought with you; it’s about complementing those attributes with the ones you acquire during your legal education. By truly understanding yourself, you will be attuned to what may be a good fit in a potential career path, and what won’t be. 

And then do some exploring! Law school is about practical application as well as academic learning, so seek out internships, externships, clinical experiences, job shadowing, and informational interviews to see what might work for you.

Finally, a legal career is more than selecting a job(s); it is an opportunity to find an environment and culture that works well for you. As individual jobs change, a career in law may change with it. Finding spaces where you can share your talent and expertise, be supported and mentored in an environment, and give back to the community can help you find a career that you love. Finding a job is important and, practically speaking, a necessity. But a career? That, my friends, is so much more. 

To start your career exploration, I encourage you to do three specific tasks in the coming days. 

First, articulate your own specific “why” for pursuing a legal education.

Second, consider your strengths, skills, and attributes. What are the best parts of you? 

And finally, spend a little time googling the many career paths attorneys can pursue. Don’t make an exhaustive list, just find out what sparks your interest. What do you want to learn more about?

In my next post, I will share how to harness that energy and interest into a tangible plan of action. But in the meantime, feel free to be creative while getting to know yourself a little bit better. 

Ignite your curiosity.

Kristina Bilowus is an Assistant Director of Career Development at MSU College of Law. She is also the current Treasurer of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, vice president of the Hellenic Bar Association, co-chairs the DEI Committee for the Oakland County Bar Association and co-chairs the DEI Committee for the Ingham County Bar. She is also a board member for the Michigan Center for Civic Education.