Practice Areas: More than you thought you knew
I’ll admit, I knew nothing about lawyers and their practice areas when I decided to go to law school (why did I become a lawyer you ask, that’s another post). All I knew was criminal and corporate. Once I got into law school I learned about public interest law. That became the practice area of interest for me.
Going through law school helped me become aware of the different types of law. I became interested in bankruptcy and mediation as time went on. Going to school in Texas made me aware of Oil and Gas law. Again something I never thought about but makes perfect sense for that geographical location.
Once I moved to Washington State I began to meet Wine lawyers. Again, who knew? But it made sense that Washington had Wine lawyers since there were so many wineries.
Once I stated my practice I took some of things I enjoyed and included them. I also started a niche practice with Wedding Law. I am now thinking toward the future and contemplating adding a new area.
My point with this is you can practice in area you want. And you can even create a niche area. Choosing your practice area is probably one of the most important things you will do when starting your legal career.
How To Choose Your Practice Area
- Do you even want to practice?
- Litigation?
- Transactional?
- Ask yourself what you enjoy doing not just what will pay you the most.
- Think about your biggest accomplishments and why they were your biggest accomplishments.
- How do you want to spend your days?
- In court
- On the phone
- In front of computer
- Talking to clients
- Researching
- Writing
- Negotiating
- Travelling for work
- Ask yourself and others what you are good at doing.
- How much free time do you desire?
- Do you want a niche practice?
- Are you thinking of where the future of law will be?
- Do you have non law related skills/talents that can translate to a legal practice area?
- Does your location support your practice area?
- Don’t be afraid to change your practice area if it’s not a fit.
