Why Its Okay to Change Your Mind about What You Want To Do in Law

The journey of law school is not one where you get out unscathed. You completely transform, for the better or worse. I remember reading a book called “One L of Ride” to prepare for law school, and out of everything I remember, I remember the line “enjoy your last summer, you will be a completely different person once you begin and go through law school”. I remember thinking, yeah okay. I had no idea what to expect. I knew no one in law or who did law. I had never even been in a courtroom. I just knew I wanted to make a positive difference in the world and thought well, law school sounds good. Plus, the LSAT didnt have math, like the GRE, which pretty much sealed the deal that I would go to law school (true story!). I came in with the vague idea that I would be a public defender. What's more noble and true than that? By the second week of criminal law, although I loved my professor, I knew criminal law wasn't for me, mostly because I couldn't stomach it. So then I thought I would do nonprofit work, in the civil realm, a bit more digestible. I looked into so many jobs, did so many different internships (NAACP, public interest fellowships, worked for a large state nonprofit who did civil rights cases), but it just wasn’t… it. I liked the idea of the work, they were causes I was passionate about, but I barely got into any actual legal work. I just didn't feel the “spark” per say. This caused alot of confusion for myself ofcourse because “saving the world” was why I was here, right?

It wasn't until my last year of law school until I realized I could do what I wanted, I could be happy, healthy and also be fulfilled. I applied to a bunch of law firms one night on simplicity purely out of financial stress, and ended up finding my forever firm. It is Plaintiff’s personal injury, a field I never thought I would be in. I had alot of misconceptions about personal injury and what its really all about. But when I found my firm, a boutique law firm, everything changed. I was drafting real live court documents on my first day. I get to talk to clients. I get to think of legal strategies, AND I make a positive difference. I also love the boutique law firm because it is like a family. We all support each other and rely on each other to make it work, and this creates a very close environment, both personally and professionally. I fell in love with Plaintiffs personal injury and the work we do for our clients. Although I got offers to interview with the Department of Children and Families and various Prosecutors Offices, I turned them down because I knew in my heart, this is what I want to do. Now, I have an offer from my firm and I take it full-heartedly. Three years ago I would have never thought I would be in a law firm, let alone personal injury, but here I am, and I couldn't be happier. Its okay to change your mind. Its okay to do something you may have never considered before. In fact, this is a big part of the law school journey. Pushing beyond yourself and your misconceptions, initial thoughts, etc. My biggest advice to new law students (and my mentees) is stay open and don't stress too much about your exact plan the first two years. Try everything and anything, and don't feel bad if your plan changes. Life throws curve balls, but you never know which could be the home run. You may end up somewhere amazing!