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| Making A Difference In Fields With Bad Reps; fighting off sterotypes and doing good | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 18 2007, 10:55 PM (230 Views) | |
| modgirl1964 | Oct 18 2007, 10:55 PM Post #1 |
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As I'm going deeper into my law studies and working harder at my job as a paralegal, I wonder can people get past the sterotypes of lawyers? I had gone into the field with the intent to up hold the Consitition of the United States and help those in need, but as I look around at some of my fellow classmates and attnoreys whom my boss works with, I see it's going to be a long haul and sometimes disheartens me. Does anyone truly think that someone can make a difference in fields that are like this? I say this with the innonce of Jefferson Smith from Mr Smith Goes to Washington, but I do want to. I don't want to be another shark lawyer, chagring people by the hour so I can get that great new car and designer suits. Am I crazy to think this way or is it a truly possible thing? Your guys' thoughts. |
Bridget![]() Imported from Detroit | |
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| JeffLynnesBeard | Oct 18 2007, 11:01 PM Post #2 |
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Administrator & Moderator
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I think that there is a definite stereotype of lawyers, Bridget, but I also believe that the majority of people appreciate the fact that there are lots of different types of lawyers doing vastly different work from each other. Perhaps the mass perception that most lawyers don't use their skills & qualifications for the power of good isn't the most balanced or fair, but it's people like yourself and perhaps some of your classmates who can contribute to dispelling the myths and stereotypes. Good luck!
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| ...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. | |
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| modgirl1964 | Oct 18 2007, 11:09 PM Post #3 |
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oh trust me, I'm trying. Today was one of those days. I do some volunteer work once a week with the public defender of the court as part of my job and this single mother just was so nasty to me because I was a lawyer and was going to take her kids away. I told her no, I'm here to help, that I want her to get her child support money for her and her children, not take it. She still was nasty, said I was a rich b*tch lawyer who was just doing this to get into daddy's firm. That'd hurt. I wanted to make sure her kids would have money to have food, clothes and blankets, but she just wanted to sit there and call me names. Some of these people who come through the public defender do not like us at all when we try to help. This is what gets me disheartened. |
Bridget![]() Imported from Detroit | |
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| BeatleBarb | Oct 19 2007, 02:36 AM Post #4 |
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Bridget, I became very disillusioned when I worked as a paralegal and was studying the law. I saw unbelievable things unfold in the court room. I fought one of my own battles and did win, but I wonder if the outcome was worth the stress. It wasn't until after I fired 3 attorneys and presented the case myself, that a decent outcome resulted. I really believed they had my best interest at heart. They all proved me wrong and explained to me that they had to make money and play the game. For me, it became too much. People are at their absolute worst when they're tied up in legal battles. If I had to do over, I might consider immigration or entertainment law. No personal injury or family law! Hang in there - you're bound to make a difference. It was a tough period in my life and I wasn't prepared for the long haul. |
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| Adilah | Oct 22 2007, 04:57 AM Post #5 |
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There are negative stereotypes for every group of people. The best reassurance is in the fact that most stereotypes are created out of ignorance. |
| "We call 10 American deaths a catastrophe. One hundred European deaths are a tragedy. One thousand Asian deaths are a shame. And 10,000 African deaths we call a Monday." - Lissa (1981-2007) السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته | |
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| maccascruff | Oct 23 2007, 02:40 AM Post #6 |
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Sing the Changes
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After going to college with the intent of becoming a lawyer, my nephew saw too much and now is working on his masters (and, hopefully PhD) to become a college professor. He says all lawyers are crooked and he can't do that. It's really sad. |
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| ~LovelyRita~ | Oct 23 2007, 05:29 PM Post #7 |
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I know exactly how you feel. I've been thinking for a while that I might go to law school and study international law. However, my main concern in life is to make some positive difference in the world, and I've been afraid that if I became a lawyer I'd be sucked into the money making, negative aspect of it and find myself getting further away from my dream. It's something that really concerns me and ultimately may prevent me from going to law school. |
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| maccascruff | Oct 23 2007, 07:44 PM Post #8 |
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Sing the Changes
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My nephew wants to make a difference, too, and he feels he can do it by becoming a college professor. |
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