Q: Another year is just about over. Are you still recommending that young people become lawyers? Some of our friends are lawyers and they sure do not seem happy.
S.F., San Clemente
A: Many say there are far more lawyers than needed, and far too many lawsuits. There is also the complaint that there are too many laws and too much regulation. Recently, this column addressed an often heard remark: “Anyone can sue anyone for anything nowadays.”
Still, even with all of that in mind, I encourage people (young and not-so-young) to take the steps to become a lawyer. As I get older and continue my trade, my enthusiasm about practicing law has not waned.
Let me be clear, however, that at times I have had difficult, unpleasant experiences. Some cases were very hard; some cases were very stressful; clients and some courtrooms were not a whole lot of fun; some work places left a bit to be desired. So, it has not always been, nor will it always be, peaches and cream. I simply have found over time that the better part of the work well exceeds the other.
Being a lawyer has often afforded me the opportunity to help others — and to make a living while doing so. The practice of law also calls for dedication, skill and tenacity. In sum, it engages you, can be rewarding and keeps you on your toes. There are many choices a lawyer can make, from working in the private sector to working for the government, to teaching, writing, researching or seeking to become a judge. You can handle wills and trusts, intellectual property, personal injury matters, employment issues, or criminal defense or prosecution, among myriad other opportunities. Or you may just use the knowledge to further your own chosen business.
Like others in the legal profession, I take pride in seeking to do a good job and hopefully (often, if not always) for a good cause. I also have many friends who are part of the legal profession. Thus, there is a sense of community.
In sum: I cannot promise you a rose garden (as the song goes), but I can say that you may find real satisfaction in legal work, and that despite challenges, you will still have time for many other activities (from traveling to cooking, from fishing to spending time with family, from playing with the dog to watching a movie).
Q: Is law school the only way to become a lawyer in California?
K.M., Calabasas
A: There is a process in California by which you can become a lawyer without attending law school. It is a four-year apprenticeship program. The requirements are: (a) study under the supervision of a licensed California attorney or a judge who been active in practice for at least five years; (b) study at least 18 hours per week, for a minimum of 24 weeks and a maximum of 26 weeks, every six months; (c) after the first year, you must take what is known as the “baby bar exam” and you have three chances to pass; (d) you are to provide bi-annual progress reports; and (e) after you have completed the apprenticeship, then you can take the California State Bar exam, and if you pass it — you will have a license to practice law here.
The California Bar website, CalBar.org, has information available to the public that includes immigration matters, how to avoid legal services and how to file a complaint against a lawyer. There is also a lawyer referral service, informative pamphlets (type “pamphlets” in the search box) and basic details about California lawyers, including if there has been any instances of discipline against a given practioner.
Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 40 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional.
