Quote Originally Posted by indysteel View Post
I agree with Xeney's comments. To be a good lawyer, you have to be able to communciate, sometimes forcefully, and think well on your feet. You can't be easily intimidated, but you also have to intuitively know when to shut the heck up or eat humble pie. You have to be patient and pay attention to the details but wise enough to keep the big picture in mind. Unfortunatley, there are a lot of stupid attorneys out there
Nothing funnier than being in Court and having the Judge nail a young, inexperience or stupid attorney. I agree must be able to think quickly. Must have good debate skills. People skills are necessary for many attorney jobs but not all - the reason some attorneys go into research or appellate work as oppose to becoming a trial lawyer. I became an attorney because I was in fairly good with debate in High School and College. I have excellent bullsh*t skills - most useful in some cases, especially good with the job I have now.

I have met many an attorney who cannot write - it's sad but true. Some Complaints are so beautifully drafted as to be a work of art some complaint make no sense whatsoever. I've read pro per pieces that were easier to understand.

Again for anyone considering law as a professional also consider the job market in your state. In California the market is flooded. We turn out tons of new attorneys each year and many cannot find jobs or at least ones that pay anything (keep in mind the 80 work week).

A good attorney can make tons of money but they work hard, are learned and knowledgable, personable and in demand. In my field, entertainment, a young associate can make over $200K a year but they are the cream of the crop. Many attorneys make less than $100K a year even at a senior level.