Hightower
Career Research Paper 2024
Career Research Paper
SARAH HIGHTOWER
ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL
STEPHANIE TATUM AND NANCY CURRAN
25 APRIL 2024
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Table of Contents
Career Choice 1
Introduction 2
Job Description 3
A Day in the Life 4
Pros and Cons 6
From Here to There 7
Profession Profile 7
Education 8
Budgeting 10
My Personal Assessment 11
My Skills 11
My Personality 12
My Motivation 13
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Career Choice
Introduction
Choosing a career path is difficult for a myriad of reasons, some more significant than
others. In my case, I had to choose between what I am innately good at and what I would find joy
in every day. After taking the Career Cruising test, my suspicions that English and Government-
related jobs would best suit me were proved to be correct. Despite this closure, finding a middle
ground proved to be much more tedious than expected. I was inspired to pursue law as a career
after attending the celebratory party of a good family friend after he became the judge for Cobb
County's Family and Child Services Court. He rambled on to my father about how he was able to
use his literary skills to help people while also integrating his love for politics and government. I
have always known that a job that involved helping others is what I needed to feel fulfilled. Still,
up until meeting the gentleman previously mentioned, I was unsure of how to tie my natural
proclivity towards the liberal arts to this need. Now, it was as if a new world had been placed
right in front of me. After this interaction, I began researching the field as a whole and then into
specific subfields that fit my personality traits and general demeanor. The large and varied world
of law opened my eyes to countless future possibilities and plans- finally, there was a way to
combine talent and desire into a job that would provide me with a successful future.
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Job Description
Law-related professions come in many shapes and forms, providing every
lawyer/attorney with a niche to fall into. My interest in medicine has drawn me to malpractice,
specifically defense for physicians and institutions. Many medical defense attorneys spend their
days on small cases, perhaps an infected suture or a staple placed at an uncomfortable angle.
Small lawsuits over small mistakes are common- the large-scale investigations that many
attorneys want to get their hands on do not happen as frequently as one might think, especially in
well-established hospitals and medical offices. These more significant cases, though, can
sometimes span from 3-5 years and may require frequent monitoring and revisions. Similar to
other branches of law, a majority of the day is not spent in court, but in the office, reading
paperwork, writing and editing drafts, and compiling evidence. People who are logical thinkers,
charismatic, thorough, dedicated, driven, and have strong problem-solving skills are likely to
thrive in the legal field.
Because of how much training and time goes into becoming a malpractice attorney,
people can expect starting salaries to range from $66,000 to $75,000, with top earners and firm
partners making anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000 after establishing themselves. Luckily for
many up-and-coming lawyers, the growth rate for law-related professions, in general, is 8%, with
a whopping 9% growth rate for medical malpractice attorneys in particular. Compared to other
career paths, that of a lawyer has a relatively low unemployment rate, sitting at roughly .4%
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Many people who graduate from law school will find a job
within a few months, while some will have already secured a position while still in school due to
internships or connections with a firm.
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A Day in the Life
Unlike some jobs, a lawyer's day-to-day activities may vary greatly depending on how
many clients they have, how many court dates are scheduled, what company they are working
with, how complex a case is, etc. Generally speaking, though, most lawyers have some tasks that
must be done daily. A morning typically begins with catching up on emails and phone calls and
checking up on clients and business partners. They may meet with current or prospective clients
to discuss a case, advise them on any next steps that should be taken, and draft up
agreements/documents. Court appearances to represent clients and gather information may
happen four or five times in one day, or not at all. Most of the time, though, is spent in the office
reviewing data, laws, and evidence to prepare, draft, and review legal documents with plaintiffs
or other lawyers (ABA, 2023). Many lawyers are stationary and stay within one city, but some,
such as patent attorneys, will travel to meet clients and make appearances. Malpractice attorneys,
for example, will usually work for a hospital or medical center (if on the defense side) and will
either be completely stationary and focus only on one area or will travel between branches as
needed.
Aside from traveling requirements, overtime is often required to complete the enormous
workload that comes with going into law. The 40-hour work week only exists for seasoned
lawyers who take on very few clients, while everyone else has to suffer through late nights and
early mornings. Some people start their days at 7:00 A.M. and do not leave the office until well
after 8:00 or 9:00 P.M., but many argue that the salary and benefits make the extra hours
worthwhile. With salaries going up to the millions for firm owners and typical benefits
consisting of health, dental, vision, and retirement, along with PTO and vacation, the sleepless
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nights may be worth it (sometimes). When talking to people in the field, a few things come up
over and over. The most notable is the time in school and the dedication required to succeed in
the legal field. Many people have told me that I need to make sure this is what I want before
starting the long process of undergraduate, graduate school, and then a Ph.D. program. Past
college, I have heard more positive aspects than negative ones- people feel as though they are
helping others while still doing what they excel at. The only con I have heard across the board
was the amount of hours needed right after graduating from law school- you have to take what
you get, no matter how strenuous.
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Pros and Cons
As I have previously mentioned, one of the features of this career that entices me is the
connection to the medical field. Because of my immunodeficiency, I cannot directly work in
medicine, so this is the best way to combine my skills with what interests me. The thought of
being able to use my English and writing skills while also doing something good for others is
exciting- it makes the future seem so bright. While there are a great number of pros that come
with being a lawyer, there are also cons, as there are in any job. As is the case with many jobs,
AI is jeopardizing many people's jobs and making people question the usefulness of seeing
lawyers in person. This in itself is the biggest worry for many lawyers across the globe. Still, as
of right now, people in legal professions are doing their best to combat this and push back
against the rise of artificial intelligence in law. The occupational outlook for those wishing to go
itno law has remained positive- technology has opened up global job opportunities that connect
people and promote collaboration amongst different branches of law.
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From Here to There
Profession Profile
Unlike some other careers, lawyers' personalities may vary significantly from person to
person. Different types of people thrive in different practices—some are better suited for
Criminal Law, while others will find joy as Tax Attorneys. A few general personality traits are
common among most people in legal professions, as they are necessary to efficiently complete
tasks, speak in court, communicate with clients, and formulate strong arguments. Many would
assume that the most important ability is "being good at arguing." It is important to be able to
hold your ground and passionately debate, but one's ability to argue with others (or affection for
it) is not what makes a great lawyer.
How a person's brain is wired and how they process thoughts and feelings will partially
determine their success. Lawyers must think both logically and illogically, rationally and
critically, analytically and simply. No one way of thinking solves all problems- being able to
come at a case from multiple viewpoints is often necessary. Drive and passion are arguably just
as important- the amount of time and energy put into each case is excessive- being fiercely
driven keeps lawyers motivated and energized. A more obvious skill set is public speaking and
oral communication, as a great deal of time is spent talking to clients, other lawyers, judges, and
courtrooms.
All in all, it is hard to say if there is a distinct list of skills that every lawyer must have
since people of all types can succeed in the field. There are common traits, yes, but to discourage
someone from pursuing a career simply because they are not charismatic or well-organized is not
fair (in this specific case).
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Education
Requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of lawyer one wishes to become.
Some states also have their requirements, including separate certifications, exams, and degrees.
To become a Malpractice Defence Attorney, an individual must complete roughly eight years of
schooling.
The first four years of undergraduate are spent knocking out core classes and then taking
major-related courses. Most people who plan on attending law school major in English,
Philosophy, Political Science, Business, or Economics. These degrees focus on skills that
lawyers use daily- writing, critical thinking, knowledge about the government, management, and
the economy. Depending on what branch of law a student plans on entering, they will likely
pursue a major that sets them up for success in the future. If a student is indecisive, some will
double major, while others will pick something that covers a broader subject area. Once
undergraduate has been completed, the LSAT (Law et al. Test) and/or GRE (Graduate et al.) must
be taken. All law schools accept the LSAT, but only a small handful will accept the GRE. Once
accepted into law school, students will spend their first year focusing on general subjects (legal
research, administrative law, tax law, writing, public speaking, etc.) that build the framework for
the years to come.
For the second and third years of law school, electives may be chosen that focus on
specific specialties (such as medical malpractice). By this point, many students will begin
internships at local firms, usually doing clerical work. For medical lawyers, internships may
differ slightly, as some students will work in specialized medical-legal clinics or doctor's offices
to get experience working with patients and practitioners. After the three to five years of law
school have successfully been completed, everyone must take the dreaded Bar Exam. The exam
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differs from state to state and must be passed in each state a person wishes to practice in. The
suggested amount of time spent studying is six to eight uninterrupted weeks. Most law students
end their journey here and move on to job hunting, but malpractice lawyers have more schooling
left. A Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) is recommended, as it provides a lawyer with a
competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Since the market is a bit smaller for malpractice
attorneys, any bit of edge helps. After all is said and done, there are many different paths a
medical lawyer can follow. From defense to taxes and patents, there is a niche for everyone.
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Budgeting
If the time and energy required for law school do not turn people away, the overall cost
may. While it is true that many lawyers are successful and live comfortable lives, many only
reach that point once they have established themselves and paid off their debt. Generally
speaking, law school is more expensive than any other graduate program- sometimes more than
double the cost. Thankfully, for those pursuing a career in law, the payoff is more than worth it
(even if it takes a while).
Law school costs can vary, with the median cost sitting at around $30,000 per year- a
total of roughly $90,000 before taxes and other expenses. Considering that the median salary for
lawyers is around $125,000 a year, it is safe to say that the money spent went to a good cause.
Aside from the salary, the return on investment for those in law positions is also high, at around
68.8% (Miki, 2020). Law school can pay itself off in two to three years, even with entry-level
positions (depending on location). Because of the high payoff and rising demand for lawyers,
many people do not have to fear being in debt for years and years on end. The upfront cost of
becoming a lawyer is intimidating, yes, but is well worth it as soon as five-to-ten years down the
road.
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Personal Assessment
My Skills
My skill set will prove helpful if I continue pursuing a law degree. Going into law requires
dedication and drive, both of which I have. I have always been incredibly driven to reach my
goals and push through the struggles life throws at me if it means attaining my end goal. One of
my weaknesses coincides with this: I pile more on my plate than is manageable. The deep-rooted
fear of not being enough for others makes it so that I feel as if I need to do as much as possible to
be worthy of my successes. As a lawyer, I need to learn only to take on what I can handle so that
each client is getting the attention and energy they deserve. My clients will be given my all
because of my devotion, loyalty, and desire to help. When working on a case, my problem-
solving and logical thinking processes will be what I lean on most, especially when there is no
obvious answer. These skills that I have spent so long developing are why I am confident that I
will make it to where I wish to be, but a few weaknesses need to be addressed before making the
final leap to becoming a lawyer. Procrastination is a hard no in the legal field, and I absolutely
love to do it. Clients want information and results as soon as possible, not right before a deadline
or court date. There is no such thing as extensions or rain checks for appearances- every decision
and mistake made impacts someone's life. That leads to another weakness: my fear of
confrontation. I strongly dislike confronting people about their wrongdoings, which makes up
much of what lawyers do. I have faith in myself to move past this, as I am already better at
vocalizing my thoughts and feelings. While I do have room for much-needed growth, I am on the
right path.
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My Personality
No career has a "required" personality type (in my mind), but some types certainly fare better
than others in different situations. Headstrong, dedicated, driven, motivated, and diplomatic
people make great lawyers—some may also say you need a strong personality, while others
disagree. Despite my love and affinity for law, my MBTI does not align with most lawyers. I
have been an INFJ-T since I was ten, and I feel that it accurately reflects most of my personality
traits. INFJs only make up 2.7% of lawyers- a small number compared to ISTJs, who account for
17.8%. My Career Cruising results contradict the MBTI, stating that I would be well-suited for a
job in the legal field (Lo, 2019). These types of tests are helpful and interesting, yes, but they do
not capture the nuances of each person, nor do they always produce accurate results. I still hold
the belief that a job as a lawyer would fulfill me, fit me as a person, and help me reach my goals
in life.
Yes, I may be empathetic and sometimes lead with my heart rather than my head, but I also
have a deep desire to help others that is made stronger with empathy. I may be sensitive to
criticism, but my devotion to a project and willingness to do well balance it out. Every weakness
these tests say I have also had a counteractive strength- law motivates, interests, and empowers
me- it is what I know is the right decision for my future.
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My Motivation
My research has given me reasons to pursue and fall away from a career in law—a long list
of elements to compare and contrast. Between personality tests and statistics, plenty of
information supports either side. I have chosen to continue my original plan of going into the
legal field, but I will consider what I have learned.
My next step is undergraduate school, where I have declared a double major in Political
Science and English to help me build a strong foundation for law school a few years down the
road. It is recommended that lawyers go to school in the state they plan on practicing in, so UGA
or Mercer are strong options as of now, and they would not require me to move out of state,
which is something I would rather not do. Since I want to specialize in medical law, securing a
job with a hospital such as Grady or Kennestone would be ideal, most likely in one of their
smaller locations or clinics (to start). If I want to get a headstart on my work, I can find an
internship at a local firm or take part in clubs such as Mock Trial or Debate.
My biggest obstacle will be my health conditions, as we are still in the process of figuring
out exactly what illnesses I have. Between the symptoms, endless doctor appointments, and the
fight for my voice to be heard, much time is spent focusing on things other than school. Law
school is demanding, and my health may make the difference between a Ph.D. and a Master's or
a degree and no degree. Money and finances are a close second to undergraduate school,
especially since the price of graduate school is on an upward slope that worries me and has
increased the chance of me being in immense amounts of debt. These factors have certainly been
considered and taken into account, but the benefits far outweigh the cons.
My experience gained from the STEM program will help me succeed in a field as
nuanced and demanding as law, with many of the skills I learned being important throughout the
rest of my professional life. Time management is a big one, and I have certainly improved on it
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(but still have growth to do). Communicating with peers and mentors is the skill that will have
the most impact on my future- I will spend a great deal of my time talking to others, and I need
to know how to do so professionally and cordially.
Becoming a lawyer will not be a walk in the park, but it has been made a bit easier thanks
to STEM.
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