Introduction to my self-published book, Rambler's Road to the Law

People will tell you where they've gone

They'll tell you where to go

But till you get there yourself you never really know

– Joni Mitchell, “Amelia”

Long before the unemployment and economy crisis began, I never saw job security as a sure thing.  Maybe that’s because I began my legal career as a temp.  I grew accustomed to floating around, constantly experiencing different personalities and environments.  I somehow never entered a job envisioning it as my home for the next twenty or thirty years.  As a result of my rather nomadic career-style, I have had the benefit of learning from many different people. 

My working life began when I was about eleven.  I would mow our huge lawn and my dad would then give me $30.00 for an hour of riding lessons.  I also worked down at the local food Co-op to earn “work credit” to earn discounts off grocery purchases, as any customer could do.  The work credit could then be sold to others and this proved to be another source of riding lesson cash flow for me.

Through my combined experience in manual labor, food service, military and the law, I have experienced many different personalities, ways of thinking and doing things.  I believe these adventures eventually gave me a greater understanding of my legal responsibilities and overcoming the hurdles one must navigate on the way to becoming a lawyer.


Today of course, we have reached an economic climate which may cause job seekers to experience nomadic careers for a time, perhaps not by choice as I have.  I thought I was too good for certain jobs until a very wise friend of mine told me to get off my high horse.  I have always treasured his advice – though, as a result of his words I entered unfamiliar and scary worlds, I was also set free in many ways.

In writing this book, I hope to pass on some encouragement and lessons from my road to others seeking a legal career, whether that is as an attorney, paralegal, secretary, or file clerk.  In some positions, even attorneys may find that their responsibilities overlap with some of these legal staff.  You may start out as a support staff member, then move into another position, perhaps become an attorney.  Many of the concepts and experiences I share here relate to those of someone new to the legal industry or those of a young, inexperienced lawyer; however, there are techniques and nuggets which any legal professional or aspirant can take and integrate into their work, however it may suit them.  I share facts and hard-learned knowledge I wish I had known before embarking on my own voyage.

I also take into account the different circumstances law career seekers must face today, as opposed to what I experienced when I took my first paralegal job.  I recognize the harsh realities of the economy today and how it also impacts students’ ability to obtain educational loans.  Yet there are still many of us who experience that burning conviction that a legal career is our destiny.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  You may just need more patience.  Of course most of us like instant gratification.  But you are not likely to find that kind of success in law school. 

For anyone looking to become a lawyer these days, an extreme amount of due diligence is needed.  A prospective law student should ask herself questions such as these: What kind of legal career do I want?  Do I want to make it into a top law firm and if so, am I willing to do what it takes to make top grades and obtain entrance to Law Review and Moot Court?  Is the big law firm life-style what I really want?  What can I do to start building my résumé before and while I’m in law school?  Do I want to have my own business and if so, what resources do I have to launch a business?  If I don’t have any resources now, what can I do to get them?  Do I understand just how much law school will cost?  How will I pay for it and how will that affect my life after I’ve finished school?

Ask yourself these questions, and more – all the questions you can think of about how to reach your goal in law.  And do it!  Also, life and career goals can often be moving targets, so what your goal is today may not be the case in five years, a year, or even less.  Much depends on whether you take the employee or business owner route.  Our school system doesn’t always tell you this – but this is a very important issue for you to consider.  To do so, you must educate yourself until all of your questions are answered.

Want more?  Buy full book at https://www.createspace.com/3683662!