What Type of Person Thrives in a Law Career, According to An Of Counsel at Best Best & Krieger
Brandon from Best Best & Krieger, LLP believes that people who thrive in the legal industry are driven by a deeper personal reason beyond financial gain, such as a passion for public service or a desire to help others solve problems, as Brandon was inspired by a lawyer who assisted Brandon's family when Brandon was young. If one is "pursuing some sort of a deeper passion," then they are more likely to find fulfillment and be willing to put in the hard work required, even if it means "perfecting a brief" at 2:00 AM.
Motivation, Problem-Solving, Communication, Ethical Dilemmas, Inspiring
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Brandon Kline
Of Counsel
Best Best & Krieger, LLP
California State University, Sacramento
Lewis & Clark Law School, JD/LLM
Economics, Political Science, American Studies
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Law
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. People who thrive in the legal industry are not primarily motivated by money; they have a deeper reason for pursuing law.
2. A legal education and career can be deeply personal, often stemming from a desire to serve others or solve problems.
3. Continuous improvement and a passion for the craft, such as striving to be a better writer, are key to long-term success and fulfillment in law.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
People who don't thrive are those who are here for the money. You might think every lawyer does well financially, and by and large, they do. But if you're chasing success, if you're chasing money, success is not going to chase you.
It might happen incidentally, but if you want to succeed, you have to have a real reason for doing it. Once you identify your reason, it can actually help you identify the reason you were born.
I'm not saying your career is the same thing as the reason you were born. That's certainly not the case. But legal education is something that likely stems from a deeply personal reason for attending law school.
If you're going to law school for money, that won't help you become a complete person. But if you're going to law school, for instance, because you want to pursue public service and that helps you find fulfillment, that's different.
In my case, I went to law school because I always wanted to be able to help people out of any scratch. My family needed a lawyer when I was very young, and a lawyer helped us. We had never met a lawyer before, so I didn't have a personal relationship with any attorneys.
I always held a high view of attorneys' ability to solve problems for people. I think that's what has made me do better as an attorney. I don't resent being up at 2 AM perfecting a brief because good writing is important. I like to be a better writer every day, and practice is how you become better.
So, what will make you successful is pursuing some sort of a deeper passion.