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To go or not to go

By Jeff Terrill

Fort Wayne Reader

2016-05-19

Mark graduates from college and takes a sales job. He quickly realizes that is heart is not in it. Mark wants to help people and he wants to make a difference. He decides he should go to law school and become a lawyer.

Mark’s Uncle Rich is a lawyer. Mark calls him to tell him about his plans. His uncle tells Mark that he should follow him around for a few days to learn more about what lawyers do. Mark accepts his uncle’s invitation.

Rich introduces Mark to other lawyers in his office. One of the lawyers gives Mark some documents to review and explains that he will discuss the case with him the following day. Mark watches Rich depose a witness in a case where a real estate developer is suing one of the contractors.

Mark goes to lunch with Rich and three other lawyers. He listens to them talk about current cases. Mark doesn’t say much but he laughs and smiles when it’s clear someone is trying to be funny.

The next day, Mark sits in on an office conference with one of Rich’s new clients. Mark is impressed with the way Rich listens to his client’s concerns and the compassion he shows. Mark also gets to see Rich argue against a motion for summary judgment in court later that afternoon. Rich introduces Mark to the judge and to the lawyer on the other side of the case. At the end of the hearing, the judge mentions she will try to get an order out within the next few weeks.

Mark shadows his uncle throughout the week. Each night, Rich reviews with Mark the events of the day and he tries to answer all of Mark’s questions. Rich also arranges for Mark to attend a couple of classes at the law school.

Rich prints a few articles about the rising cost of law school, average starting salaries and quality of life for lawyers. He asks Mark to read them. The next day, Rich takes Mark to the bank across the street. Rich and Mark meet with one of the senior vice presidents. The banker tells Mark about the financial challenges associated with paying for law school. The banker explains that from his perspective he doesn’t think it’s a good investment. Rich remains quiet.

After their meeting at the bank, Rich takes Mark to one of his favorite restaurants. Rich is curious about Mark’s thoughts. Mark expresses his gratitude for all of his uncle’s time and efforts over the week. Mark tells his uncle that he’s not sure he wants to be a lawyer. He explains that he’s not sure he can make a difference within the law. Rich tells him to take his time.

Rich waits a few weeks before he tells his nephew that he is making the right decision.

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Jeff Terrill is a partner/shareholder with the law firm of Arnold Terrill Anzini, P.C. Mr. Terrill represents clients accused of crimes throughout northeast Indiana. You can contact Mr. Terrill with any questions or comments at his office at 260.420.7777 or via email at jterrill@fortwaynedefense.com. Learn more about his firm at www.fortwaynedefense.com. This article expressed opinions and observations of the author, is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader. Please consult a qualified attorney with any legal questions or issues you might have. Thank you