Many people ask me this question. I'm guessing they usually assume it's because I like to argue or because I want to make the "big bucks" someday, but neither are true (well, I do enjoy a good debate at times). I want to be a lawyer to help people. I know that may sound cliche or too simple, but it's the truth.
I see the law as something meant to protect and enrich society. Nothing gets me more upset than a person who preys on the innocent. People who exploit women and children through sex trafficking or abuse get my anger and sense of injustice boiling. I want to use the legal system we have to protect those people's rights to the fullest.
Sometimes though, the law can be harmful to people too. The law is used as a weapon to disadvantage certain groups of people. That sort of injustice upsets me because that is not how the law should be used. I look at the literary example of a great lawyer, Atticus Finch, and how he defended Tom Robinson when no one else would. He's the kind of lawyer I would like to emulate someday, someone with integrity who will stand up for the rights of people, even when it's unpopular.
So go ahead, ask me "What do you call an honest lawyer?" and I'll good-naturedly answer, "An oxymoron." But I will still hold fast to my belief that there can be real Atticus Finches out there, serving for the public good instead of for the good of self.
I see the law as something meant to protect and enrich society. Nothing gets me more upset than a person who preys on the innocent. People who exploit women and children through sex trafficking or abuse get my anger and sense of injustice boiling. I want to use the legal system we have to protect those people's rights to the fullest.
Sometimes though, the law can be harmful to people too. The law is used as a weapon to disadvantage certain groups of people. That sort of injustice upsets me because that is not how the law should be used. I look at the literary example of a great lawyer, Atticus Finch, and how he defended Tom Robinson when no one else would. He's the kind of lawyer I would like to emulate someday, someone with integrity who will stand up for the rights of people, even when it's unpopular.
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| Atticus Finch with his client, Tom Robinson |
You can do it! I love your reference to Kill a Mocking Bird, such a great book!
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't seen "The Rainmaker," you should. It's a fantastic film about a young lawyer who feels the same way you just described. Plus it stars Matt Damon, so you know it's got to be good.
ReplyDelete"The Rainmaker" is a great movie! Completely underrated
DeleteI love how you tied in the movie references. I look forward to your lawyer days and watching or hearing about you help people!
ReplyDeleteSo cool! I can't wait to see how you're going to change people's lives for the better!
ReplyDeleteI also like this post. Inspiring. Journalism and law seem to be similar in that regard - journalists and lawyers are seen as being dishonest and in it for only themselves.
ReplyDeleteAnd perhaps there is truth there. But I definitely believe in both fields, there can be individuals truly working for the good of others. I have no doubt you'll be one of those.
If anybody out there can take down some of the injustice in this world, it's you :)
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