Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, but do you have what it takes to become part of that percentage?

While many would enjoy helping others while receiving a solid paycheck, there’s more that goes into becoming a lawyer than you may expect.

Here we will discuss the top 5 things you should know about what it really takes to become a lawyer.

The Time and Money for Law School

One of the first walls to climb on your path to becoming a lawyer is completing law school. While you may have the mental capacity to pass the LSAT’s (not an easy feat), you want to be sure you can cope with the mental and financial burden that comes with law school.

The average law students debt is around $140,000, and finishing law school does not guarantee that you will win a coveted seat at a law firm.

Be Prepared to be on Call 24/7

Depending on the type of law you plan on going into, you may find yourself having to be available 24/7. This is particularly true for those going into criminal law. Not only will clients and the family of your clients want to be within contact often, but your leads and witnesses will also contact you within all hours of the day.

The hard reality is that the best lawyers work well over a 40-hours a week.

High-Pressure Work

If you work well under pressure (and we mean lots of pressure), then this may be the gig for you. However, if too much pressure makes you crack, then you may want to reconsider. No matter what type of law you go into, the stakes are always high, and the outcome will always affect someone’s life positively or negatively.

It’s also important to consider the psychological effects that can occur working under pressure for an extended period.

Becoming a lawyer is a serious decision, and requires dedication and hard work, like the team at Helene Mathieu Legal Consultants, aim to give their clients every day.

The Need for Public Speaking Skills

Were you captain of the debate team? Gearing up for your own Ted Talk? If the idea of public speaking doesn’t frighten you, good, because you’re going to need this skill. It’s up to the lawyer to be able to communicate to the judge or jury in a way that’s confident, compassionate, and even charming.

Being able to convey the right emotion during the right time is a public speaking skill that can take years to master.

Dressing for Success

Finally, don’t expect any casual Friday’s when it comes to being a lawyer. For a lawyer, the first impression always matters, whether you’re meeting with a potential client or speaking before the court. Polished suits and business attire can be considered the status quo in law offices, and you may be expected to drop a pretty penny to look the part.

If Becoming a Lawyer isn’t the Path for You

If it seems like becoming a lawyer may not be the right path for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of other essential roles out there to be filled; you just need to find it. You can always start by looking into professional development resources or getting an online diploma.