Why do (did) I want to become a Lawyer?

by thetwocities

The question of purpose always haunts men and women alike. There are some who realize their own; but, some unfortunately never come across this fact in their lifetime.

In my opinion, it is not necessary that one opens his eyes to such an epiphany through his own effort, for this would only cause him to misread the signs which might lead him more astray than he already is. However, it is essential that the eyes remain vigilant at all times for it is not know when exactly this moment may arise.

Purpose will link itself to motivation which, in turn, will allow several other virtues and traits to manifest themselves. It will serve as the catalyst for one’s full development, and to achieve all that he or she can become; in other words, it will be the key for a person to be able to maximize his own potential. In every field, there must be a sense of what one is doing and what is it for in order for it not to fall into an abyss that is necessity. I am not implying that working out of necessity is useless, so much as it would become evil in some sense; on the other hand, I am implying that purpose and necessity branch out in different directions in life, although I give more credit to the former, in terms of its ability to maximize the potential in a man. It is not that the other does not do this, but the driving force would be different in each case.

The question now I would ask myself is that: “Why do I want to become a lawyer?” This would lay the path towards my purpose, if I am able to find the words to speak and the letters to write, and hopefully bring out the truth I seek, which still eludes me. A narration may give life to this essential quality I yearn to know and possess. It seems that the reason behind my aspiration to be a lawyer may be tantamount to the purpose of which; thus a discussion of one would be analogous to the other.

A lawyer is a master of truth. This is seen in his practice, for the facts are all he has to work with. He cannot add nor omit anything for it would prove to be detrimental for him in this line of work. If he includes anything that were not stated or did not truly transpire, to the point that he had invented data, then he would be penalized for it. Punishment for such would even lead to a loss of the right to practice a very dignified profession. On the contrary, failure to include every detail that is needed, may also lead to a burden on his part. This may result in his loss in a particular case, which may also lead to a chain of events that points to his eventual disbarment. Either way, these would prove to be a chip in his credibility, or could even spell the death of his very career. Being an attorney also, in my opinion, is a substantially objective profession. All the statements one makes have to be based on something in order to give the arguments weight and authority. Otherwise, they will be, if anything, reduced to non-sense; “jibber jabber” as one of my professors calls them. This basis, given the most importance, is of course a legal one.

These are the facts that attracted my curiosity. I am deeply intrigued by the fact that the truth is put in such a pedestal and that there is no other way to prosper in this line of work other than it. Every case, in my view, is a war; a war of words, wherein the dispute is settled with truthful logic. This is an amazing feature, and remains to be such, even in multiple encounters. Nothing could come close at the level at which this profession exists in my life, simply because it keeps me in a constant state of awe.

Finally, becoming a judge is, I think, the ultimate end to being a lawyer. This would be the gold medal in this field. I find a judge to be the epitome of justice – a person with whom the truth is entrusted. He is the guardian of all that is to be considered of utmost importance and the vanguard of the law itself.

Hopefully one day, I can claim that I am a person of this calibre. Not only does it presume an overwhelming ability to analyze, it also involves prestige so great, that it puts one at a notch higher than everyone else. It is not the individual which puts himself on this pedestal, but it is society. The status of certain men in specific professions have different impacts in the community and together with this, they are treated in a way unique to their field. A lawyer’s foundation is his remarkable ability to think on his feet, and express himself vividly, and substantially, leaving the competition left with no option but to concede. He has a drive that would enable him never give up without a fight, even in those battles that seem hopeless. All the qualities mentioned in the entirety of this paper radiates from persons who have them. Certainly, the qualities required become evident during the years of studying, but they become fact only when one becomes a full-fledged lawyer or a member of the honourable Judiciary.

This is why I want to be a lawyer and it is my purpose; therefore, the definitive virtue in my being. With all which was said, my purpose will give rise to motivation, which will ripen into passion, and with it, perseverance: all leading to success and self-fulfilment. This will set my mark in the world — separating me from all the good men, making me a great man.

(A bit wordy. This was at a time when I was zealously driven by ideals and reality humbly took a backseat. Submitted to the late Justice Edgardo Francisco Sundiam on 25 August 2007 in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course on Legal Profession. May his soul rest in eternal peace.)