November marked the month of job fairs. It brought back memories of my time as a law student at Ghent University. Together with three friends, I wandered—slightly nervous—past the stands at the job fair in the ICC, eager to meet the law firms.
This year, I stood on the other side of the stand. I was promoting JustLawyers. I was surprised by how little students knew about the legal profession. Even more striking was the clear pattern I noticed: fewer and fewer students are choosing a career in law, mainly after hearing horror stories from friends who have started their legal traineeships.
My own experience in the legal profession taught me a lot. Even though I eventually took a different path, I wholeheartedly recommend taking on the commitment of a legal traineeship. That’s why my final article of the year is an unapologetic ode to the legal profession.
The right law firm
Everything starts with choosing the right place for your traineeship. Every law firm has its own character, and what suits one person might not fit another. Doing proper due diligence when selecting your first law firm significantly increases your chances of having a positive experience during your legal traineeship.
JustLawyers helps you find the right place—an environment that challenges you intellectually, shapes your growth, and inspires you. It lays the foundation for a career that will continually push your limits.
A good traineeship offers more than just a learning opportunity. It’s the first step in discovering the true essence of the legal profession. You’ll realise that law is about more than statutes and regulations—it’s a calling, a pursuit of justice, and a constant journey of self-improvement.
A lifelong education
The legal profession is a training ground like no other. It hones skills that will serve you throughout your career and life: an eye for detail, research abilities, the art of constructing clear arguments, and the capacity to analyse problems and find solutions under pressure. These skills are invaluable.
I remember how frustrating it was to rewrite a memo or legal opinion up to ten times. In those moments, I wanted nothing more than to throw it in the bin. But today, I am incredibly grateful to the demanding mentors who guided me. Their attention to detail and willingness to share their knowledge shaped me into the professional I am today.
A profession in motion
It’s true that the legal field is demanding, but there are levels to it. Not every firm expects you to work weekends. In fact, there’s a clear shift towards better work-life balance. More and more firms offer remote working options, emphasise regular feedback, and foster a supportive culture.
It’s an exciting time to join the legal world, as there’s a growing push to replace outdated traditions—often justified by “That’s how we’ve always done it”—with new ideas and modern working conditions.
Passion
What fascinates me most about the legal profession is the passion. Great lawyers go above and beyond to bring cases to a successful conclusion. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling where intellectual curiosity and determination converge.
I speak daily with lawyers who, even after twenty years in the field, still talk about their expertise with the same energy and sharpness as when they took on their first case.
Lawyers stay in the profession because it continues to challenge them intellectually and strategically. That’s what makes it so unique: those who truly love the craft can’t imagine doing anything else—and being surrounded by such people is contagious.
Law as a game of chess
The legal profession often reminds me of a chess game. Every case requires strategic insight, foresight, and strong intellectual skills. Every move counts, but the outcome is never entirely predictable.
You operate on a living chessboard, constantly adjusting your tactics and finding creative solutions. This is what makes the work so fascinating and challenging. Lawyers are masters of navigating complexity and anticipating the unexpected.
The chance to step into that world and learn from the grandmasters of the law is an opportunity I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.
Conclusion
Society needs well-trained, critical lawyers in every field of law. The legal profession is one where passion, intellect, and perseverance come together in a truly unique way. It shapes you, sharpens your thinking, and provides every legal professional with a solid foundation—no matter where your career ultimately takes you.
Don’t be discouraged by the horror stories. Look beyond them and find the right firm for you. The legal world is a unique playground for the intellect, where you learn to anticipate, strategise, and constantly improve yourself. For those willing to take on this challenge, an experience awaits that will enrich you both as a lawyer and as a person.
Isabel Rosendor
Co-founder JustLawyers
🔗 Read the full article in Dutch on Jubel.be: Een ode aan de advocatuur