Problems Faced by First-Generation Lawyers
The article 'Problems Faced by First-Generation Lawyers' highlights the challenges faced by first-generation lawyers and also enumerates some of the tips to overcome this issue.
The article 'Problems Faced by First-Generation Lawyers' highlights the challenges faced by first-generation lawyers and also enumerates some of the tips to overcome this issue. One of the most difficult and stressful phases on the road to becoming a lawyer is being a law student. Students studying law start a journey very different from what they experienced while studying as an under-graduation.
All law students must deal with the rigorous academic requirements of their courses, the enormous quantities of reading (thousands of pages of cases and legislation), and the never-ending deadlines. Law students can experience stress from competing for jobs and getting the best grades.
Introduction
It's not always simple to become a successful lawyer, let alone a first-generation lawyer, especially in a nation like India. Making a successful legal career has never been simple, whether for a lawyer with prior legal experience or a first-generation lawyer. However, one cannot dispute that those born into cultures and backgrounds related to the legal profession are in a much better position than first-generation lawyers. The antiquated form of legal practice and the particular attention accorded to someone born with a legal background come to mind as the causes of this. A person born into a legal family is well-versed in law principles and has experience dealing with legal issues.
Being a lawyer in a family of judges or lawyers transmits skills that a law student has to grasp for their career, as well as clients, to the following generation. A lawyer from a family of lawyers typically benefits from their family background and doesn't need to network or work as hard as a first-generation lawyer since they have supportive family members.
On the other hand, first-generation lawyers must forge fresh ties in the legal community since they lack the networking skills and background necessary to fit in. Additionally, they receive little to no guidance. The two fundamental things that every first-generation lawyer lacks are adequate knowledge and relationships in the legal community. Making a connection through one's practice should be among the undertaking and specialisation in legal subjects' most crucial features. For a first-generation lawyer, these connections can take years to build up gradually.
The courtroom is where a first-generation attorney faces another obstacle to success. Many of us are accustomed to a society where reacting to difficult issues and being represented in court requires having the son or daughter of a prominent lawyer. Such attorneys effortlessly establish their presence in court, gain valuable experience managing courtroom proceedings in some outstanding cases, and build a reputation for themselves in the legal community. Such a real advantage and management of issues were alluded to through a customer age that was probably lacking among first-generation lawyers, as witnessed by numerous legal associates and senior and younger members of the bar.
One of the most difficult processes to endure in the legal field is the recruitment challenges for first-generation lawyers. I can speak from personal experience when I say that getting hired at a desirable position at a number of law firms demands a strong link or reference. Even gaining an internship in law school requires a strong professional network. The fact that it might be difficult and never-ending for a first-generation lawyer to follow their goal of becoming a lawyer still stands.
First-generation attorneys confront several difficulties, including the following:-
1. The financial constraints on first-generation lawyers' employment options include: Financially secure People can achieve their goals by choosing a profession they are passionate about. In certain situations, it appears as though they are financially secure, but their passion is not for the legal field. In other situations, it appears as though they are financially vulnerable. They are unable to choose a course that will take them away from success because they lack funds or money.
2. Little or no family support: The biggest issue for newer generations of lawyers is that they lack familial support, which makes them feel alone at work.
3. Lack of Confidence: Parental confidence helps lawyers achieve their objectives when they lack it. However, a lack of confidence might prompt a lawyer to enter the market. because they have no confidence. This is a significant issue for New Generation Lawyers as well. First-generation lawyers who come from economically disadvantaged families or from those with diverse educational, social, or cultural backgrounds can feel alone or different, which makes them less confident.
4. Lack of Acculturation to Professional Expectations: The fundamental issue facing First Generation Lawyers is a lack of acculturation, which translates to a lack of professional experience away from home. Lawyers without a history in law encounter this issue since they are unable to access the necessary information at home.
5. Lack of Resource Awareness: In order for New Generation Lawyers to succeed, each lawyer needs to have knowledge of the resources available to them. Lack of knowledge imposes numerous barriers on a lawyer's path to success. Every first-generation lawyer needs to be informed of current events, not just in terms of law but also in terms of economics, society, and many other areas. A good lawyer reads the newspaper every day as a habit to broaden their knowledge.
6. First Generation Lawyers confront difficulties both inside and outside of the firm: As though they lack the skills or experience necessary to work for the company. Experience matters in terms of self-assurance, nature, patience, how one behaves among seniors, etc., so he or she may encounter this type of issue in daily life.
7. Feeling of Unease: First-generation lawyers have a remarkable aptitude for law. Although they come from a disadvantaged backgrounds where small-minded individuals live, they are goal-oriented people who also come from impoverished families or backgrounds. First-generation lawyers are beginning to feel insecure in this case as well. They are unable to cover their fees for college, post-graduate costs associated with licence applications, and post-licensure costs associated with opening an office in the marketplace. A new generation of lawyers may therefore experience some job uncertainty.
8. Family Mentality: In today's technologically advanced society, first-generation lawyers must deal with this issue. Every field has adopted new technology. which might influence people's mental state. A new generation of lawyers faces challenges in their careers if their families do not support them. As everyone in the modern world is aware, family mentality issues arise because people's attitudes toward their professions cannot be altered, which causes issues for the next generation of lawyers.
9. Family support throughout a legal matter or career: Family support is also more likely to assist a lawyer to succeed. Since lawyers must frequently work late into the night, assistance from family members can help younger attorneys relax and deal with their problems.
Now, how can it be resolved? What steps should be made to resolve this issue? These are listed as follows:
1. Begin from Nothing: A new generation of attorneys must start their careers from scratch since they lack an office, resources, and courtroom credibility. New-generation lawyers must begin at the very beginning.
2. Begin a career with Perseverance: To begin their careers, new generations of lawyers must be patient. because achieving a goal takes time. A first-generation lawyer, or must comprehend the fundamentals of the job and battle through life to achieve their objective. First-generation lawyers tend to be knowledgeable, diligent, and patient. To get to the Supreme Court, they had to begin their careers in trial courts.
3. Begin a profession in the trial court: To enter the trial court, new generation lawyers are reluctant. Which court is more crucial to your profession is the question at hand. Before entering the Supreme Court, according to Bhishma Pitamah's interpretation of the Constitution, one should spend at least three to four years in trial court learning the fundamentals of trial procedure and the fundamentals of litigation in order to strengthen one's roots.
4. Career-related choice: New Generation Lawyers are brand-new to the market and even from a different families. They don't have any business partners, and no one is directing them. They don't spend time doing what they do, and they have to start paying attention to court proceedings. They must get familiar with courtroom etiquette. They must conduct research.
5. Humanity and Self-Belief: The key components for a new generation of lawyers are self-assurance and humanism. Yes, I am capable, and yes, humanity requires that we never stop learning. In order for the New Generation of Lawyers to succeed, these two are essential.
6. Seniors shouldn't be ashamed to ask questions: The younger generation must ask intelligent questions in order to prosper in the legal profession. The new generation lawyer working under any senior lawyer must have the confidence to seek questions of the senior when contesting the case in the event that they run into any difficulties in preparing the petition or reply. Even if their parents are not supporting them, seniors will give new-generation lawyers knowledge, work, and practical cases that will help them achieve their goals.
7. They just adhere to real rather than abstract principles: If a new generation of lawyers lacks support from their families, they can nevertheless succeed. They must be grounded in practice rather than theory. Since every new generation of lawyers works hard, they must rely on practical rather than theoretical principles.
8. New-generation lawyers have a duty to seek senior counsel: The younger generation of lawyers has a responsibility to ask for assistance from more seasoned attorneys. First-generation lawyers have a responsibility to seek help from more experienced lawyers if they are not receiving adequate care at home or adequate support from relatives.
9. Follow other attorneys: Law students today have no experience in litigation or practice. The greatest way to learn about new developments in legal theory practice, and research is to observe other attorneys. It is the most effective technique to learn or teach about how a lawyer can handle their cases, practices, client coordination, and problem-solving. The greatest way to connect with the market or new marketing strategies used by lawyers is through this.
10. Early network expansion inside the company: It's important for young lawyers to set aside time to consult with more experienced attorneys. They can offer career development counselling and pointers for job advancement. Additionally, you ought to try to establish connections with experienced attorneys that are eager to support your professional advancement.
Conclusion
Both legal and non-legal topics must be thoroughly understood in order to practise law. Additionally, a tremendous amount of perseverance is needed. However, the reality is that someone who makes the most of their legal job is sufficiently rewarded in life to make up for the sacrifices they made while pursuing their legal career. It is important for a lawyer to keep producing top-notch work, whether it be in a senior's office or when interacting with their own clientele. A first-generation lawyer or a lawyer with legal ancestry should be patient and wait for the opportunities that will undoubtedly arise so they may demonstrate their skills and knowledge gained over the years.
Our country's Former Chief Justice, Justice NV Ramana, is an excellent role model for the populace, particularly in the legal field. I'd like to end by quoting one of my all-time favourites,
"Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Suggestions
To improve the support network, boost confidence, and increase comfort level, one must utilise the first-generation resources offered in the law school, such as student organisations, the library, mentoring, and networking events. Build a network by asking people about the alumni, career service officer, and placement cell. During office hours, cultivate relationships with the professors by asking for their feedback on your work. Always keep in mind your advantages as a first-generation law student and lawyer; doing so will help you approach your goals from a fresh viewpoint. Join groups for professionals, and keep in touch with the networks you established during and after law school.
The first-generation lawyer should, in their CV, Resume, and cover letters, emphasise their experiences. In interviews, they should express their perspective as a first-generation law student and professional. Last but not least, a person might advance in their career by working hard and being determined in any industry, particularly in the legal one.
Important Links
Law Library: Notes and Study Material for LLB, LLM, Judiciary, and Entrance Exams