The Law practice is very diverse, so no one can describe what the "typical" lawyer does. Each Vancouver lawyer works with different clients and different legalities. Most laywers require certain basic legal skills like:

• analyze legal issues in light of the existing state of the law, the direction in which the law is headed, and the relevant policy considerations;
• synthesize information;
• advocate the views of groups and individuals within the context of the legal system;
• give intelligent counsel on the law's requirements;
• write and speak clearly; and negotiate effectively.

The best Lawyer career choice merges an enriching professional life with a person's own basic law interests.

Law is a rewarding field in which to work, but it is not a profession that is right for everyone. For a significant number of people, law study offers an opportunity to develop skills and an understanding of our world that are applicable in a variety of occupations. For many lawyers in training, however, law offers opportunities for service to society that other careers cannot provide.

Lawyers Employment Prospects

As the number of practicing lawyers in Canada continues to increase, it becomes more difficult for recent graduates to find law jobs in some fields in certain places. Lawyers opportunities will vary from place to place and among Canadian legal disciplines. Future Vancouver lawyers may have to spend considerable time and energy securing their first job that they consider acceptable. Competition among new lawyers for certain new law positions will continue to be intense, while opportunities in other fields may expand.

Future demand for Lawyers is almost impossible to predict. Demand for Vancouver legal services will certainly be influenced by the state of Vancouver's economy. Rising law caseloads in Canada's courts and continuing federal and provincial regulation suggest that the need for Canadian lawyers is growing. Whether this expanding need in law will match or fall short of the parallel growth in the number of practicing lawyers remains to be seen. Lawyers with strong academic credentials will continue to obtain desirable law positions.

The legal profession may also adapt to changing law job markets by encouraging the entry of Vancouver lawyers into relatively new law fields, such as environmental law, health law, intellectual property law (Internet Law), immigration law, or alternate dispute resolution (ADR). Certain communities within Canada will also continue to be underrepresented by local lawyers. Prospective law students should evaluate their personal career goals, including geographic preferences and the possibility of public service.

Preparing for Law School
Law Students interested in legal study should make the most of their undergraduate education. A university education stands on its own merits as preparation for a lifetime of active involvement in a diverse and changing society.