For any Attorneys & nancy 324

[swimnfit]

I was just reading the post on what everyone does for work, and I read that nancy324 is a trust and estates attorney. I was curious to know what that profession is like and how you decided on it. I especially like that you consider it your "hobby"! I would have never though of law school as a hobby!


Nicole

 

[nancy324]

Hi Nicole,
Are you thinking of becoming a trusts and estates attorney? I don't know if I really decided on it, I think it decided on me. When I first started as an attorney, I worked at a general practice firm where I did a little of everything and I just found myself enjoying it.

At that time, I dealt with a lot of bereaving widows who didn't know how to deal with their own finances because their husbands had done everything. The pleasure for me came in showing them that they could do for themselves and watching them become empowered. I have a nurturing personality, and I found that this was the one area of law where I could actually be myself and be as nurturing as I want to be!

I also love helping people plan for taking care of their families and future security through their estate and retirement planning. I even help them plan to pay for college. Being security-oriented myself, I understand the sense of comfort that it brings to know that your future is as secure as you can make it: i.e. you've chosen guardians for your children's care, provided for the needs of your spouse and children. It's very comforting stuff. It suits me.

To tell the truth, there really are no other areas of law that are of interest to me. Litigation is unpleasant; bankruptcy is distasteful; family law is horrifying (I did it for 2 weeks and realized that it was NOT for me). I enjoy corporate law, and that is part of my practice because many clients have family businesses. So it was pretty much a no-brainer.

My career is very rewarding and very enjoyable. Tax law is extremely intellectually challenging. The clients are often delightful. I enjoy getting to know them, their children and their grandchildren.

If you have any specific questions about law, I'd be happy to try to answer them.

-Nancy

 

[swimnfit]

Thanks for your post and for being so detailed. I was curious about your profession because I just had to deal with the death of my husband's dad, and I was sort of unofficially elected to be the one to help his mother with all of the financial paperwork etc that comes up when a spouse passes on (I am the organized one). Obviously didn't enjoy the reason for having to do it, but found the experience of helping her get things in order to be very rewarding. So, I guess to answer your question, Yes, I am thinking about becoming a trusts and estates attorney. I have thought of going to law school in the past, but didn't dwell on it because there were very few areas, like you, that I found compatible. From how you described yourself and why you like it, I think it would be a good match for me as well.

I suppose I'm in the information gathering phase right now. Anything you can tell me about it would be helpful at this point. I am curious though, where did you go to law school? What was it like? How did you get through it if you don't like any other types of law (except corporate and tax)?
Before you went to law school, did you work in the field at all? Were you a paralegal? Is that a good way to get started? I would like to explore this profession but don't really know how to get started. If you have any advice, I would appreciate your expertise!
Thanks
Nicole