If you are reading this blog post it is likely that you are interested in becoming a lawyer. After all, this organisation is called Muslim Lawyers Hub.

However, even if becoming a lawyer is what you incline towards, it does not mean that you cannot struggle with career uncertainty. Career uncertainty can come in many forms.

1. Uncertain if a legal career is right for you in any capacity. We all have our reasons for gravitating towards a certain career path. Perhaps you gravitated towards the legal profession due to the prestige associated with it. Perhaps your interest was piqued as a result of knowing many legal professionals yourself… The list goes on.
2. Uncertain if becoming a lawyer is right for you. You have your reasons for gravitating towards not just the legal profession, but specifically towards becoming a lawyer. This may be because a lawyer is the only legal professional you have heard of. It may be because someone told you that you would make a good lawyer… Again, the list goes on.
3. Uncertain on what type of lawyer you want to be. You may be certain not only that a legal profession is right for you, but that you are certain that you want to become a lawyer. However, the difficulty that you are facing is regarding what type of lawyer to become.

Solutions

1. Research. For any of the uncertainties outlined above research will be key in alleviating apprehensions. Muslim Lawyers Hub is a great starting point for research into the legal profession and the different types of lawyers. You can also gain insight from websites such as Legal Cheek, LawCareersNet, Bright Network, and The Lawyer Portal. Another great resource in using social media to your benefit. Follow law-related accounts which can provide information on different legal paths; the role and tasks of a lawyer; the different types of lawyers.
2. Experience. Researching is an incredible tool in helping to address these uncertainties. However, if research alone is not helping, gaining experience can provide a holistic and detailed view. This is because you will be developing a personal first-hand perspective. You will attain certain skills through experience, which you can then decide if they are valuable and important to you. You can decide if the skills and the tasks that you may have carried out and/or observed are the kind of things you want to do as part of your career. Ways of gaining experience include participating in vacation schemes, Open Days with law firms, mentorship schemes and programmes.

Career uncertainty can cause great anguish and stress. This is completely normal and understandable. But just remember that you are not stuck in whatever career decision you make. If you become a barrister, and later decide that you would like to be a solicitor instead – go for it. If you decide that Criminal Law is better suited for you than Family Law – pursue that. There can be a perception that whatever career decision we make when we are in our teenage years or early 20s is what we have to stick with for the rest of our lives. For some, that may be exactly what makes them happy. For others, they may change their mind and realise that something else is better catered for them. There is nothing wrong with change. This is why it is called a career decision. You can decide. You have options.