Yesterday, I was officially admitted to the bar of the province of Alberta. Yep, I Am A Lawyer.
As some of you would recall, I started thinking about a career change about five years ago. I wrote the LSAT, filled out applications to schools, was accepted at a good Canadian law school, studied there for three years, sought and obtained articles, and studied and passed the bar courses. And yesterday, in a nice ceremony at the local courthouse, an application was made for my admission to the bar. The presiding judge granted the application. So, as of yesterday, I can officially say I am a lawyer.
It’s been quite a haul to get where I am, and I have to thank the folks here on the SDMB who took the time to answer the questions I had through my journey. From my first wonderings five years ago as to what law school might be like for an older student through to my recent articling year, a number of Dopers were kind enough (and patient enough) to take the time to address my concerns. I especially have to thank those with whom I’ve communicated privately, through PMs and e-mails–your help and advice were valuable indeed.
Of course, now that you’re a lawyer, the only lawyerly advice you can offer anyone on the board is to find a lawyer.
“IAAL but I am not your lawyer, I am probably not a lawyer in your region or in the area of expertise that you need. Any advice I give you is not legal advice. I recommend that you find a lawyer in your region and attain his services.”
While as all the not-lawyers will be spouting off tons of information.
I was thinking more along the lines of “D. R. Spoons, Desert Lawyer”. Dressed in a worn but well-maintained oilskin, this new member of the law profession travels the western plains looking to represent the innocent and right tortuous wrongs wherever he goes.
Startlingly-clear eyes deep with the experience of life in strange places look out from his weather-beaten face, and the unrighteous recoil when he takes the stand in court. After the case is won, and the celebration dies down, the victorious litigants look around for the lawyer who ensured their victory, only to discover that he has already left. He’s back on the road, heading into the sunset to another case in another town.
