Moving from being a student to a full-time lawyer is one of those transitions we all know is coming, yet we rarely imagine it with clarity. During university, that professional stage seemed like a distant goal, something waiting at the end of the journey, a reward after long hours of studying, exams, teamwork, and reading marathons. However, when that moment finally arrived, I discovered it was not just a goal but also a new starting point.
The change was both exciting and challenging. I had many expectations, some were met, others surprised me, and many didn’t unfold as I had imagined. I found myself facing a completely different pace of life, where the rules of the game were new and every decision had a real impact outside the classroom.
I won’t deny that I miss some aspects of student life. Most of all, I miss the flexibility, the ability to decide how to structure my day, having breathing spaces between classes, without the constant pressure of delivering immediate results.
Work life, on the other hand, operates under different timeframes and urgencies. There are deadlines, clients, shared responsibilities, and often, a steep and fast learning curve. My routine changed entirely. Now, my days start early, with a coffee in hand and a constantly updating to-do list. Weeks fly by in a blur of analysis, meetings, calls, and reviews.
Studying law gave me valuable tools: critical thinking, analytical skills, and structured argumentation. However, the reality is that legal practice is full of nuances that are not always taught in lectures.
The first time I stepped into a law firm, I realized that books and real life are quite different. University is essential, no doubt, but much of the learning happens in practice. There are legal principles that, in theory, should work in a certain way, yet in practice, things often unfold differently. Reality is ever-changing, and the law always tries to catch up, but it doesn’t always manage to stay updated.
I’ve had to develop skills that weren’t part of any academic syllabus: time management, effective communication with colleagues and clients, tolerance for frustration, and, most importantly, resilience. Learning to ask for help was crucial, as was understanding that making mistakes doesn’t mean failure, it’s simply part of the journey.
Another challenge was autonomy. In university, you have a schedule, set deadlines, and a clear structure. In professional life, you set your own pace, prioritize tasks, and organize yourself to get things done, even when no one tells you exactly how or when.
If you’re about to graduate, the first thing I’d say is: give yourself time. Feeling overwhelmed at first is normal. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll doubt your abilities, and you’ll probably feel like everyone else knows more than you. But that phase passes. We’ve all been there.
I wish I had known that you don’t need to have all the answers on day one. That it’s okay to ask questions, to feel lost at times, and that what truly matters is maintaining an open mindset for continuous learning. Find a workplace where you can grow, where ongoing education is valued, and where there’s room for feedback.
Today, after leaving the classroom behind and practicing as a full-time lawyer, I can say that I’m in a stage of constant growth. Every day is different, and every case brings a new lesson. Even though formal classes have ended, studying and staying updated remain essential, whether through a postgraduate program or self-directed learning, the studying never stops.
This transition isn’t the end of anything; it’s the beginning of a career full of possibilities. What’s next for me? Keep learning, keep growing, and, above all, keep building a version of myself that is not only a good lawyer but also a committed, ethical, and passionate person.
