First of all, what is it about your relative/neighbor the lawyer that makes you want to follow him into his profession? Is it the money? The prestige? Do you even know whether this person is happy practicing law? Have you asked him lately? More importantly, have you ever followed this person through a typical day – or even better, a typical week? Ever asked this person what he likes least about the law, or about how much time he spends in court compared to how much time he spends with his nose buried in the books? Ever asked how long it took him to make partner, or how many hours a week he had to work on the road to becoming partner?

These are revealing questions that may help you explore a career in law more realistically. Ask them before you romanticize your relative, the lawyer.