{"id":3174,"date":"2024-06-07T16:42:40","date_gmt":"2024-06-07T08:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174"},"modified":"2024-06-07T16:44:20","modified_gmt":"2024-06-07T08:44:20","slug":"life-after-law-school-my-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174","title":{"rendered":"Life after Law School: My Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent-850x478.jpg 850w, https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Copy-of-How-to-do-umrah-without-a-travel-agent.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After graduating with my Bachelor\u2019s of Law (LLB) and Master\u2019s in Law (LLM), I did not become a lawyer. Here\u2019s my story:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174\/#Studying_Law_in_the_UK\" title=\"Studying Law in the UK\">Studying Law in the UK<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174\/#A_Glimpse_of_the_Legal_Fraternity\" title=\"A Glimpse of the Legal Fraternity\">A Glimpse of the Legal Fraternity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174\/#An_Intersection_of_Law_and_Other_Passions\" title=\"An Intersection of Law and Other Passions\">An Intersection of Law and Other Passions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174\/#Built-a-Zethy_as_a_Law_Graduate\" title=\"Built-a-Zethy as a Law Graduate\">Built-a-Zethy as a Law Graduate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/?p=3174\/#Choosing_whats_best_for_you\" title=\"Choosing what&#8217;s best for you\">Choosing what&#8217;s best for you<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Studying_Law_in_the_UK\"><\/span><strong>Studying Law in the UK<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I was fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my studies overseas, fully sponsored by the government of Malaysia. Having a UK-qualified degree requires me to sit for the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) exams if I wanted to pursue pupillage (also known as chambering) and become a practicing lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout my three years of studying for my degree, I was uncertain about becoming a lawyer, even though I wholeheartedly loved learning about the subject matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I decided to give the CLP a try, but the timing wasn\u2019t right. The CLP period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing many uncertainties. Exams were postponed, and classes were moved online. Additionally, I was planning to get married, and money was tight, so I prioritized finding a job over taking the exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Glimpse_of_the_Legal_Fraternity\"><\/span><strong>A Glimpse of the Legal Fraternity<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While still juggling the CLP, I took a short stint at a small law firm as a legal assistant. I wanted to gain practical experience in the legal world, which was more hands-on than the theories I learned in my studies. This experience opened my eyes to the realities of the legal profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I discovered that I didn\u2019t want to be a part of it. Even though different people have different experiences, I realized that the legal profession wasn\u2019t for me. Of course, there are dark sides to many professional careers, including doctors, engineers, and lawyers, with stories of bullying, underpayment, and unfair working conditions. However, many people defy the odds and become the best in their professions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe me, I made sure to try it out before deciding not to pursue it further. For me, this was important to avoid having second thoughts or guilt for not trying in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Intersection_of_Law_and_Other_Passions\"><\/span><strong>An Intersection of Law and Other Passions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon after, a perfect opportunity came my way. I was offered a job in a regulatory body, doing planning and policy work. Although it wasn\u2019t something I had studied in university, it was an intersection between my legal studies and other areas I was passionate about, such as social issues, economics, politics, and public policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I realised earlier on that social issues, politics and public policy were of my interest because I volunteered in quite number of events, interned in an NGO, and always looking forward discussions pertaining on social issues and the policy decisions made by the government since early age. If l did not do a Law degree, I would definitely do a degree in political science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking back, I realize I am still working with the law, even if I am not a lawyer. I work at the early stages of law-making, also known as policy-making, with lawmakers in parliament. While lawyers advocate for their clients, I advocate for the public&#8217;s best interests by researching and proposing better policies for a better nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Built-a-Zethy_as_a_Law_Graduate\"><\/span><strong>Built-a-Zethy as a Law Graduate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes people ask me if I regret not becoming a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d say no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My four years of legal studies have shaped who I am today. The experiences built my resilience, critical thinking, and inquisitive attitude, which are essential values for a successful career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it\u2019s not like I\u2019ve abandoned the law completely; I\u2019m just working on a different branch of it. Besides lawyers, many others work as legal counsels or prosecutors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve chosen this path fully aware of what I\u2019ve left behind, and I\u2019m grateful that I studied law, loved it, and grateful that I did not become a lawyer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choosing_whats_best_for_you\"><\/span>Choosing what&#8217;s best for you<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are currently facing a life decision to make, especially on your career, bear in mind that it&#8217;s important to consider these two factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You are learning a lot from the job &#8211; it fills up your inquisitive appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You are receiving reasonable compensation from it (monetary or other benefits)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If its both, then it&#8217;s perfect. But when lacking one, you might want to start thinking of finding a new job. There&#8217;s also the culture of the workplace, that might not resonates with your own values, which also makes it uncomfortable to work and grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not you are from a legal background or not, wanting to be a lawyer or diving into other careers, at the end of the day, it&#8217;s all up to you. Success is not define by society&#8217;s standards, but what truly matters to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some guidance could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/malaysia.kinokuniya.com\/bw\/9780143130727\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ikigai<\/a> &#8211; a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/lJ6n52Lsjfo?si=y_uK6QQEAxo-UCjB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ali Abdaal 3 Part Decision Framework<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me know what were the method you used to make your decision in the comment below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After graduating with my Bachelor\u2019s of Law (LLB) and Master\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3175,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,7],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-3174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-law-school","category-thoughts","tag-law"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3174"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3174\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3176,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3174\/revisions\/3176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3174"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3174"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zethysuhaidah.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}