Choosing the legal profession was, for me, a bold and sound decision, one that has been filled with challenges, knowledge, and endless opportunities. My choice stemmed from a personal passion for law, order, and above all, justice.
Practicing law in Lebanon, as in many countries, is not easy, especially when you start from scratch. Unlike those who inherit the profession through family connections, many young lawyers face the reality of financial and professional struggles during their training years. For some, this continues well into the appellate stage, depending on circumstances and opportunities.
A lawyer’s success depends on several factors: gaining legal experience during and after the training period, building strong relationships with clients, practicing with integrity and honesty, maintaining professionalism in appearance and conduct, and continuously expanding knowledge. Humility and respect for the profession are equally essential.
I still remember the advice of a senior lawyer who once told me:
“This profession is great. If you give to it, it will give back to you. Therefore, you must continue giving to it in order for it to return in kind.” And he added, “You won’t begin to feel like you’re making a living from the profession until ten years after you begin practicing it, provided you adopt the right path for the profession.”
After twenty-six years in practice, I can confirm that his words were absolutely true. Over the years, I’ve seen lawyers who prioritize money over reputation, those who treat the profession as a mere title, and others who embody the noblest aspects of law, committed, knowledgeable, and always seeking growth.
Yet, no lawyer can thrive without clients, especially commercial companies, which provide stability through annual retainers. Beyond skill and dedication, I believe luck also plays a major role in a lawyer’s career. Knowledge, intelligence, and diligence are crucial, but circumstances and timing often shape success as much as effort does.
Of course, pressures are constant whether from court work, dealings with clients, or Lebanon’s recurring economic and security challenges. These factors affect not only the practice itself but also the lawyer’s personal and social life. At times, the profession feels like running endlessly on a treadmill: if you slow down, you risk falling behind.
Still, despite the hardships, I remain convinced that the legal profession is among the most noble and prestigious of all. It is a career without a true retirement age; in fact, one of its most unique truths remains:
“The older the lawyer, the higher the fees.”