Law is the discipline and profession that deals with practices, rules and customs recognized as binding by a community and enforced by a controlling authority, such as governmental or social institutions. Societal viewpoints on what is meant by law differ greatly and are shaped by issues such as rationality, justice, morality and order.
Individual countries differ in the way they implement their laws. For example, some have a common law system that relies on judges’ decisions, while others, such as Japan, employ a civil law system. In addition, there are many different fields within the law. Labor law, for example, addresses the relationship between employees, employers and trade unions, while evidence law concerns which materials can be used in a trial.
As a career, Law can be very rewarding for those who choose to do it well. It requires a distinctive way of thinking and a unique vocabulary, much like learning a new language. Once mastered, it is very intellectually stimulating and allows a person to be involved in a variety of important issues in society. Lawyers are often exposed to the political, ethical and moral issues that are at the root of many disputes and conflicts, a feature which can be both challenging and rewarding. It is also a very secure career, especially for those who work in large firms and are able to make the most of their training opportunities. This is because large firms typically have strong internal structures that allow their attorneys to quickly rise through the ranks.