Finding Your Passion and Purpose: A Guide for Aspiring Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’re an aspiring or young lawyer, you’ve probably asked yourself, “What do I want out of my career?” It's a question that can cause existential dread or inspire you to grab your laptop and start networking on LinkedIn. (Hopefully the latter!) At Howie, Sacks & Henry (HSH), we’ve seen many young lawyers navigate that tricky space between ambition and uncertainty, and we’re here to tell you that personal injury law could be the perfect path for you—if you’re up for it.

Why Personal Injury Law? Why Not?

Let’s get real for a second. Personal injury law isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s emotional. It’s complex. It’s challenging. But it’s also one of the most rewarding fields out there if you’re driven by making a tangible difference in someone’s life. Imagine being the person who helps a family get back on their feet after a life-altering accident, or the one who helps secure justice for a client when the odds seem stacked against them. That’s the power of personal injury law.

It’s not just about winning cases; it’s about walking alongside your clients during some of their toughest moments. The stakes are high, but the rewards—both professionally and personally—are enormous.

Advice from HSH’s Senior Lawyers: What We Wish We Knew Sooner

We’ve asked some of our seasoned personal injury lawyers to reflect on their early careers and share their most valuable insights. Here’s what they had to say (with a bit of hard-earned wisdom sprinkled in):

1.?Empathy is Your Superpower (Not the Cape)

You may not have superhuman strength or the ability to fly, but what you do?have is empathy—and that’s one of your biggest assets in this field. Clients come to us when they’re in pain, both physically and emotionally. They’re not just looking for someone to handle paperwork or make calls to the insurance company. They want someone who truly understands what they’re going through and who will fight to make their lives a little easier.

Spoiler alert: Being an empathetic listener and showing compassion is half the battle won.

2. Keep Your Brain in Shape (And Maybe Your Sense of Humor)

You’ve graduated from law school, so you probably thought your days of hitting the books were over. Surprise! Personal injury law requires a commitment to lifelong learning—whether it's understanding new legislation, medical developments, or the latest case law precedents. The law is constantly evolving, and staying sharp means you can be the best advocate for your clients.

And if things get a little overwhelming, remember: a sense of humor can be a lifesaver. (You’re going to need it for when you inevitably spill coffee on the table during a big meeting.)

3.?Find Your “Why” (It’s Not Just About the Billable Hours)

Personal injury law can be tough. You’ll deal with heartbreaking stories and challenging cases. But it’s not all about the billable hours. The real reward comes from knowing that you’re helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Find a personal connection to the work—whether it’s advocating for the underdog, helping clients recover from devastating injuries, or fighting for systemic change in class action lawsuits. When you discover your “why,” the long hours and difficult cases become a lot more meaningful.

Don’t Forget the Power of Mentorship

One of the best pieces of advice for young lawyers? Find yourself a mentor—or better yet, a whole team of them. At HSH, we believe mentorship is key to helping young lawyers find their footing and grow into the best versions of themselves (without having to learn everything the hard way). Our team is full of experienced lawyers who are eager to share their knowledge and help guide you as you build your career.

Thinking about a career in personal injury law? Follow our LinkedIn newsletter for more insights, stories, and advice from our team at Howie Sacks & Henry. Because let’s face it—navigating the world of law is easier when you’ve got a community behind you.