Whether it be statutes, agency rules and regulations, or court decision, a lawyer may never assume the law remains static. Each and every competent lawyer must dedicate a significant number of hours on a regular basis to educating himself or herself. This study time may be added on top of the many hours spent in the law library completing legal research on very specific issues of law pertaining to particular cases. To be a competent lawyer, it is not necessary that you have all of these skills now nor that you have presently developed them to a high degree. You will have plenty of time to do that.
Television dramas portraying attorney's are correct on one point.
The practice of law is exciting, meaningful, and rewarding. You will have the ability to beneficially and significantly affect the lives of many people throughout your career. You will be exposed to a variety of people, events, and areas of knowledge that you might not otherwise have experienced within the confines of your own personal life. The practice of law is a broadening and educational experience. However, the practice of law is not for the lethargic, the lazy or the clock watcher.