Mihkli's story
My first memory of choosing a profession comes from a fifth-grade Russian language class, where we were all asked in Russian what we wanted to be when we grew up. I remember answering, "I want to be a lawyer or an economist." I must have remembered the latter from Äripäev, which I was actively reading at the time. As little as I knew about the nature of the profession, I understood what being a lawyer involved. However, it was the film Primal Fear (1996) that made the lawyer’s profession truly appealing. I vividly remember with great excitement watching Richard Gere portray a lawyer who took on the task of defending an altar boy who had killed an archbishop, doing so for free. I was fascinated by the exciting, yet challenging, work of a lawyer. Throughout the cases, he found himself caught in complex intrigues while constantly having to avoid the traps set for him. The position of a lawyer seemed varied and demanding, taking me out of my comfort zone in a pleasant way.
By the time I graduated from high school, I had not seen a single film about an economist, but I had seen dozens about lawyers. So, I had no doubt about which profession I wanted to pursue. The choice was clear, and I began studying law at the University of Tartu. But life has a way of surprising you. So, after starting my studies, I decided I needed to broaden my worldview and see life from the other side of the globe. In other words, I packed my backpack and went to Australia to explore life. The more I worked on farms there, the more I felt a desire to work with my hands. I was so captivated by this idea that when I returned home, I enrolled at another university and, alongside my law studies, pursued animal husbandry at the University of Life Sciences. However, my heart lay with law, and after studying two degrees for a year, I realized that, instead of sheep farming, law offered everything I wanted in a profession – continuous debate, consistent learning, and personal growth through experience.
While obtaining my master's degree, it was important for me to immediately apply what I was learning in practice. So, I began working at the Corruption Crimes Bureau of the Central Criminal Police. The work was incredibly exciting, as, due to a shortage of staff, I was able to take on the responsibilities of a police officer handling criminal cases. From checking declarations of economic interests to conducting surveillance operations, I investigated everything from falsifying driving logs to taking fifty episodic bribes.
After three years, the work began to feel routine, and I developed a desire for more independence. I wanted my work to be varied, yet still offer constant development. The need to adapt to changing situations and be in constant transformation gives me energy and motivation to make the extra effort to avoid stagnation. A long, steady, and calm state makes me feel bored, and I know I will lose passion in such circumstances.
I still dreamed of working as a lawyer, and as a recent graduate, I started searching for a job. When I received an offer from the Sirje Musta law firm, I felt proud and happy, but this did not overshadow the fear I felt when I heard my first work assignments. I realized this was no longer school—it was real life, and I had to start acting, proving myself, and applying everything I had learned to the fullest. I enjoyed every day immensely because I could feel how much I was growing. Working in state legal aid taught me not only the legal side of things but also patience and the ability to communicate effectively with people.
Today, I have been working as a lawyer for four years. I still find passion and enjoyment in every day of my work. While at first, I struggled to find clients, the situation has now subtly reversed – clients now find me. I am satisfied.