And programming (at least for some of us :p) is exactly the opposite--it's usually portrayed as dry and relatively boring, like clerk work, but in reality is actually pretty awesome.

As a third year law student and fairly experienced web programmer, I feel like I can maybe weigh in on this: What seems boring to one person is the other person's reason to live! I'm surprised by how thrilled many lawyers are with their practice areas (that I find boring) but they probably feel the same about the areas I've found most interesting in law.

Both are filled with intellectual challenge. People who like problems are attracted to each. Although people who like problems and money might be more attracted to law!