An Apology to Myself, Part 2: What Does it Mean to be a Lawyer?
By What does it mean to be a lawyer?
#FirstGenProbs
“No one told me. I didn’t know.” “Wait, is that a thing?” “Am I doing it right?”
What does it mean to be a lawyer?
Does it mean to present and pretend to have it together?
Does it mean to “fake it, ’til you make it”?
Does it mean to pad your resume?
Does it mean to put your head down and be callous?
Does it mean prioritizing results over compassion?
Does it mean to professionally haze by going on power trips, skipping others in line in courtrooms, and being crass without caring about being helpful?
Does it mean prioritizing professional connections over the interest of your client?
Does it mean only interacting with people with social capital that can be leveraged to advance your career?
*Michael Jordan shrug*
Qeece, being a lawyer is about whatever you want it to mean — so long as it is done with humanity and respect.
A lawyer’s primary job is to communicate. A lawyer is a problem solver. I disagree with the implicit initiation process of hazing and being unnecessarily combative or disrespectful. Contrary to the adage of “respect is earned.” I strongly disagree. Everyone deserves respect. Respect should be a basic human right; however, credibility is earned. Simply put, respect should be given, and credibility should be earned.
There is power in being the new kid on the block. Being a first-generation lawyer means you are hesitant to accept the “that’s how it’s always been” sentiment or justification for a particular methodology. You are hesitant to accept that, partly because you do not have a baked-in sense of “how things are.” Instead, you come with a fresh perspective with a focus on how things should be: equitable, efficient, or evaluated.
Breathe. Take it easy; you don’t know what you don’t know. I am sorry you put so much pressure on yourself to know it all —newsflash: no one does. Relax, relate, and release. As long as you follow the professional rules of ethics and treat people with kindness, the canvas is yours to decide what it means to be a lawyer.
I do not have a crystal ball, but I am hopeful. The more I speak with law students and newly licensed attorneys, the more I am empowered. This new wave of lawyers is not into the hazing or learn-to-deal-with-it type of culture. Many new lawyers are centering humanity, mental health, and compassion in law. Many are willing to jump ship to find a suitable environment if they are not in an environment conducive to their development. So maybe they, too, are discovering that part of being a lawyer is finding and creating healthy environments.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Continue building genuine connections and surround yourself with people who make it a mission to create a community of belonging and thinking with compassion. Stop second-guessing where you are because your version of what it means to be a lawyer will be and is cool.
You belong.