The Identity of a Lawyer

What does it mean to be a lawyer? I believe the answer is unique to the individual, although there are some common elements.

It begins with law school. My law school experience was very similar to most attorneys. On the first day of class, a professor says, “look to your left, look to your right. At the end of the year, one of the three of you will not make it.” From that point on, survival was my context. After my first semester exams, I routinely contemplated what I was going to do after I flunked out of law school. I had no idea. I made my decision to become a lawyer when I was in tenth grade. I had always done well in school. It was kinda my thing. I had never even contemplated the idea that I would not be able to cut the mustard.

Turns out that I didn’t flunk out. I graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2000. I was in the top third of my class. I was not in law review. I did not dominate moot court. I was not impressed with my class rank. For me, this was the conclusion of a three year endurance test. I had survived. By surviving, my identity as a lawyer had been solidified. I was “a grinder.” 

For me, being a grinder meant that I was going into the legal field with the mindset that I was not the smartest person in the room, but I would work harder to get the job done. At first glance, I thought this was admirable. Hard work and dedication to my craft and my clients would surely pay off.               

What I didn’t realize was it was also saying, “you weren’t as successful in law school as you thought you would be. You will have to rely on work ethic to survive. You aren’t good enough to do this job.” Wait. What?!? Since when am I not good enough?!? After 21 years of practicing law, I think there are a lot of attorneys asking similar questions. Unfortunately, the profession does not really welcome such open self reflection.            

Being a lawyer is viewed through so many different lenses. We see ourselves one way. Our parents see us another. Society sees us through the lens of the latest lawyer joke. Our clients see us through the lens of the trauma they are experiencing as they survive the case, whether as their champion or just another jerk out to get them. Somehow, being seen through all of these lenses, we lose sight of our own context of being a lawyer.                

So, what does it mean to be a lawyer? As a coach who has practiced law for 21 years, 16 of which has been in my own firm with my wife, I am curious what it means to you to be a lawyer. How does that meaning align with your vision of the future? What is that vision? What is the practice of law to that vision? Is it the catalyst to achieving your goals? Is it a barrier? How does your identity as a lawyer support your vision?         

If you are interested in working with me, let’s set up a free conversation to explore what coaching can do.