Why Does Everyone Hate Lawyers? The first time I told someone I wanted to be a lawyer it started. Why would you want to be one of those? You would have thought I told people I wanted to become a professional conman or thief. For years I’ve heard the jokes, that I am an ambulance chaser (despite never having touched a civil case), or that the reason “some a-hole got a million dollars simply because they were too stupid to spill hot coffee on themselves.” Despite what I’ve heard, I’m not responsible for the demise of America, nor am I part of the problem. Personally I may not do the best I can, but as a profession- don’t blame lawyers. In fact, lawyers are the biggest part of the solution. Did you know that of the 56 patriots to sign the Declaration of Independence 24 of them were lawyers? Or that of the 55 signers of the Constitution 34 of them were lawyers? And that 25 out of 44 Presidents have been lawyers? Does that mean we are better than anyone else? Of course not, but it does mean that we aren’t all bad. In fact, it is lawyers that help bring out the most change though. Doctors help cure diseases, but it is lawyers that help bring real social change and it’s not without consequence either. Lawyers aren’t heroes recognized like Ruby Bridges, Martin Luther King Jr or Oliver Brown, but it was lawyers like Thurgood Marshall could be considered just as important. In fact, one could say that Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird has more effect on the practice of law than any other lawyer ever has. I am proud to be a lawyer, I love my job and I am proud to represent those without a voice. I have represented clients that have been accused of human trafficking, murder, rape and kidnapping. Some guilty, some not guilty, and some overcharged but still guilty. I am grateful to have the opportunity to stand on the courthouse steps and stand between my clients and public persecution. I’m not the world’s solutions to social problems, I am grateful that some of my colleagues may be. When I see the rising angst among African American youth and the engrained racism in law enforcement I often wonder who will help fix the problem. I don’t think it will be looters, and rioters. I think it will be a brave man or woman armed with a law degree, and the backing of two-hundred and fifty years of colleagues standing side by side fighting for the voiceless. -MH
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:58:54 +0000
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