Rumor has it that new federal judges are required to read a secret copy of a cult classic among jurists. Although the author of the text is unknown, it’s title is known: It’s called “The Fear of Lawyering.” Some say it’s loosely modeled after Erica Jong’s “Fear of Flying,” although I myself doubt it. Perhaps I am simply unable to associate the long robes of justice with Jong’s libidinal hijinks.

Of course, this is just a rumor. But there is circumstantial evidence that some judges, perhaps new judges most of all, have a fear of lawyers. Why else the attitude that seems to regard lawyers in the well of court as akin to monkeys in a zoo, monkeys in need of a cage, lest they run rampant throughout the courtroom and soil the very carpet of justice?

This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Why am I seeing this?

LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.

For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]