What kind of lawyer do you want to be when you grow up? Not a litigator or a deal-maker or a public interest advocate we all usually figure that part out fairly quickly. I am referring more to style and temperament, the things that go into the way a lawyer practices and interacts with clients, colleagues and adversaries. As a lawyer still shaping my reputation with colleagues and the broader legal community, it is a question I have considered periodically since I began practicing in 2006. This years Super Bowl, of all things, set me thinking about the topic again. In particular, the constant articles about Jim and John Harbaugh, two brothers coaching against each other for the first time in Super Bowl history, triggered this line of thought. The Harbaugh stories were compelling; each day brought new reports about the love, respect and competitive spirit that divided and brought them together. At a joint press conference, the two brothers professed profound respect for one another, both stating that they would willingly work on the staff of the other. But on game day, that respect did not prevent them from tenaciously trying to beat the others team. Then, after the Ravens held off a furious second-half comeback by the Niners, the two men embraced.
What do the Harbaugh brothers have to do with legal style? In certain respects, lawyers are like siblings. As people who have undergone similar training, sworn identical oaths, and apply to and practice in the same bar of professionals, we are a band of brothers (and sisters). And yes, sometimes we even fall prey to something much like sibling rivalry. Although we are sometimes on opposite sides of a negotiation or a contentious case, the spirit of professional connection should remain an inherent part of the profession of law. While post-trial hugging is probably unnecessary (more on this later), I think the Harbaughs example of tenacity tempered by respect and admiration is a good model for us as attorneys.
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