Moral Compass

On the other place, trolls love to tell me how horrible I am for working in #biglaw.

Here, the conversations tend to be more constructive.

Like many people, I went to law school thinking I'd end up in the public or criminal sector.

But, here I am, at my second big firm, and for all but one year, I've been perfectly content doing it.

Someone here, though, asked whether I've ever had to check my morals or convictions while working in biglaw.

Luckily, I have not, but I understand the question and think these things have helped me stay grounded:

⚖ Find your people. Not everyone in big law or private practice is the stereotype. There are lots and lots of really good people doing really good work for really good clients. Hitch your wagon to those folks.

⚖ Understand your own values and reflect on them regularly. Do not be afraid to ask, "Is this what I want to do?" Or, "Am I okay with this?" If your values change, it is okay to change your job accordingly.

⚖ Know where the ethical line is and where you want to be in relationship to it. What I mean is this: there is a hard and fast line between what is and what is not ethical. On the ethical side, though, there's a spectrum. What one person is comfortable with, you may not be comfortable with. That is okay. You do not have to do anything that crosses your line.

⚖ Be honest and transparent--with yourself, with your colleagues, with your clients. Hiding anything is always where the trouble starts, even the smallest things.

⚖ Give back. Pro bono is not optional for me--and it is not optional for many of my friends and coworkers.

The profession wouldn't exist but for ethical challenges and thought-provoking questions about what aligns with and doesn't align with the law.

That, in and of itself, leads to situations that will stretch you, that will make you think, "Is this who I am?" Or, "Am I okay with this position?"

You can maintain your morals and convictions in biglaw and as an attorney generally, by being proactive, staying informed, and committing to the good fight.

It is not just your reputation and long-term success that rides on that--it is your personal contentment and well-being.

And, ultimately: none of us are bad people simply because of what we do and who we represent. Not a single one of us.

#lawyerwellbeing #professionalwomen #bestadvice