First Names

I grew up in the South.

Yes ma’am. No sir.

Always Mr., Mrs., Dr. [last name].

I’ll never forget being told in law school to drop all that when entering a firm.

It blew my mind. This man I’d known as Mr. Clay my whole life, I was supposed to start calling Chuck?

These people my mom and dad’s age, who knew so much more than me, I was supposed to start using their first name?

I got used to it pretty quick, although dropping yes sir and no ma’am was very hard (and I still pick it back up when back South).

So, law students and summer associates: I am not Attorney Stedman, Ms. or Mrs. Stedman.

I am Emily.

And, so, 9/10 times when interacting with attorneys (that are not judges, deans, or doctors), you can call us my our first name.

I promise.

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