tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016876.post5934172574658467454..comments2023-09-27T08:46:12.485-06:00Comments on Nicholas Sarwark: Being a Happy, Healthy, Ethical LawyerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06548682123197856458noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016876.post-58208840174564668102011-04-18T08:41:48.473-06:002011-04-18T08:41:48.473-06:00I have worked in both environments: the big law fi...I have worked in both environments: the big law firm and a much smaller setting in a smaller market. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that big firm lawyers are insecure, competitive creatures. I spent 3 1/2 years in that environment, and it sucked the life out of me. I almost saw myself becoming that type of lawyer, and I had to get out. It just isn't normal, it's unhealthy, and it breeds a certain contempt for the rest of society. Wow, what an awful place to be.Online LSAT Prep Course Instructorhttp://lsatfreedom.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016876.post-59661609340438675652007-10-24T21:47:00.000-06:002007-10-24T21:47:00.000-06:00This article is exceptionally wise. While I have ...This article is exceptionally wise. <BR/><BR/>While I have worked in a variety of practice environments from economically-marginal solo practice to contract-based big-firm work for very solid pay, I have not regretted once in the 4,700-odd days since I was sworn in in Maryland that I did not personally go the big-firm route. I am someone occasionally given to brooding and regret, but never once have I regretted avoiding full-time permanent employment with a large law firm.<BR/><BR/>I suspect that the "fitting in" part is a very big part of it, Mr. X - additionally, the sense that "real lawyers break the rules and I am a REAL lawyer." The insecurity factor is a big deal, a very big one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016876.post-2446204257658685802007-10-10T13:43:00.000-06:002007-10-10T13:43:00.000-06:00If you read the whole article, you'll see that a l...If you read the whole article, you'll see that a lot of it isn't even that defensible. It's not fear, but a desire to fit in and a knowledge that it's easy not to get caught.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06548682123197856458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7016876.post-90138330317171156252007-10-10T12:52:00.000-06:002007-10-10T12:52:00.000-06:00I hate to quote Frank Herbert, but fear really is ...I hate to quote Frank Herbert, but fear really is the mind killer.<BR/><BR/>I think the reality is that most unethical decisions arise not from a lack of moral compass, or a misunderstanding of ethical rules, but rather from simple, naked fear. If I don't win this case by any means necessary, I fear I will not advance in the firm and not make as much money. I fear the corresponding loss of social status. I fear that my wife may not find me as attractive. I fear I may lose social status. <BR/><BR/>To behave ethically and risk losing the case is terrifying. I am not a bad person, I am a scared person. <BR/><BR/>There is a difference, but not much, because the outcome is the same. Morally repugnant behavior and cowardly behavior are sometimes so close they are hard to distinguish from one another.<BR/><BR/>Piglet said it best. It's hard to be brave when you are only a very small animal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com