Why did you become a lawyer?
In a time when our profession is under increased scrutiny, it is time to ask yourself, why did you become a lawyer to begin with, writes Tracey Mylecharane.
Across the media and our networks are numerous stories of inflexible workplaces struggling to adjust in a COVID-19 world, six-minute billing practices being rejected and sexism being called out and leading to the demise of practices and “high-flyers”.
As lawyers, we sign up to high standards. We take oaths that commit us to hold ourselves to account and to act with the greatest integrity and rigour.
We get the privilege everyday to support people, to witness human vulnerability and to honour justice.
Somewhere along the track, for way too many, we keep seeing things go very wrong.
Not many years ago I turned my back on the practice of law. Disheartened by falling standards and a focus on greed and power over client and staff care. At the time, I thought I would never return. As time went by, my pull to the law returned and I was forced to search for a way to practice law in the way I wanted to practice. A way that embedded firmly the reasons why I became a lawyer – to help people.
Now, more than ever, it is time for all of us to revisit the reasons why we joined the legal profession in the first place. Because for the great majority of us, these reasons are about people and about making a difference. That is what our profession is about.
As we claw back the reputation of the legal profession, we must also look at how our profession is evolving to meet the challenges of the times. This means looking at ways to embrace flexible work, provide balance to help people sustain their career, and call out sexism – it has no place in law practice and it’s been hidden for too long. And we shouldn’t stop there, it is our responsibility as practice owners, as partners, as lawyers to embrace difference, to foster real inclusion and to stamp out racism. It is time to act.
So take a moment to reflect on why you became a lawyer. And use that to drive your actions to bring the reputation of our profession up to the high standards we hold ourselves to. The high standards we and those who come to us deserve.
You can learn more about me and my story here.
Our Australian Law 101 - Guide for Small Business is resource that you may find very helpful.
