In Defense of the Older Worker

“How to Bullet Proof Your Career in Your 40s and 50s.” This is the title of an ACC Chicago Chapter Program attended by well over 90 in-house attorneys at the East Bank Club in Chicago. When I heard the title I questioned why, in a lawyer’s prime years, must she think about bullet proofing her career just because she turns 40?

I have always believed, and I am confident that I am absolutely correct, that we become better lawyers with age. Of course this is not simply due to age. Age is a measure of time, not ability. However, as we move through time, we continue to add to our experiences, legal and otherwise. This naturally leads to more personal observations, broader perspectives, situational experiences with outcomes good and bad, substantive and practical knowledge or what I dare to sum up in one word – wisdom.

What is wisdom? The ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting, insight, common sense, good judgment, the sum of learning through the ages (Dictionary.com). Over the course of a career, a lawyer is involved in hundreds of situations in which people at various levels within an organization rely upon her to exercise good judgment, avoid pitfalls, maximize profit, provide insight, reduce risk, counsel, guide, sometimes cajole and always protect them from harm. There is no substitute for these experiences in terms of gaining wisdom. No book learning can take the place of actual hands on experience. So then, wisdom is an extremely valuable asset for an in-house attorney to offer her client.

The following words capture the essence of this value:

And if riches be a desirable possession in life, what is more rich than Wisdom, who produces all things? And if prudence renders service, who in the world is a better craftsman than she? … Again, if one yearns for copious learning, she knows the things of old, and infers those yet to come. She understands the turns of phrases and the solutions of riddles; signs and wonders she knows in advance and the outcome of times and ages. Wisdom 8:5-8

Generally, I would guess that practitioners of most occupations benefit from years and years of experience. Who doesn't feel better as they get on the plane when the pilot has a bit of silver in her hair, or when wheeled into the operating room, the surgeon has a slight grandfatherly appearance? But at the risk of offending fellow professionals, lawyers seem particularly well suited to becoming better with age. Of course, age does not equal wisdom, but it suggests it. One can rarely achieve the same level of wisdom without the passing of time as with it, the more the better.

So, I am truly perplexed why any potential employer would look at a seasoned lawyer and believe for a even a moment that she is “too old.” Rather, I would expect that the hiring committee would welcome a bit of silver in the hair, a few wrinkles, an age spot or two. I cannot help but to cite from the Bible once again to make the point:

A great number of wise men (seasoned in-house counsel) is the safety of the world (corporate client), and a prudent king (CEO), the stability of his people (shareholders); so take instruction from my (GC) words, to your profit. Wisdom 6:24-25

Now those are wise words!

Humility

Humility - the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.  Dictionary.com

How can an in-house counsel balance this most important of virtues with her efforts to build confidence in her client that she is trustworthy, her advice competent and her leadership and guidance effective?   Doesn't an effective lawyer have to demonstrate assertiveness (even aggressiveness), boldness, strength and confidence to meet the expectations of her client?

The answer is yes – she must exhibit these traits, but I suggest it must be done from a perspective of humility.  A true humble nature residing in the heart of the lawyer will do much more to build a strong relationship with her clients and help her serve the business more effectively.  To be clear, I do not mean to confuse being humble with being hesitant, reluctant or afraid or in any way lacking in confidence.

  

There is a sure air of confidence and a certain je ne sais quoi surrounding people who are highly effective at what they do, yet are self-effacing.  Jim Collins, the author of “Good to Great”, a recent management book about eleven of the most successful companies in the United States, says, “There is a direct relationship between the absence of celebrity and the presence of good to great results.”  There are many reasons for this according to Collins, but I want to focus in this short space on why humility is a necessary element of success. 

As you contemplate the level of humility you reflect onto others, think about how you view this trait in your peers and colleagues.  Are you motivated by clients or company leaders who are inconsiderate, egotistical, bombastic, grandiose?  Do you champion their cause, give them the benefit of the doubt when challenged, support their initiatives wholeheartedly and honestly?  Or, do you find yourself aligning with people within your organization who are kind, gracious, self-effacing, understated, all the while being highly effective?  I believe the answer is obvious, at least for me.

 

The in-house lawyer has the challenge of performing under the client’s perception of what a lawyer should be (often not a flattering image of the lawyer) and maintaining her professionalism and integrity.   I believe that this can be done by maintaining a servant perspective, reflecting modesty and respect for others and their opinions, but standing strong (respectfully) on issues for which there is no compromise.  None of us have all the answers to every clients every question and we shouldn't act like we do. 

To be effective a good lawyer must be assertive, confident, bold, decisive, and at times strong-willed, aggressive, forceful and sometimes obtrusive.  In doing so she must not give up her kindness, modesty, politeness, professionalism, integrity, respect for others, acknowledgement of authority and understanding that she is not perfect, in a word – humility.  This is a tough balancing act for the in-house counsel.  I encourage you to think and reflect about why humility might be a good thing for you to consider as you approach your clients.