Blog Buzz

I suppose when I have something to say perhaps some people might actually read my blog and respond into the stratosphere. I'm hesitant to reveal my identity for a number of reasons, prominent among them the fact that I'm a lawyer who also happens to be happily sober for a number of years. I loved the fact that I got to go through most of university and all of law school with a clear mind and without falling into the traps that beset the unwary law student. The law school I attended, like most law schools, centered its social events around drinking. What a surprise! I was shocked to find out the practice continues once one begins practicing - lawyers love to drink. I knew that from the get go and I've seen the studies that correlate the high stress of the profession with a greater tendency to become alcoholic. Certainly I know a number of "hard drinkers" in my profession, some of whom may be alcoholics but can't imagine the possibility because they picture a skid row bum or other stereotypical alcoholic. They wonder how they can possibly be an alcoholic if they are managing to hold down a job at a major law firm, support a family, etc. Work Hard, Play Harder is the motto but if those lawyers gave some thought to the amount of time they spend at the bar or drinking they might realize how many truly productive hours (not billable hours!) are lost in their days.

Certainly I understand that alcohol is the great social lubricant but I've also seen it lead to the great social downfall because the hard drinker turned alcoholic is always the last one to admit they have a problem. I've been pondering ways to be of service to those hard drinkers I know without actually disclosing that I'm sober. There isn't really a solution to that, they'll notice I'm not drinking and ask why. I know that I had an innate distrust for non-drinkers when I was partying every night. Unfortunately I thought the party was ongoing when in reality it had ended a long time ago. Peeing into beer bottles, being afraid to leave one's bedroom, going to the bar to hook up with the snow man after every fiber of your being screamed all day long "I'm not going to do it tonight." Suddenly the sun would be coming up and the birds would start singing and normal people would start going about their day. Meanwhile I was upset because the liquor store owner didn't show up at 6 a.m. but was always, always, late. Didn't he realize I needed that bottle to go to sleep because I had to work in 4 hours? Sounds like great fun doesn't it?

I think in many respects litigation today is much like the previous story. Attorneys get off on the drama of it all (hyperreality as Baudrillard would note) because that's what they saw on TV, in mock trial competitions etc. The reality of course is much more mundane, 99.5% of cases are settled with a computer, words, and printer paper (and a good legal assistant). The other .5% actually go to trial but if you've ever sat through a real trial you'll understand why the judge looks bored out of his gourd. One prominent jurist here in town loves instant messaging while on the bench, thank the lord they gave judges computers to keep them busy! In all seriousness though, most judges I know are truly motivated by the spirit of public service and not the prospect of the black robe and attendant power to force legal titans to bow to their will. They are good people trying, just like the ethical lawyers out there, to do the right thing and to be sure that justice, in a legal forum is dispensed as best it can be. Certainly no system is perfect but I'd much rather go to court than face a mob bent on execution - swift, sure, inflexible justice.

Again, good night, and rather than good luck, good acts!