Idealism, Realism & the Practice of Law
When I started clerking as a law student and first began to see “what really happens” in the practice of law — as opposed to the theoretical side put forth in just about any law book I read in school — and I complained about it, I was labeled “naive” and “idealistic.” It irritated the hell out of me; it sounded and felt like a form of brush-off, as if to say, “if you were a real lawyer, you’d understand.”
Well, I’ve been a “real lawyer” for awhile now. Heck, I’ve even passed the point where I’m no longer called a “young lawyer” and can pay lower rates to join various associations.
But I still don’t understand.
Instead, I notice that I’m becoming more angry, more bitter and more inclined to come out swinging. Does that mean I’m becoming more naive? More idealistic?
I don’t think so. I think I’m becoming more realistic.