I like to imagine that starting a law firm is akin to a great, cosmic struggle for success, legitimacy, and the universal right to achieve. What better historical event could I use as an example of this struggle than the founding of our nation?
Ok, a little heavy-handed, I know. But, I was listening to an enlightening interview of the author David McCullough on the Charlie Rose show this weekend. If you do not know him, David McCullough is a well-decorated author of American historical fiction. To me, he is one of the great story-tellers of our national history. If you have not checked out any of his books, you should. In particular, I read his biography of John Adams several months ago and have continued to be struck by John Adams’ sheer determination to do what is just, honest, and right for his family and his country.
Perhaps you are wondering why this is being discussed on this blog. My answer: John Adams was a lawyer. Not only that, John Adams, from all accounts I have read, was an excellent lawyer. Among other feats, he successfully defended the English militia on a murder charge after the Boston Massacre. Furthermore, for the majority of his practicing career, he was a solo attorney – he started his own law firm.
In the interview, McCullough made a comment to Charlie Rose that, out of all his books, he may have been the most satisfied in writing the John Adams book because he was immersed in the lives of such remarkable and momentous people who drafted our Constitution and shaped our nation. His comment showed his appreciation for what these men and women were up against and what they managed to achieve. I find this comment akin to taking a leap of faith and starting your own law firm.
Additionally, many of the founders of our nation were lawyers. That fact is terribly cool. They were not only lawyers, but they were the kinds of lawyers that many of us aspire to be. Though flawed, these men were faced with a dire situation which required clear, concise thinking about difficult legal problems.
John Adams, apparently, also did not believe that all men were created equal – he only believed that all people were equal before the law. I agree with that. I also take inspiration from Adams’ efforts to do things his way. He disdained mob culture and following the leader. Instead, he was the leader. I agree with this.
Perhaps a little sentimental, but I find inspiration wherever I can. Starting a law firm is tough and it includes failing. But, through perseverance and being a nose-to-the grindstone leader, I know I can achieve what I want and so can you.