Client-overlords? That’s why I’m a plaintiff’s lawyer

Funny thing about representing injured folks – they’re generally grateful for my help and don’t expect me to shine shoes, fetch coffee, or kiss ass. 

Ivey advises law students to hang out with B-school students, who will be “your client-overlords and referral sources” after graduation. “If you want to make rain later, learn about their nonlegal needs,” Ivey writes. “Pay attention to how they talk and think.”  Source: Law students need to stop talking like a 'high school babysitter,' former admissions dean says - ABA Journal

You know all those surveys about how miserable lawyers are?  I bet it’s because most lawyers have to think about the “nonlegal needs” of their “client-overlord” business-school clients.  That and worry about billable hours.

Don’t get me wrong – there’s stress in representing the injured.  But being a plaintiff’s lawyer affords me ample room for creativity, autonomy, and a personal life.  I can’t imagine working for the other side and being treated like “the help.”  Oh wait, yeah I can – I did that for ten years as an IT guy.  And I hated the condescension and disrespect heaped upon me by self-important corporate jerks. 

So in summation, if you’re a lawyer who hates having client-overlords and would just prefer to have clients, try representing the injured.  They’re by and large a much better class of people.