No matter how modern and sophisticated we think we are – and let’s face it, even the new coffee machine has the power to make us feel like we’ve walked into a George Clooney advert – we can always learn and take inspiration from those who have walked the line before us.
Some of our greatest teachers are historical, some contemporary, but all have something in common: their history can inspire our own story in the legal world.
No matter where our unique talents lie and what our particular specialism might be – as a Solicitor or Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Contract Advisor – we all have something we can learn from the past.
Let’s consider, then, some of the world’s sharpest legal minds – even if much of the world never even knew they worked in law.
Nelson Mandela
Not all of history’s great legislators were known in their lifetimes for practising law. Arguably one of the most influential figures in modern history, Nelson Mandela, studied law at the University of Witwatersrand but failed his final year three times and was denied a degree – in mitigation; he was involved in fighting for civil rights at the time.
As with every facet of his life, however, he never gave up. A diploma meant he could open Johannesburg’s first black law partnership, he finally attained his degree while in prison and in 1994 he became South Africa’s first black president. Whether your ambition is to be a leading civil rights lawyer or a life-changing family solicitor, Mandela shows that staying true to your goals, against all the odds, ultimately secures victory.
Erin Brockovich
The poster girl of every Legal Secretary and Assistant, Erin Brockovich was working at an LA law firm when she found documents that would lead to 600 residents of Hinkley, California, filing a lawsuit against utility company PG&E. The subsequent $333 million settlement was the largest of its kind in US history and the story inspired a movie starring Julia Roberts. Brockovich still works as a consumer advocate and remains an inspiration to many aspiring Environmental Lawyers, while her disarmingly bullish negotiation style is still name checked by Dispute Resolution Solicitors.
Did we mention, too, that for her part in bringing the case to the firm, Brockovich received a fee of $2.5 million? Well, every good turn, deserves another!
Mahatma Gandhi
Like Mandela, Gandhi remains an iconic figure. You might not know, however, that he studied law at University College London.
Having passed his bar exam, he started his own practice back in India but quickly discovered an obstacle to his career in law – a crippling shyness that prevented him from speaking in court.
The legal profession’s loss was, however, a nation’s gain for, of course, he would instead go on to lead India peacefully into independence.
First lesson: always play to your strengths. It may be that one sphere of law does not suit your personality, but don’t be afraid to transfer your skills to another area. There are plenty of legal roles on s1jobs that might be better suited to your talents.
Finally, despite his bashful nature, one of Gandhi’s most famous pronouncements rings loud and clear for all; it speaks of integrity and is the perfect mantra for all in the legal profession.
“There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts.”
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