Volume XIV, Issue VI
November/December 2000

Super Curmudgeon  

by David Berger

There is an apparent trend afoot which is not so much disturbing as it is annoying, especially from the perspective of the young lawyer. Of late, a couple of magazines with ostensibly local focus have dedicated much print space in order to "honor" what they call "Super Lawyers" or "Top Attorneys" or some other superlative epithet, filling page after page with listings of legal professionals who have been so ordained, arbitrarily or otherwise. I comment on these magazines not to imply in any way that these publications are entirely or inherently worthless because of these features. In fact, I myself subscribe to one of them, although I confess that I received my subscription gratis as part of a promotion. I do, however, question the utility of this information and the motivation behind its publication in these magazines. What does being a "Super Lawyer" really mean? Why bother singling out these so-called blue ribbon barristers?

It is not my intent to steal any individual's thunder. I am sure that all of the listees are very accomplished professionals who have worked diligently to reach their position in the very ether of our vocation. I can't help but feel, however, based on the standard charcteristics of what seems to be a majority of recipients, that generally the threshhold requirements for being deemed tops in the legal field are that one must be long in the tooth in the practice of law and work in one of the larger or well-established firms making the big bucks. Perhaps I am cynical beyond my years, but let's examine the ramifications of designating such people as "Best in Show".

First, I can imagine that such public mention of one's professional abilities leads to many congratulatory slaps on the back by colleagues at the water cooler and in the halls and meeting rooms of the office. That's nice. We all need and appreciate a little encouragement from our peers and it is nice to be recognized for one's accomplishments. I can also imagine some good natured ribbing by the same individuals who may sarcastically bow in the listee's presence or refer to them for a short time as "Your Super-lawyerness" or some other snide appellation along those lines. Harmless fallout, really.

More interesting is the inevitable subsequent influx of advertising dollars for the magazines that publish these lists on what may be an annual or semi-annual basis. The magazines know from experience that firms will jump on the opportunity to share in the success and recognition of their "Super Lawyers" by publicly congratulating them in fancy display ads, much to the delight of the sales staff, no doubt. Plus, there is the distinct possibility that there will be a sudden boost in sales as honorees, friends, families, and firms make sure that they all have copies of the issue for posterity and for future marketing use perhaps. Manipulative, maybe. Clever, indeed.

Don't get me wrong. I do not begrudge anyone's right to participate in this ongoing dance. As far as I am concerned, that's life in the world of big-time publishing. When there is a need to pander, by all means, pander away.

So, what is my point in bringing attention to this? The bottom line is simple. Do you, dear reader, regard yourself as anything short of a super lawyer or at least a pretty darn good one, all things considered? Do we all not strive to dedicate ourselves fully in our professional endeavors? The reality is that the majority of lawyers who are members of the Washington State Bar Association do their job and do it well, often with the invaluable help of numerous, often anonymous, colleagues, support staff and associates. Furthermore, we may be young lawyers within the overall scheme of the Bar Association, but there can be little doubt that young lawyers, busting their humps in the trenches daily, often making "Super Lawyers" look the part, apply themselves the same as anyone who might be included in a listing of "Super Lawyers".

Here's an idea: How about a magazine feature which focuses on "Stupid Lawyers". Such a listing would have real value to members of the Bar and the public alike. For members of the Bar, it would be a strong deterrent for less-than-professional or otherwise sub-standard practices. Nobody would want to end up on such a list. For consumers, it would serve as a handy guide to who NOT to hire when faced with legal troubles. Now that's public service!

The moral of the story is that many lawyers, including young lawyers, will never end up on one of these lists. In the end, however, that does not mean that such individuals do not make a difference. They do. There has been a fair amount of talk recently about lawyer jokes. As far as I am concerned, the notion of the "Super Lawyer" is the biggest joke of them all.

-- David Berger 

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