Bar Membership
THE BENEFITS OF BAR MEMBERSHIP
By Hon. Judge Christopher J. McFadden
Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia
F
or two years between college and law school I worked
in commission sales. This work entailed cold calls over
the telephone. In making such calls I came to dread the
question, “Who are you with?” The answer would often get
my call screened out.
Three years after graduating law school, I became a sole
practitioner. I never incorporated or came up with a catchy
name for my practice: my letterhead just set out my name,
followed by “Attorney at Law.”
Because I lacked a catchy firm name I realized more quickly
than I otherwise might have that the best answer to that oncedreaded question was, “I’m a lawyer.” I do not ever recall a
follow up.
Whatever your current position, whatever your immediate
prospects, if you are a practicing lawyer, they are subordinate
to your status as a member of the bar. You may benefit from
the reputation of the organization that employs you or from
your supervisor’s reputation. But your own reputation for
diligence, competence, and integrity is what truly matters.
Organizations have cultures, and membership entails
pressure to conform. But not all cultures are equally admirable.
And within organizations, a bit of a cult of personality develops
around anyone in a leadership role. That is normal, and in
moderation, it is probably healthy. Loyalty is a good thing,
particularly when mutual.