A Request.

Dear complete stranger I just met in the grocery store,

Let me preface this letter by saying, first of all, I sho' don't mean no disrespect...but we, as well as the dozens of other people like you, need to have a little come-to-Jesus.

I would really appreciate it if you would quit reacting in certain ways when I tell you I am studying law. Now, you know good and well what I'm talking about. :) You either respond with:

"There are already too many lawyers."

"You like to lie?"

"Lawyers are corrupt/greedy/snobby/bad people"

"Why in the world would you want to do that?"

Oh... and then there is my personal favorite:

"A sweet girl like you shouldn't become an attorney."

Although I value your right to an opinion (which by the way, is established in the U.S. Constitution, which is interpreted by..lawyers) I didn't work my butt off in undergrad to accumulate an awesome GPA, minor in legal studies, study full-time for taking the LSAT (twice due to my perfectionist personality), toil over one application after the other, spend I-don't-even-want-to-know-how-much money traveling to look at great schools, and pray over 10 different "pro-con" lists when attempting to make a final decision; and spend 60-plus hours a week reading cases and statutes, analyzing opinions, solving problems, and surviving the socratic method...all to just decide one day while talking to you on the pasta aisle at Publix:

"Shooooottt, you're right! I'd better go put a call into the dean right now..."

Are there too many lawyers? Really, you think that? Heck, I didn't realize there were so many. Also, I didn't realize how there are equally as many (and more) people in this world who are incapable of solving problems that really matter on their own.

And, yes, there are some forms of representation I don't agree with; but thousands of people use it all the same.

How would that DUI last month have turned out if you couldn't run to your lawyer?

Maybe he should have declined his services so you'd learn your lesson.

Or that divorce? Do you really think she would've settled for half if it weren't for your attorney you call at all times of the day?

Your court (and therapy) bill sure would be a lot higher.

How about your attorney that kept your business out of bankruptcy court?

Or the attorney who settled with the government to keep you from being thrown in federal tax prison? (For the 3rd year in a row)

Think about it. Are there really too many lawyers?

Or just too many irresponsible people?

I mean, with which group are you truly outraged?

Then there's all other sorts of problems that, if it weren't for that lawyer you bad-mouth, well...(and allow my roots to show here) you'd just be up the creek, fella.

Do you think your landlord would have ever gotten around to fixing all the dangerous places in your apartment if it weren't for that letter your lawyer sent?

Would you have been able to close on your house if it weren't for the lawyer checking the validity of that 45-page contract? I mean, were you really going to sit down and read it for 4 hours?

Or how about when you decided to adopt a child in need?

Or finally break free from an abusive relationship?

Or ensure your family is taken care of when you die?

Or seek justice from the criminal that victimized you/your friend/neighbor/loved one?

Or advocate for those who are impoverished, disabled, forgotten?
Sure. There are all sorts of "bad people" in this world (are any of us "good enough" to say that we aren't? Another topic for another time...). But they aren't all lawyers.

Stereotype much?

And lastly, yes, I realize...I AM a sweet girl.

I have a heart for people and for helping others less fortunate than myself..

And I am blessed to have opportunities for both- here at school and in my future career.

Now, I'm definitely no feminist, but if you have a problem with me being able to keep up with a man in the classroom and in the job force, get over it.

I haven't the slightest issue with doing both of those all while finding the perfect skirt suit (and matching heels) at the Loft, baking cupcakes for a fundraiser, curling my hair, encouraging a colleague with a nice note, serving someone a warm meal, going to the gym, leading Bible study and, one day hopefully, reviewing documents with a baby on my hip, followed by picking my kids up from school, loving on 'em like crazy, and helping them with their homework (so they can get A's and become a lawyer too if they dream!!!)

I may not be an attorney forever, God may tell me otherwise, but for now...that's the plan.

I value what I do. I value what attorneys do.

So please, next time you ask me what I do and then try to make me feel like a bad person, I have a list for you:

One, remember you asked me first! And that does not permit a window to scrunch up your face and place judgments. I wouldn't do the same to you.

Secondly, I do realize there are bad lawyers. There are "bad people" everywhere. Unfortunately, yes, some of them decide to be lawyers. That doesn't mean all attorneys are corrupt, money-hungry liars with terrible TV ads. Most of us generally want to use our God-given talents (and dorky tendencies) to help those who can't help themselves. There are so many lawyers who have mentored me, molded me, and encouraged me to do so. If you'd like to meet them, they would sit down with you (free of charge!) and show you for themselves.

Lastly, read a book. May I suggest this as a starting point. I read it every summer I promise it won't disappoint. Then, maybe move on to this little number. This sweet little girl's read it. Have you?

(Oh Atticus, how I love ya.)

Respectfully yours,

Lizanne

PS- Thanks y'all for reading and supporting me! It means the world!