2L | Accomplishment of Consequence? May 17, 2007
Posted by Barrett in : Law, Ethics , trackback
I have finally finished my first year of law school. The time has passed quickly. I can only hope that the next two years will do the same.
Completing the first year of law school has been the most difficult and challenging thing I have ever done. At the end of the semester, one of my professors sent our class off with the words, “Be proud of yourselves; you have accomplished something of great consequence.” I admit that I let this puffery affect me for an hour or two. On the one hand, I am proud of making it through this year, having performed decently in a strong program. I know that this is an intellectual achievement and a testament to one’s willpower. On the other hand, I instinctively question whether such an accomplishment, in itself, is truly one of consequence. I think a law degree, or any degree, is theologically significant as a forum for the expression and acquisition of the virtue and character that it takes to complete and do well. This is true only insofar as one expresses and acquires virtue and character consistent with the nature of God. As you can imagine, law school is a hotbed for negative character development. A law student can certainly, and often does, succeed through the inculcation and exhibition of greed, pride, and cut-throat competitiveness. To the degree that one makes his or her way through law school on the strength of these and similar expressions of character, that person has accomplished something no consequence, or only of negative consequence.
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It is truly an accomplishment of consequence when someone can acquire virtue and character consistent with the nature of God in an environment that is a hotbed for negative character development. This is truly a dissenting stance! God be with you.
P.S. We’re looking forward to seeing you and Allie soon.