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The lawyer must either learn to live more capaciously or…

“The lawyer must either learn to live more capaciously or be content to find himself continuously less trusted, more circumscribed, till he becomes hardly more important than a minor administrator, confined to a monotonous round of record and routine, without dignity, inspiration, or respect.” quote by Learned Hand
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“The lawyer must either learn to live more capaciously or be content to find himself continuously less trusted, more circumscribed, till he becomes hardly more important than a minor administrator, confined to a monotonous round of record and routine, without dignity, inspiration, or respect.”

Learned Hand

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Lawyers must broaden their practice or risk becoming bureaucratic and unremarkable.

In simple terms: Lawyers need breadth or risk stagnation.

Key Takeaway

Seek diverse challenges to stay vital.

Themes

law career growth

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • law firm work
  • public service
  • academic research

Key Concepts

specialization bureaucracy professional dignity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is narrow focus always detrimental?
  • How can lawyers balance depth and breadth?
A Different Perspective

Specialization can also bring deep expertise and respect.

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