Posted by:
Untress "Trez" Quinn
on Jan 5, 2026
Let me begin by saying congratulations on your completion of law school and passing the bar exam. Not just for checking these boxes but deciding to walk through a door that not everyone has the courage to open. Your new career marks the beginning of a journey that is intellectually rigorous, emotionally demanding, and deeply transformative. You are now a part of a profession that has shaped and continues to shape the world. From the Constitution to contracts, from the courtroom to the community, the law is one of the most powerful tools we have for advancing our society. Now it's yours. Yours to study, to question, to interpret, and yes, to wield.
I offer you not just congratulations, but also gratitude. Gratitude for choosing to become a lawyer in the first place. The law needs you, your classmates, and colleagues now more than ever.
You are entering the practice of law at a time when things are quickly changing – socially, economically, technologically, and as always politically. I wish I could tell you the world gets easier, but in 2026, I can tell you it has not. The world you're preparing to serve will change even more, but at a faster pace, and this is why you must pay attention.
I know you are drawn to justice and fairness, and that will not change. You're also intrigued by business and public service. You don't yet know your path and that's OK. What's important is your decision to enter a profession that's grounded in reason, responsibility, and service.
Let me tell you something that you won’t find in a brochure or on a website: the practice of law will test you. It will stretch your thinking, challenge your assumptions, and tax your resilience. However, those challenges will sharpen you. There will be long hours and late nights, disappointment and, for very brief seconds, moments of doubt.
But I promise you this: There will be moments of discovery. Moments when everything clicks. Moments when you will understand exactly why you decided to become a lawyer in the first place. You will find that the practice of law is not just about learning rules. It's about learning to think in a way that changes how you see the world and how you help change it for others.
Let me offer three reflections - lessons that will help you along the way:
1. Embrace Discomfort
Lawyers are not called to ease. We are called to stand in tension; to listen carefully to arguments that we may not agree with and sometimes defend a position that tests our own beliefs. That discomfort is not a flaw in the practice of law. It is the point. This is how you will continue to grow, so let discomfort shape your resilience and sharpen your character.
2. Lead with Integrity
This profession has a long memory. What you do now, how you treat others, your community, your colleagues, and your opponents will follow you into the courtrooms, boardrooms, and community halls. Make the decision early to lead with honor, not perfection because none of us are perfect, but with an unshakable commitment to honesty, truthfulness, and fairness. This is what builds trust and trust is everything in this profession.
3. Stay Grounded in Purpose
It is easy, especially in a competitive environment such as the practice of law, to chase titles, positions, and money. Of course, these things matter, but they are not the purpose. The purpose is people, real people. Your future clients who will need your clarity when the world is in chaos. Who will need your judgment when they are confused. Who will need your courage when they are afraid. Never forget, the practice of law is not about simply yourself, it’s about service.
It won’t be easy but position yourself with organizations and people where there is something even deeper. Where there is a tradition and a standard that values moral reasoning, social justice, and the belief the law is at its best when it protects the dignity of all people.
Remember that you are not in this by yourself. Look around you. There are many young lawyers like you beginning their careers and this is when you begin building your professional village right now. Treat each other with generosity, empathy, and support. It will matter more than you can imagine.
Finally, if no one has ever told you this I'll tell you now: you belong. No matter what your background, high school, or race, the practice of law needs your perspective and the perspective of those others like you starting off. There is no question that we are stronger together with our differences.
So welcome to the practice of law. Welcome to the challenge. Welcome to the privilege. Good luck on your incredible journey. I’ll see you when you get here.
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