Don’t Believe the Hype: Reflection after 18 years listed as a "Best Lawyer" in Canada

Several of my legal peers and lawyer colleagues over the years have periodically posted online their status as being listed as a “Best Lawyer”.

Such kudos are well deserved and well earned, but I wanted to add a few other thoughts and my perspective concerning "Best Lawyers".

I am grateful that I have been on the “Best Lawyers” List personally since 2006 in the Entertainment Law category and do not take it for granted.

I've always tried to practice diligently and do the best I can with the skills and experience I have, with honesty and integrity.

I've always viewed being on this list as a promotional and marketing tool which is most valuable if it is aimed largely at prospective clients.

I consider the practice of law as a valuable service and a profession. It is not a competition or a popularity contest.

I went into the legal profession because it is an honourable profession that can make substantial differences in our clients’ lives.

If one takes accolades too seriously, it can divert you from your main focus as a lawyer which is to provide legal services to your clients to the best of your ability.

It is unwise, not only for lawyers, but also for our clients, to believe the hype that is said about them, take it to heart and stray off course.

Entertainment lawyers can be thrilled and genuinely take pride in the fact that, at various stages of their clients’ careers, we have been integral to that success, largely toiling in the back rooms on our clients’ behalf.

I have often said that lawyers practice in the "florescent light", or these days, to be more ecologically friendly, the "LED lights", so that our clients can remain in the “limelight”.

Keep in mind also that lawyers and law firms that are successful have a talented and committed team of individuals that supports them so they can provide their best services to their clients.

This reality also applies to the lawyer’s clients; that is, one’s team is integral to one’s success.

So the accolades that go to the lawyers are also rightly shared by their support workers and others in the team that supports them.

I've often heard my clients say  "you are the best", or, "I've heard you the best lawyer in your area of expertise".

I always reply to my clients, or prospective clients who make those statements:

“Thank you for your kind words. I try and do my best, but the only thing that matters is that I am the best lawyer for you”.