Can I maintain legal career AND explain drug use on podcast? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi guys,

Kind of an off the wall question but something I hope I can get some thoughtful answers to.

I work in biglaw, did well in law school, and am on a good trajectory at work. But I also really want to start a Web radio show with friends of mine, talking but whatever we feel like talking about. I want to be open and task about my real life and real interests - it makes me feel whole, and I think people are more interested in listening to honest communication.

But I like psychedelics and so do my friends.

What will happen - legally, ethically, and professionally, if I do this? I assume I won't get jailed, and likely won't have problems with the ethics board, but would it be bad if partners or clients caught wind that I have alternative interests? What can I do to balance both concerns?

Thanks

[jd20132013]

would it be bad if partners or clients caught wind that I have alternative interests?

Yep

[goldeneye]

Hi guys,

Kind of an off the wall question but something I hope I can get some thoughtful answers to.

I work in biglaw, did well in law school, and am on a good trajectory at work. But I also really want to start a Web radio show with friends of mine, talking but whatever we feel like talking about. I want to be open and task about my real life and real interests - it makes me feel whole, and I think people are more interested in listening to honest communication.

But I like psychedelics and so do my friends.

What will happen - legally, ethically, and professionally, if I do this? I assume I won't get jailed, and likely won't have problems with the ethics board, but would it be bad if partners or clients caught wind that I have alternative interests? What can I do to balance both concerns?

Thanks

They'll totally be cool with it, I'd imagine.

[transferror]

Is this a real thread?

[Pokemon]

FLAME....

[subtle]

FLAME....

April 1

[Anonymous User]

ugh, my mistake for posting this on April 1, but it is not a joke or flame. Would anyone really waste their time making this bad of a joke on a web forum for an April Fools' day joke?

Okay, I agree it would sound bad. Can others offer some advice on the extent to which we can speak our minds? People in other jobs would have no problem doing this sort of thing, right? What if I go to plaintiffs' bar, where you aren't as beholden to clients -- I wonder if those types might speak more freely?

[WhiskeynCoke]

So, let me get this straight. You (1) work in biglaw, (2) are on a "good trajectory," and (3) are seriously asking about whether broadcasting your love of tripping balls to the world will have repercussions for your legal career? This MUST be a flame, but if it's not... just wow. What gets me the most is that you ironically had the sense to post this question anonymously...

How, exactly, do you possibly expect this to not turn out badly for you?

[staysha]

Yeah don't do this. But what market do you work in?

[heavoldgotjuice]

I, for one, disagree with the rest of the posters.

If you are able to use psychedelics and maintain all aspects of your life (social, intellectual, work), then you show broadcast to the world your enjoyment and use. It's truly the only way that others will recognize that "things" are not bad, only the way in which people use those "things". (sorry for being elusive)...

Consider this: Most lawyers drink very consistently, if not every night, especially after a long day at work. Soon enough, many lawyers will be smoking pot very consistently, if not every night, after a long day at work. Eventually, some lawyers may be using psychedelics on certain occasions after a considerable length of time (every month or so).

I mean, many lawyers are already prescribed copious amounts of xanax, muscle relaxers, or what-have-you ... imo, shrooms/acid are less harmful than these pharmaceutical drugs.

Spread awareness to the world, even if you may jeopardize your credibility to those "outsiders". You could be a living testament to show that it's possible to be (1) an effective lawyer, (2) a good/responsible person, who (3) uses psychedelics for recreational purposes.

Laws may be laws, however, laws are not "set in stone" --> laws are malleable. Provide an example of how to have a great balance.

As was once said, be the change in the world you wish to see

[bravos89]

ugh, my mistake for posting this on April 1, but it is not a joke or flame. Would anyone really waste their time making this bad of a joke on a web forum for an April Fools' day joke?

Okay, I agree it would sound bad. Can others offer some advice on the extent to which we can speak our minds? People in other jobs would have no problem doing this sort of thing, right? What if I go to plaintiffs' bar, where you aren't as beholden to clients -- I wonder if those types might speak more freely?

LOL...what other jobs would you have no problem doing this? I can only think of maybe if you were a freaking rock-star or something and that's about it.

[El Pollito]

This is an amazingly bad idea.

[BVest]

I mean, many lawyers are already prescribed copious amounts of xanax, muscle relaxers, or what-have-you ... imo, shrooms/acid are less harmful than these pharmaceutical drugs.

Somebody phone the FDA! Anonymous TLS poster has spoken.

[dixiecupdrinking]

This will not end well, but I just want to express support for the sentiment behind it. Even if you weren't discussing illegal drug use, seems like a candid podcast would be an iffy idea in this profession, and that's too bad.

[dowu]

Whoever this is just trolled most of you.

[Anonymous User]

TS here. Still not trolling. Still very much in biglaw, doing good work for my clients, zealously advocating, and at the same time trying to live a spiritually fulfilling life in the way I think is right and interesting.

Thanks very much to those who came to this thread to support the sentiment behind what I'm asking about. To dixiecupdrinking, one thing I think is important to remember about podcasting as a lawyer, is this: isn't an important skill in our profession the ability to speak in a public forum without making an ass of ourselves? I think a podcast will be good practice at that. What I'll end up doing won't be truly "candid," I guess, but I think I can still discuss challenging ideas openly with friends; it's just those challenging ideas generally won't be about illegal drug use.

To those who ask what professions can do this and get away with it, I'd argue that many more than people here believe. So WHAT if somebody has a wacky idea or two, as long as they can defend and explain it well? I'd still go to a doctor who had a radio show about S&M, or use an accountant who wrote a book about sleeping with prostitutes in Asia, or whatever. Unfortunately, a big reason I'm afraid to speak openly about my life and what I'm into is because of people like you -- who don't judge for a reason, they just judge automatically. In thirty years, you guys are going to be the politicians, judges, and CEOs, and YOUR opinions are the ones that determine the extent to which people can comfortably speak their mind. I recommend trying a psychedelic drug (in a small dosage for the first time) -- it might just change the way you think about this.

To naysayers, I also understand that you're answering my question with a yes or a no -- yes, it would probably look bad if corporate, conservative clients found out their lawyer said this sort of thing. Sort of like Nike would drop an athlete who has a scandal -- they just don't want their name on it. I get that, and appreciate those who are just trying to give that information.

and to heavoldgotjuice: word, motherfucker. If I ran into a dude that thinks like you in the legal world, I'd def have your back and help you make your way to the top.

[Dr. Mantis Toboggan]

So why did you even start this thread? It sounds like you already have made your mind up and no amount of reason will dissuade you. This comes off as merely a "hey help me justify my bad decisions!" thread.

To dixiecupdrinking, one thing I think is important to remember about podcasting as a lawyer, is this: isn't an important skill in our profession the ability to speak in a public forum without making an ass of ourselves? I think a podcast will be good practice at that. What I'll end up doing won't be truly "candid," I guess, but I think I can still discuss challenging ideas openly with friends; it's just those challenging ideas generally won't be about illegal drug use.

First off, podcasting isn't public speaking. It's prerecorded audio. You aren't exercising the same skill set because the dynamic isn't the same. Second, there are many, many other ways of practicing your public speaking skills than podcasting about psychedelics or "challenging ideas." This sounds like a hollow argument when you consider that if you really cared so much about your ability to publicly speak, you would just do it on topics relevant to your chosen profession. Third, if you like discussing "challenging ideas" and psychedelics with your friends, why not keep that shit private? Why do you need other people to hear it so badly? No need to be attention whore-y about it.

So WHAT if somebody has a wacky idea or two, as long as they can defend and explain it well? I'd still go to a doctor who had a radio show about S&M, or use an accountant who wrote a book about sleeping with prostitutes in Asia, or whatever.

The problem here is that not very many people other than you feel the same way. There are so many god damn people in this world that it's difficult to fine someone you can trust. Nothing wrong with narrowing the field of candidates down by crossing out all the people who publicly speak about topics that are contentious and inappropriate for their given profession generally. Image is a big deal in the professional world because it's so closely tied to reputation (which is everything). That is a reason to judge. Stop acting like it isn't.

[BVest]

So WHAT if somebody has a wacky idea or two, as long as they can defend and explain it well? I'd still go to a doctor who had a radio show about S&M, or use an accountant who wrote a book about sleeping with prostitutes in Asia, or whatever.

But would you go to a doctor who wrote a book about sleeping with prostitutes in Asia?

Or more relevant (and getting beyond "I'll have to ask you to wear two sets of gloves, doc"), would you, as the CEO of a medical practice, retain a young, little-known doctor on staff who wrote such a book, if there were 100 other young doctors with equal credentials and less baggage who wanted that doctor's job?

And it should be noted that S&M, generally, is not illegal; nor is sleeping with prostitutes in some countries in Asia. The reason I cross-pollinated your analogies is that a doctor espousing his beliefs that going to Asian prostitutes is ok is that it's a professional in the health industry espousing putting one's health at risk. That is far more analogous to the attorney espousing -- or at least glorifying -- the use of illegal drugs than either of your examples.

[t-14orbust]

.

[WhiskeynCoke]

Unfortunately, a big reason I'm afraid to speak openly about my life and what I'm into is because of people like you -- who don't judge for a reason, they just judge automatically. In thirty years, you guys are going to be the politicians, judges, and CEOs, and YOUR opinions are the ones that determine the extent to which people can comfortably speak their mind. I recommend trying a psychedelic drug (in a small dosage for the first time) -- it might just change the way you think about this.

Sigh... Your question was not "SHOULD I be able to speak my mind about psychedelic drug use on a podcast as a big law associate" (answer to that is yes), it was "WHAT WILL HAPPEN if I do so." Please don't strawman the people on here who accept we live in the real world, where keeping up (farce) appearances matters a lot to one's career, and who are providing you with candid, honest responses grounded in reality.

To be clear, I think drug prohibition is absolutely idiotic on many levels. If it were up to me, I would hand you the microphone myself, and wave my magic wand to ensure that there are no career repercussions. The problem is, it's not up to me, or any of the posters on this board. What we want does not equal how things are. Your question concerned the latter and deserves a realistic response.

You are right about this profession: lawyers drink, smoke pot, and blow lines off strippers tits until the cows come home. However, the unspoken (see "obvious") rule is you don't climb up to the top of the mountain and shout these confessions for the whole world to hear.

Clients select your firm largely based on valuations of its attorneys' competency, discretion, and judgment. Do you think they would be happy to see the associate who is staffed on their "bet the company" litigation blathering all over the internet about how he likes to drop acid and dance with the seahorses? Do you seriously think your eagerness to broadcast your illegal activities wouldn't prompt them to question your judgment? Do you think the partner they point this out to will tell them "tough luck, he's on the case, take it or leave it?"

You see, there's this thing called logic. Please use it. Continue to enjoy your drugs of choice, just keep it between you and the people you trust if you'd like to retain your credibility in a typical big law setting.

[Pokemon]

Guys, you are being trolled. No way someone of average intelligence would consider this, and if they were to consider it, they would know that TLS is not the best place to ask about it, and finally, I doubt someone in biglaw still does acid.
Can I also say that only a 0L, would make the statement "I assume I won't get jailed." For any lawyer, and really any average college student that should be so obvious it would not require stating.

[20141023]

.

[dixiecupdrinking]

Guys, you are being trolled. No way someone of average intelligence would consider this, and if they were to consider it, they would know that TLS is not the best place to ask about it, and finally, I doubt someone in biglaw still does acid.
Can I also say that only a 0L, would make the statement "I assume I won't get jailed." For any lawyer, and really any average college student that should be so obvious it would not require stating.

Even before that, though, most of the people on this site are either prospective law students or current law students, with a few alumni here and there. Why would an actual attorney working in biglaw ask a bunch of people who probably know a lot less than him about this sort of thing?

Dude is just spitballing.

You guys have way too rigid an impression of the people in this profession. I promise some of them use illegal drugs! And some of them are a little eccentric!

[guano]

You guys have way too rigid an impression of the people in this profession. I promise some of them use illegal drugs! And some of them are a little eccentric!

And some of them are downright stupid

[El Pollito]

Leave it to law students/lawyers to make drug striverism a thing.