All lawyers are guilty of “Humblebragging.” Young lawyers maybe even more so are guilty. What is humblebragging? Humblebragging has been defined as “bragging in the guise of humility, putting a thin veneer of humble over a clear expression of proud.” A lot of times the humblebrag is over social media but sometimes the humblebrag is executed to your face. This usually leads to sudden urges to slap someone.
Check out some of these examples of the legal humblebrag:
“I wasn’t able to get into the University of God’s Father’s Law School so I will have to just settle and go to the University of God’s Law School. I am still grateful for this opportunity!”
“I only got my client a million dollar settlement. I guess my kids will just be going to the local private school instead of boarding school. So happy for my client.”
“I’m so honored to be named a leading lawyer! My firm only had to make a $5,000 donation to the publication which named me a leading lawyer this year!”
“I’m so honored to be named a super duper attorney! I filled out a form and got my friends to say I am a super duper attorney! This is awkward because there are people who have been practicing law for 30 years and are not super duper attorneys! #feelingblessed.”
“It is such a pain in the ass to be invited to this prestigious conference for the 5th year in a row. Boooring!”
“I am so busy with clients. My phone keeps ringing. I don’t even believe I can write this sentence to you!”
“I don’t know how I am going to manage my crazy life. I just got invited to give a presentation to the entire state on my area of law. It is such a pain being this authoritative and sought after.”
“I’m humbled to be named a leader in my community. Every year right before this admirable and respected award is given out, I brave the elements outside of my firm for a quick photo opportunity and take a picture of myself giving homeless people food. It’s cold out there but I gave up one billable hour to those in need. #sacrifice. #frostbite. #theregoesmybonus.”
If lawyers would only say what they mean… I am very busy. I have money. I have influence. I piss excellence. I $#!t gold. I am the cat’s meow.
Anyway, I am so happy to be the one to bring this problem to your attention. I’m excited to hear if you have any other examples of legal humblebragging. (Special thanks to Elizabeth Morris for inspiring this entry by posting an article on Facebook on the subject. I am humbled and honored to know this great lawyer!)
What examples of humblebragging did I miss?
MORE IMPORTANTLY, is there a better way to self-promote or market oneself than the humblebrag?
I was lucky enough to clerk for one of the most respected, influential and likeable judges in the State of Maryland, The Honorable Nancy Davis-Loomis. She is the Administrative Judge for Anne Arundel County and the 5th Circuit for the State of Maryland. Her retirement dinner is tonight in Annapolis. From knowing her and her friends, it will most definitely be a blast! Her leadership, kindness and smile will be missed! Here is more information on the event: The Honorable Nancy Davis-Loomis Retirement Dinner.
Press Release for Scott MacMullan Law, LLC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2013
Scott W. MacMullan appointed to the Maryland State Bar Association Judicial Appointments Committee.
This Committee, made up of local and at-large members, receives and reviews a copy of each judicial application for every judicial vacancy statewide, and contacts references; assigns the application to a Committee member for the preparation of a summary and presentation to the Committee; then conducts an in-person interview of each applicant; and votes on the applicant’s qualifications. It then submits the Committee’s confidential findings to the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and the Governor for consideration (some JNCs request and receive an oral presentation from the Committee Chairs prior to their interviews of the applicants). The Committee provides each JNC with its peer evaluation of each applicant’s qualifications, which stands as the MSBA’s formal position with regard to that applicant for a period of 18 months.
About Scott MacMullan Law, LLC
Scott MacMullan Law, LLC provides general legal services in the State of Maryland the District of Columbia. The firm provides counsel and advocacy in a wide range of civil, criminal and family law matters. The firm’s motto is “Local Knowledge You Can Trust.”
For more information contact 443-494-9775 or [email protected]
The Maryland State Bar Association is a professional, non-profit, voluntary organization comprised of over 23,000 attorneys and judges across the state of Maryland. It monitors judicial and legislative issues in the state, offers legal education opportunities and promotes leadership within its programs that ensure the delivery of quality legal services to all citizens. MSBA is committed to furthering the efficient administration of justice and equality for all under the law.
Founded in 1896, the Maryland State Bar Association celebrated its Centennial over the course of 1996, following the theme “Striving for Justice.” In addition to special events, a 300 page Centennial Book and other promotions, a public service project was an integral part of MSBA’s Centennial.
MSBA is known for its outstanding membership services, dedication to public service and voluntary pro bono efforts. MSBA offers an array of membership services and benefits for its members and works to continually better the legal profession. MSBA promotes the spirit of public service and the spirit of volunteerism. It functions as an excellent mechanism to channel the volunteer efforts of Maryland attorneys to help society, serve to those in need and tackle some of the state’s most pressing problems, like the current legal service to the poor funding crisis. The strength of MSBA lies in its members, and their willingness to volunteer for the public service.
1. Speak up. Do not answer any questions by nodding or shaking your head. A written record must be made of the proceedings, and the cout or jury may lose the benefit of any important answer.
2. Be Honest and Candid. The judge or jury, as the case may be, will weigh your testimony only on the besis of what you say, but how you say it. Do not become angry.
3. Objections to Questions. Do not quickly say an answer to a question before the question is completed. When you observe that an objection is to be made, do not attempt to put your answer in before the objection is ruled upon. Simply remain silent during the objection untilt he court has ruled.
4. Have No Contact Whatsoever With Any Juror. Do not discuss any phase of the case in the courtroom, corridors or other public places in the vicinity because a juror might overhear your conversation.
5. Let the Lawyers Try the Lawsuit. Do not interrupt counsel by whispered suggestions or instructions or by the tugging at a jacket. Counsel welcomes and expects suggestions from you; however, such should be given by written notation plainly worded and quietly passed to counsel.
6. Dress Neatly and Cleanly.
7. Tell the truth. This cannot be stressed enough the importance of being completely honest.
8. Read and Follow the 6 Tips on Being a Good Witness.
For more information about your legal matter and what you need to do right now, call me at 443-494-9775. I will discuss and evaluate your matter.
1. DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE – You should only talk to one of your lawyers or investigators handling your case. You should require some identification so that you are sure who you are talking to.
2. LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR – You should follow as precisely as possible the advice and course of treatment advised by your doctor. Do not minimize your ailments to your doctor as it is one of the best ways of knowing how to treat you.
3. KEEP A DIARY – You shoud keep a daily or weekly record of your complaints and progress. This can be very helpful when, a year later, you will be able to recall your pain and difficulties more vividly.
4. KEEP A RECORD OF WORK DAYS LOST due to your injury.
5. KEEP A RECORD OF ALL YOUR MEDICAL BILLS – Obtain and keep duplicate copies of all medical and hospital and drug bils. You should also keep records of any other expenses you may have in connection with your accident such as the hiring of extra help. All your bills should be paid by check or your should obtain and keep receipts. You should make and keep a list of all your medical bills and the costs incurred in going to your doctor.
6. RECORD YOUR CAR REPAIR BILLS – If your automobile has not been repaired, do not do so until you are sure we have obtained pictures of it. If it has been repaired, be sure and supply us with copies of all estimates and final bills.
7. DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY TO TRAFFIC OFFENSES (without consulting an attorney)- Never plead guilty to any traffic offenses in connection with this accident, and if you are arrested call an attorney immediately to be advised.
8. SUPPLY INFORMATION ON WITNESSES – Supply immediately to an attorney the correct name and address and telephone numbers of any and al witnesses you may learn of.
9. SEND ATTORNEY PHOTOGRAPHS – Send your attorney the negatives and prints of any photographs pertaining to your case which you or any of your friends have taken. If at any time you are required to be in the hospital and are receiving any type of treatment like traction or physical therapy which can be photographed, please notify an attorney immediately.
10. TAKE CARE OF PAYING YOUR HOSPITAL AND DOCTOR BILLS (if you can) – If you have your own insurance to cover such bills, go ahead and have them paid as soon as possible. If you have sufficient funds to pay any difference in the amount covered by insurance, don’t hesitate to pay your obligations because of the lawsuit.
11. TELL YOUR ATTORNEY ADDRESS CHANGES – Keep your attorney advised of any changes in your address or telephone number.
Call Scott MacMullan Law, LLC at 443-494-9775 for further information and a free case assessment.
Nervous about testifying soon? Remember these commonsense rules.
1. Tell the truth as you remember it.
2. When you are asked a question, listen carefully and then give the answer to that question only.
3. If you are asked a question and are not sure of the answer, DO NOT GUESS.
4. If you can’t remember, say “I can’t remember.” If you don’t know, say “I don’t know.” Don’t guess.
5. Don’t try to evade a question, Don’t be afraid to admit a damaging fact if it is a fact.
6. Be Polite.