5 Leadership Lessons Small Law Firms Can Learn from Atticus Finch
It is quite difficult to think of a fictional character that bares more gentleness, and courage in
standing up for what is truly right than Atticus Finch. He is “leadership” itself, so to say, since he
embodies all the necessary traits. Perhaps this is the reason every small law firm can look up to
his teachings and learn from them.
• Be the Example to Give an Example
From whom to learn this if not from the best father figure in fictional literature, who was the
good example his kids needed? Being a leader must be understood as a great honor, and you
have to work hard to not fail those looking up to you.
As he taught his children to love reading by reading every night himself, this is how you should
proceed in setting an example for your employees. You must set integrity as a priority in your
work environment, and all the pieces will fall in their place. All the little examples he gave
throughout this life made him the perfect role model.
You Have To Get Even the Dirty Job Done
It shouldn’t be news that a good leader mustn’t be afraid of getting even the worst of jobs done.
There is truly no better way to motivate others. For example, the case of Tom Robinson that
Finch took – there was nothing else that would subject someone to ridicule and derision like
defending an African-American in the 1930’s American South.
But good and fair representation was given to him since he had the luck of having a lawyer who
had a fair view of the world. It is no mystery that doing the dirty job gets you the respect. And a
leader that is respected will listen by those who work for him.
Be Empathetic
If being an effective leader is what you wish to achieve, then the first step is to put your
neighbors first and try to step in their shoes for once.
Atticus was a strong believer in the idea that you can never understand a person until you
consider things from their point of view. The heartwarming examples of empathy shown by
Atticus throughout the book serve to a vivid and better understanding of how exactly you should
mold your internal structure to become a good leader.
He took the defense of a man who was about to be hanged and tried to see the good in him.
Integrity
Perhaps one of the most important lessons that he taught the world was that like him, a person
should be “the same in his house as he was on the public streets.”
Atticus was honest. People trust him always to do the right thing, to always take the right
decision and to tell them the truth. Atticus faced numerous difficult situations, including
defending a man who he knows will be found guilty. But he did all drove by integrity and
honesty.
Although it might be difficult for a Seattle criminal lawyer, it is imperative to have integrity
since losing it from a leadership position means that others can’t be held to too high standards –
the power of example, again. Whenever you are dealing with a difficult case, it is important to
handle your clients and their needs with honesty. A certain level of transparency is required, and
losing the integrity equals to losing the authority.
Moral Courage
Doing what’s right even when it’s difficult – that’s the catch. Perseverance always pays off and
leaves failure behind. Atticus Finch shows you how intellectual courage is even more important
than the physical one. When he is defeated in court, he doesn’t give up but continues to fight for
the things he believes in.
Any lawyer has to face a difficult case at some point or another. Don’t throw the towel just
because doing the right thing is too hard. When these moments come, simply adjust your
strategy. Try to look at your case from another perspective and figure out what needs to be done.
But, most importantly, have the courage to be a little brave than you might normally be.
Atticus Finch is probably one of the most beloved characters in literature. He may not be real,
but his teachings are, and lawyers can learn a thing or two from him about leadership.
What other important lessons do you think lawyers can learn from Atticus Finch? Share your
thoughts in the comment section below.
It is quite difficult to think of a fictional character that bares more gentleness, and courage in
standing up for what is truly right than Atticus Finch. He is “leadership” itself, so to say, since he
embodies all the necessary traits. Perhaps this is the reason every small law firm can look up to
his teachings and learn from them.
• Be the Example to Give an Example
From whom to learn this if not from the best father figure in fictional literature, who was the
good example his kids needed? Being a leader must be understood as a great honor, and you
have to work hard to not fail those looking up to you.
As he taught his children to love reading by reading every night himself, this is how you should
proceed in setting an example for your employees. You must set integrity as a priority in your
work environment, and all the pieces will fall in their place. All the little examples he gave
throughout this life made him the perfect role model.
You Have To Get Even the Dirty Job Done
It shouldn’t be news that a good leader mustn’t be afraid of getting even the worst of jobs done.
There is truly no better way to motivate others. For example, the case of Tom Robinson that
Finch took – there was nothing else that would subject someone to ridicule and derision like
defending an African-American in the 1930’s American South.
But good and fair representation was given to him since he had the luck of having a lawyer who
had a fair view of the world. It is no mystery that doing the dirty job gets you the respect. And a
leader that is respected will listen by those who work for him.
Be Empathetic
If being an effective leader is what you wish to achieve, then the first step is to put your
neighbors first and try to step in their shoes for once.
Atticus was a strong believer in the idea that you can never understand a person until you
consider things from their point of view. The heartwarming examples of empathy shown by
Atticus throughout the book serve to a vivid and better understanding of how exactly you should
mold your internal structure to become a good leader.
He took the defense of a man who was about to be hanged and tried to see the good in him.
Integrity
Perhaps one of the most important lessons that he taught the world was that like him, a person
should be “the same in his house as he was on the public streets.”
Atticus was honest. People trust him always to do the right thing, to always take the right
decision and to tell them the truth. Atticus faced numerous difficult situations, including
defending a man who he knows will be found guilty. But he did all drove by integrity and
honesty.
Although it might be difficult for a Seattle criminal lawyer, it is imperative to have integrity
since losing it from a leadership position means that others can’t be held to too high standards –
the power of example, again. Whenever you are dealing with a difficult case, it is important to
handle your clients and their needs with honesty. A certain level of transparency is required, and
losing the integrity equals to losing the authority.
Moral Courage
Doing what’s right even when it’s difficult – that’s the catch. Perseverance always pays off and
leaves failure behind. Atticus Finch shows you how intellectual courage is even more important
than the physical one. When he is defeated in court, he doesn’t give up but continues to fight for
the things he believes in.
Any lawyer has to face a difficult case at some point or another. Don’t throw the towel just
because doing the right thing is too hard. When these moments come, simply adjust your
strategy. Try to look at your case from another perspective and figure out what needs to be done.
But, most importantly, have the courage to be a little brave than you might normally be.
Atticus Finch is probably one of the most beloved characters in literature. He may not be real,
but his teachings are, and lawyers can learn a thing or two from him about leadership.
What other important lessons do you think lawyers can learn from Atticus Finch? Share your
thoughts in the comment section below.
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