There are stereotypes about Lawyers that seem to discourage people in the legal profession as well as young people considering a future in law. For those of us in the field of law, many feel that conformity and peer pressure excuse us from claiming our destiny to make a difference in the lives of our people. However, the exceptions, like Gandhi, Lincoln and Clarence Darrow, for example, are of epic proportions. Gandhi was a barrister and a highly evolved thinker, writer and activist. Many lawyers work for change (although not all of it is altruistic.) Lawyers are trained in the theory and practice of both change and non-change; both rigid thinking and openmindedness.
Some people believe that the work and role of lawyers derive from the tradition of the shaman, the holder of powerful words, and that there remains great positive power in the role of attorney. I am currently a healing bodyworker and writer, but my years in legal work were very gratifying and cutting edge. Rather than perpetuate prejudice against lawyers, let's be open to progress with social justice through stronger focus on the spirit of the law, rather than mechanistic application of laws designed to help the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
In the meantime, let's revel in the diversity and creativity of lawyers whose lives bring other careers and/or spiritual practices into the mix. Some famous law school graduates who are best known for other endeavors:
- Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Philosopher and Political Reformer
- James Boswell (1740-1795) Biographer of Samuel Johnson
- Francis Bacon (1561-1626) British Philosopher
- Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) Statesman, Saint
- Rene Descartes (1596-1650) Philosopher, Scientist
- Cicero (106 BCE - 43 BCE) Roman Philosopher, Statesman
- Patrick Henry (1736-1799) Statesman, American Revolutionary
- Noah Webster (1758-1843) Political Writer, Lexicographer
- A total of 25 US Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln
- Jeremy Bentham (1749-1932) Social Philosopher
- Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) Historian, Social Philosopher
- Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) Novelist, Poet
- Franz Kafka (1883-1924) Author
- Washington Irving (1783-1859) Short Story Author, Essayist
- Jules Verne (1828-1905) Science Fiction Author
- Studs Terkel (1912 - ) Author, Historian
- Erle Stanley Gardner (1889-1970) Author of Detective Stories
- Robert Traver (1903-1991) Author, "Anatomy of a Murder"
- John Grisham (1955 - ) NovelistScott Turow (1949 - ) Author
- Louis Auchincloss (1917 - ) Novelist, Historian
- Daniel Boorstin (1914-2004) Historian, Writer
- Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Novelist, Poet
- John Wesley Hardin (1853-1895) Outlaw and Gunfighter
- Marcus L. Urann ( 1873-1963) Inventor of cranberry sauce, founded Phi Kappa Phi
- Chester Carlson (1906-1968) Inventor of xerography
- Hillary Rodham Clinton (1947 - ) Politician, Author
- Bella Abzug (1920-1998) Activist and Politician
- Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) Politician and Writer
- Alice Paul (1885-1977) Suffragist and Author of Equal Rights Amendment
- Carol Mosely Braun (1947 - ) Politician
- Ann Coulter (1961 - ) Author, political commentator
- Conde Nast (1873-1942) early Publisher of Vanity Fair and Vogue
- Mortimer Zuckerman (1937 - ) Publisher of US News & World Report
- Sam Houston (1793-1863) Statesman, Soldier and Politician
- J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) FBI Director
- Ralph Nader (1934 - ) Consumer Advocate and Political Activist
- Catharine A. MacKinnon (1946 - ) Feminist, Legal Philosopher
- John Cleese (1939 - ) Comedic Actor, Writer, co-founder of Monty Python
- Paul Robeson (1898- 1976) Author, Athlete, Singer/Performer, Civil Rights Activist
- Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981) Songwriter, Pianist and Bandleader
- Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) Author, composer of "Star Spangled Banner"
- Peter I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Composer
- Julio Iglesias (1943 - ) Singer
- Kay Kyser (1905-1985) "Big Band" Leader, Radio Celebrity
- Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Artist
- Otto Preminger (1906-1986) Actor, Movie Director
- Max Ehrmann (1872-1945) Poet, author of "Desiderata"
- Tony La Russa (1944 - ) Baseball Manager
- Steve Young (1961 - ) Pro Football Quarterback
- Pat Haden (1953 - ) Pro Football Quarterback
- Dick Button (1929 - ) Champion Figure Skater and Sports Commentator
- Howard Cosell (1918-1995) Sports Commentator
- Mel Allen (1913-1996) Sports Announcer
- Jerry Springer (1944 - ) Television Personality, Politician
- Star Jones (1962 - ) Television Personality
- Charlie Rose (1942 - ) Television Journalist, Interviewer
- Ben Stein (1944 - ) Author, Television Personality, Game Show Host
- Geraldo Rivera (1943 - ) Television Journalist/Personality
- Fred Dalton Thompson (1942 - ) Politician, Actor
- Fidel Castro (1926 - ?) Cuban Leader
- Rossano Brazzi (1916-1994) Actor
- Horace McMahon (1906-1971) Actor - Stage, Film and Television
Major source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lawyers.If you are aware of other famous people who are also lawyers, but known for something other than the practice of law, please let me know and I'll add them to this list. divineprimates@aol.com
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