Finding Purpose in Your Law Career | Glenn Katon (Civil Rights Lawyer)

For years, you've been building your law career: head down, focused, years of commitment and perseverance.

But are you sure you're where you need to be?

Perhaps you know already: 'This is the best place, the best people and the best work for me, right now.' Which is a wonderful feeling, and something we're all striving for.

But if you find yourself trying to fit in, to stay true to yourself and your values, to find more meaning in law work, you're not alone.

Glenn Katon experienced this himself, and took the bold step, when the time was right, to make a change. Glenn was a trial lawyer for 10 years before turning his focus, and practice, to civil rights law for the past 15 years. Many of Glenn’s cases have challenged high profile civil rights abuses, and he has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Newsweek, among other publications.

Today, we talk about the challenges, both systemic and cultural, facing civil rights litigation, and how to navigate these obstacles. 

But our discussion always circles back to this question of, "How do you really find your passion?" 

If you're not where you want to be right now: start exploring.

"You have to be willing to not take the safest route. You can find a way to community, and then it just becomes a matter of how much are you willing to go off the beaten path."

In this episode, we discuss:

◼️ How Glenn's upbringing in Brooklyn impacted his worldview.
◼️ How Glenn was able to transition from corporate law to civil rights law.
◼️ Why civil rights lawyers face unique struggles in their work.
◼️ That finding a community in law can help you guide career transitions.
◼️ Why qualified immunity presents significant challenges in civil rights litigation.
◼️ The undermining of constitutional rights, as protected in the 4th, 5th and 14th amendments.

Chapters

00:00 From Corporate Law to Civil Rights Advocacy
02:57 The Impact of Glenn's Upbringing on His Career
10:12 The Rocking Chair Test: Reflecting on Career Choices
19:48 Finding Your Passion in Law
30:13 Navigating Qualified Immunity in Civil Rights Cases
39:46 The Importance of Authenticity in the Courtroom
49:46 Advice for Young Lawyers

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