A Current History of Law and Litigation with Steven Harper

Professionalism, engagement, civility, business, profit, greed, and justice: these are all words you could overhear in a discussion regarding the legal profession today. Steven Harper, a retired ‘Big Law’ attorney shares his insight and observations over a legal career that afforded him unique opportunities and perspective. Are we still on course in service, or are we close to the edge of big business and corporate greed? What would a lawyer like Steven Harper tell his son, daughter, or neighbor’s kid who wants to go to law school? Topics covered on this show: 1)    Law school and the lawyer bubble; 2) Growing lawyer dissatisfaction; 3) Big law firm trends that make things worse; 4) Recent news about big firms in trouble. Steven J. Harper is an author, attorney, contributing editor to The American Lawyer, and adjunct professor at Northwestern University’s Law School and Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. He graduated from Northwestern (with a combined B.A./M.A. in economics) and Harvard Law School (magna cum laude).A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he was a litigator at Kirkland & Ellis LLP for 30 years before retiring in 2008. In addition to more than 75 articles, he has written three books: Crossing Hoffa – A Teamster’s Story; The Partnership; and The Lawyer Bubble. Steven is also the author of the award-winning blog, “The Belly of the Beast.” Link: http://thebellyofthebeast.wordpress.com/. Sponsor: Chris McCarthy of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Chris McCarthy provides individuals and business owners with expert guidance and exclusive access to Northwestern Mutual’s life and disability insurance policies. The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI.