For most people, there comes a time when you realize you have gone about as far as you can go in your chosen career. It’s a jarring moment if, like many lawyers, you have always had success in school and work and imagined you can go as far as you want. Sometimes it is also called a midlife crisis.
Finding your niche
Managing Partners are Navigating the AI Inflection Point.
New executive research from Ari Kaplan explores how law firm leaders are responding to changing client expectations, evolving economics, talent transformation, and AI governance.
This one isn’t made of glass,
It’s concrete.
And maybe it’s more of a floor than a ceiling.
Either way, you’re only shuffling sideways now.
All your ambition, your pride,
Has got you here.
Your years of study,
Your countless hours of practice,
Your many many sacrifices
In the name of Success.
And where is here?
A 15th-year associate,
A VP corporate counsel,
Maybe even a partner or GC,
And that’s it.
You’re a fixed mark,
Everything in its right place,
Predetermination, destiny,
Call it want you want,
You’ve found your niche.
Bow your head I say,
And look for your salvation somewhere else.
AI Is Reshaping Legal Practice—But Tools Aren’t The Real Differentiator.
Explore the mindset, cultural shifts, and training strategies that define the AI‑savvy lawyer, revealing why human judgment, standardized competence, and integrated learning—not technology alone—will shape the future of the profession.
Qui Tam, a weekly column of poetry about the legal profession, is penned by an arrogant T1 law graduate, former Biglaw associate, and current in-house lawyer. You can reach Qui Tam by email:[email protected].