October 19, 2006

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Why Join A Law Firm When You Can Be A Monk Instead?

I teach a Kaplan LSAT Prep course every Tuesday at Catholic University. Sometimes while the students are taking a quiz, I peruse the pamphlets that are stored in a rack in the hall outside the classroom. Tuesday, I came across a pamphlet inducing its reader to become a Capuchin ("hooded") Franciscan brother, and I read through it with interest. As I came upon each new point, I became increasingly wowed by how similar the experience sounded to joining a law firm. Indeed, firms and this brotherhood advertise all of the same things when trying to get people to join their program:

The pamphlet contained several separate leaves, each of which presented information about the brotherhood. For instance, one of the leaves was labeled, "Historical Highlights," and presented an historical overview of the founding of the Capuchin Franciscan order. Kind of like a law firm. Compare:

• Monks: "St. Francis of Assisi founded his order of priests and brothers in 1209. Capuchin Franciscans are a reform movement founded in 1528... There have been over 20 declared Capuchin Saints and Blesseds throughout our history. Over 14,000 Capuchins worldwide. 7 Provinces in the Uniteed States... the Province of St. Mary serves New York and New England where there are 150 Capuchins in 22 ministerial sites as well as friars in mission territories."
• Lawyers: "Established in the heart of Silicon Valley in 1972, the firm was founded by four visionary attorneys who moved to Palo Alto to establish a practice in the geographic area they believed was destined to become the technology epicenter. The Firm's history is inextricably entwined with the growth of technology in Silicon Valley"

There was also a leaf labeled "Fraternity" that spoke about the social aspects of the order/firm. Compare again:

• Monks: "Our communities average 3 to 5 brothers living together for fraternal support. We gather for prayer together 2 or 3 times each day. All meals are taken in common. All goods are held in common. Each friar's unique talents are recognized and used for the common good."
• Lawyers: "We're... small enough to maintain a collegial work environment, one where you'll know all the members of your team... [O]ur firm culture emphasizes cooperation among team members... [W]e encourage you to explore your interests across practice groups and find the ones that suit you best."

Both firms and Catholic brotherhoods claim to have strong pro-bono commitments:

• Monks: "We serve the needs of all with special emphasis being placed on the poor and marginalized."
• Lawyers: "For more than 30 years, [redacted] has served its community by offering legal services to persons and organizations that could not otherwise afford effective legal counsel. We recognize that providing legal services is not only an essential part of our professional responsibility, but also an excellent opportunity to gain valuable practical experience, learn new areas of the law and contribute to the community."

Both have ample opportunities for social interaction:

• Monks: "Opportunities for Eucharistic adoration offered frequently. Also, yearly mandatory retreat."
• Lawyers: "Past summer events have included sailing excursions on the San Francisco Bay, white water rafting, a Yosemite weekend, Napa Valley wine tasting, cooking classes, baseball games, concerts, Shakespeare in the Park and numerous informal dinners and barbecues at our lawyers' homes."

Both have good training programs that allow the individual to experience a variety of work:

• Monks: "Use his summer to serve in a variety of ministeries, including total immersion in another culture.... Classes, workshops, ministerial experiences and various prayer opportunities."
• Lawyers: "Because [redacted] is a full-service law firm, we devote considerable efforts to in-house education and training. Summer Associates are encouraged to attend any and all of our in-house training programs."

Both have various locations from which to choose:

• Monks: "Visiting a number of friaries regularly in order to get to know many Capuchin Franciscans and their ministeries."
• Lawyers: "Ensuring that you spend time in both of our offices... our... headquarters, located in California's famed Silicon Valley, and our San Francisco office, located in the Financial District of one of the most beautiful cities in the world."

Both are open to applicants from various backgrounds, and each has some specific criteria in mind:

• Monks: "Spiritual Direction, involvement in parish and frequent reception of the Sacraments are strongly encouraged... If interested in applying for postulancy, candidates are asked to do so by January of the year he plans to apply."
• Lawyers: "[Redacted] seeks law students with excellent academic credentials who will thrive in an entrepreneurial, full-service Silicon Valley law firm... In the late summer and fall, [redacted] will participate in a variety of law student recruiting efforts."

And finally, each has a process for determining whether or not the individual will stay on a more permanent basis:

• Monks: "At the conclusion of the year temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are professed."
• Lawyers: "After all Summer Associates have completed their stay here at [redacted], the Hiring Committee works promptly to make decisions about offers for full-time employment while the experience of the summer is still fresh in everyone's minds."

So of the two, which would you choose? Personally, I've made my choice, but the Order does look quite attractive. I wonder whether they'd mind that I'm an atheistic Jew?

Posted at October 19, 2006 1:36 AM | Comments (4)

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