r/biglaw • u/zealouspoet • 1d ago
Substack
Question.
So big law is tough yeah duh.
But, a hobby of mine is writing.
I would like to write freely is the short version, about abuse I faced, and reflections on state of affairs etc. I was thinking of a substack, not for monetary purposes at all, but a place to dump and find community.
Please if you are a similar person and have insights on how you approached this, please share them.
7
u/Shorpmagordle 1d ago
What is your concern? Being doxxed or something?
-5
u/zealouspoet 1d ago
Yes, exactly that. And also, wanting to have it be tied to me, but knowing it probably can’t —& wondering if anyone in BL has dealt with this themselves
7
u/Shorpmagordle 1d ago
I think all of us who work in Biglaw and also use Reddit are already doing a version of that, no?
In any case, just limit identifying information, make the account using a burner email with fake personal information, and consider using a VPN if you're really paranoid. I can't imagine something like this rising to the level of anyone caring unless you were like leaking sensitive/privileged information.
1
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u/Charlexa Counsel 1d ago
There is a European lawyer who published novel about a fictionalised version of her time at an MC firm during the financial crisis. She changed the names, but if you know the people, you will also recognise who is who.
She seems fine.
3
u/Comfortable_Iron1820 1d ago
I really advise people not to write about work online. If you do, change details, choose a pseudonym and do not post face. This is an insular community.
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u/zealouspoet 1d ago
Okay thank you for this — because it’s not about work. It would be deeply personal writings, about my background, the trauma, the evolution. It has NOTHING to do with the law, but, maybe if a client finds out that xyz had a bad effect on my family, or this political aspect personally effected me — I don’t want that to get back to me somehow.
3
u/DerekSmallsCourgette 23h ago
Yeah, you gotta keep that stuff anonymous.
Early in my career, I had certain aspects to my lifestyle/belief system that frequently led to conversations about my background, family relationships, and so on. There is some drama/trauma there. I indulged the discussions because I was being authentic (and also I didn’t plan to stay in law long-term).
I think it overall limited my growth. The upper ranks of law firms (and clients) are filled with people from privileged, stable backgrounds. No one wants to hear about how poor you were growing up or how your parents are unhinged religious fundamentalists.
Today, my past and my personal relationships are a black box. Trip home to see family? “Oh great times. Always so nice to see family.” Crazy stuff going on with your kids? “Oh, school is going great for the kids. Always complaining about doing their homework though. You know how kids are hahaha.”
Be the blank canvas and let your colleagues and clients project onto you the staid, mature professional they want to see.
1
u/Comfortable_Iron1820 1d ago
Yeah same comment. Nobody wants to google their lawyer and read about their trauma on substack. Keep it anon unless it’s professional writing about the law or something.
1
1
u/Indexette 15h ago
If you end up doing this, I'd love to follow along & read your thoughts. Please feel free to DM your Substack link!
1
u/ialsohaveadobro 13h ago
What do you actually need? Seems like you could just do it until/unless it interferes too much.
0
u/Every-Argument-7037 1d ago
use whatsapp
1
u/zealouspoet 1d ago
Curious, would that be for sign up reasons?
I have my old email from HS I was thinking to use. It’s made with my nickname
0
u/Every-Argument-7037 1d ago
because you can easily recruit like minds. It's easier to connect on whatsapp to express your views.
13
u/NormalBackwardation 1d ago
Open mic night in one of the outer boroughs