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Looking for Simpler Life, Lawyer Burns Harvard Law Diploma
Posted Oct 28, 2008 2:11 PM CST
By Molly McDonough
Screen shot of YouTube video.
Ever want to ditch the rat race? Burn your diploma and take a vow of simplicity?
If you thought about it, but could never quite muster the courage to strike a match, you can live vicariously through "Jack," a Washington, D.C., a 30-something lawyer who announced on his blog in June that he is giving up his $300,000-plus annual salary and opting for a simpler life.
In Adventures in Voluntary Simplicity, Jack blogs about his excesses and exit strategies. Then on Oct. 27, he took a key symbolic step in that direction. He burned his Harvard law diploma and posted a video on YouTube for all the world to bear witness.
"I’ve been thinking about doing this, in one way or another, for a while now. But I was never really sure if I would be doing it for the right reasons. Not to mention how silly it sounded whenever I brought it up to people. But this weekend it all came together: the weather was beautiful, the trails were inviting and freedom seemed just around the corner. So I went for it," Jack writes.
"This is NOT a knock against Harvard. Or a calculated criticism of legal education. Or even a rejection of elitism, per se. Sometimes you just need to say goodbye to your past in order to move forward."
In the end, he concludes, "it was just a piece of paper."
Read the ABA Journal's Q&A with "Jack."
Hat tip Legal Blog Watch.
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Comments
Trade?
Oct 28, 2008 3:15 PM CST
You take my nice goverment attorney position and I’ll take your $300K one. I think we’ll both be MUCH happier.
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JCM
Oct 28, 2008 6:05 PM CST
He’ll be back!
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Ellen Barshevsky
Oct 29, 2008 5:01 AM CST
I think this is NOT smart. He wants to look like Mr. BIGSHOT by burning his degree, but it will COST him $ to replace it.
If I did not LIKE what I do, I would not do it. I like my job, and I like my boss, so I have NO DESIRE to change ANYTHING.
I brought in a new case invloving a company that did not receive quality merchandse and it fell apart while they were working on it, so we are wrting up a DEMAND letter to get imdemnified for it. The managing partner is working with me, and we expect to WIN.
Mabye tif his guy gets REAL cases like MINE, he would NOT want to burn up his degree. But since he is a BLOGGER, mabye he is just looking for ATTENTION.
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mike
Oct 29, 2008 11:59 AM CST
Ellen,
Wow, this guy’s lifestyle change has made you defensive about your own choices.
The difference between you and the guy featured in the article appears to be that he preferred to do something else, while you would prefer to keep your current job. I don’t think it makes sense to conclude he didn’t have “real” work…or that if he did, he wouldn’t still want to make a change.
It doesn’t sound like he’s concerned about money or replacing his degree. At his salary, I bet he has plenty still in his bank account.
This guy will have less money, more of certain other things. Let’s not be too Puritanical in our judgments, here.
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Bill Dickey
Oct 29, 2008 4:45 PM CST
I agree with Ellen. He is grandstanding and will likely regret it. No one cares for a grandstander, whether from Harvard, Howard or any other law school in between.
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zeer
Oct 29, 2008 7:21 PM CST
I understand what he did, i admit it that i had the same feeling while ago. I didn’t burn my certificate, i just quite.
I hope he have something else to do, although it’s gonna be hard to go back.
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Al Tidom
Oct 29, 2008 9:39 PM CST
The man spent good money for a Harvard education, and now look at him. Ellen is right. The man must be mishuga!
If he is on U-TUBE, maybe he is looking to go Hollywood like a lot of lawyers do. So maybe he’s not so mishuga!
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Nkaiseng Khooe
Oct 30, 2008 4:29 AM CST
At some point in my life ,i wanted to bury my degree, move to another country and start a new life…mind you I have had my degree for just a year! Guess what? Im in another country and i dont feel like that anymore. If you want ot change your lifestyle, just do it!Dont take your problems out on a defenceless piece of paper! Its not the paper, Its you! JCM i agree with you.He’ll be Back…like Arnie Schwartzwhoever!We need to watch this spot!
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Alice
Oct 30, 2008 7:56 AM CST
Just because he burned the certificate doesn’t mean he no longer has a law degree from Harvard. Duh!
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jal
Oct 31, 2008 3:08 AM CST
obviously his burning his certificate was symbolic TO HIM, and perhaps he wanted to share it since maybe there are others who feel like him (and yes, obviously, he still has his degree, and maybe he will return to law some day, maybe not), I have a JD from a top 10 and I have followed a very different path, now in international criminal law though I also taught and researched and so on, so, NOT everyone does the same thing with a law degree, but the skills learned can be useful in many fields. I agree w/ Mike that people that attack the fellow’s choices are being defensive or judgmental for whatever reasons. Why? maybe ask yourself. Einstein said if he had it to do it again he wish’d he’d been a plumber, and in case you haven’t noticed, THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS of people DO LEAVE the legal profession and go and do other things. Good for them if the practice of law in the way they have been doing it does not suit them. It takes courage to QUIT something that one has put so much time and money and effort into, and I wish him the best of luck in finding a life that is meaningful to him, who cares what anybody else thinks!
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Jack's raging bile duct
Oct 31, 2008 5:17 AM CST
I can’t believe that people still respond to “Ellen” as though “she” is a “real person”.
Oh…and kudos to “Jack” and his Fight Club influence.
“I am Jack’s complete lack of suprise.”
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Vi
Oct 31, 2008 5:27 AM CST
If you work hard for everything you achieve, you will not likely give it up easily. That is why Ellen will stay in the profession while “Jack” is not. I think Ellen has convictions to be the best lawyer she can be, while Jack is already about to move on to something else. We need more people with passion for the law, like Ellen, even if she is sometimes outspoken.
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shawty-lo
Oct 31, 2008 5:37 AM CST
huh? these comments are retarded. you guys are just jealous that jack is smarter than you, makes more money than you, and now leaves you in the dust doing somehting you detest. ha ha
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MVP
Oct 31, 2008 5:39 AM CST
I’d love to get a degree before I burn one.
- 1L
“I am Jack’s complete lack of respect for JD”
= for whoever gets the reference.
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Dan
Oct 31, 2008 6:07 AM CST
At this point, I’m convinced “Ellen” is a skilled team of comedy writers.
Anyway… A completely meaningless gesture. He still has a JD from Harvard and a law license. A year from now, if he’s living in his car and realizing he made a huge mistake, he can walk on to at least a good job - maybe not $300K, but certainly $150k or so.
So take his gesture for what it is - nothing.
I’d be much more impressed if he wrote to his state bar and resigned his license. Notice, he’s not doing that, because that would actually matter.
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michael
Oct 31, 2008 6:08 AM CST
I’ve had my degree for longer than a 30-something. Perhaps I had to struggle more to get it than he. But I didn’t go to Harvard either. I’ve never had a $300k job, so I guess I cannot fathom what he thinks he’s giving up. Life is full of choices, and I do not denigrate or belittle his, but for me, I’m happy with my legal career. Sure, I might change someday, but tha would require a great deal more savings, which was perhaps easier to do with a $300k a year salary…
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DEH
Oct 31, 2008 6:12 AM CST
This discussion seems to beg the question: is “lawyer” “what you do” or “what you are?” For Jack, It’s what he does. For Ellen it’s what she is. What about you?
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Tim
Oct 31, 2008 6:38 AM CST
You don’t need a Harvard diploma when Obama is president. Obama will redistribute the wealth from the rich lawyers to the working class.
Vote Obama - take the rich lawyers money and give it to the poor people.
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The Logical Nebraskan
Oct 31, 2008 6:43 AM CST
Ellen didn’t take the time today to THROW in that last GREAT paragraph about her BOYFRIEND like usual? I’m surprised. At LEAST the arbitrary use of CAPS is in full-force.
As to “Jack”... when he wakes up in a couple weeks, he can always order a new diploma. It’s just paper, after all, right? Phew. I think lately, Symbolism is the only thing that has prospered in this country, so after we finish burning all of our law degrees (I’ll have two by May!), let’s all put on our flag lapel pins, slap a magnetic ribbon on our SUVs, and arrange some more great photo-ops (or YouTube-ops, as the case may be).
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Bitter Barrister
Oct 31, 2008 6:51 AM CST
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RMV
Oct 31, 2008 6:58 AM CST
There have been many MANY times that I have wanted to burn my law school diploma. But it’s not because I want a simpler life, it’s because I want a job. I can’t even get a job as an administrative assistant, let alone as a lawyer. I am told that I either don’t have enough experience (for attorney jobs) or am overqualified (for non-attorney jobs like administrative assistant).
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ivyboy
Oct 31, 2008 6:58 AM CST
I’da burned it too.
- Yale grad.
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WJB
Oct 31, 2008 7:12 AM CST
How many lawyers even know where their law school diploma is?
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BC
Oct 31, 2008 7:16 AM CST
Moderator, seriously CAN you PLEASE delete all of ELLEN’s messages.
Also, good for this guy.
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Hadley V. Baxendale
Oct 31, 2008 7:21 AM CST
Maybe he figured out that by working 80 hours a week, he had two jobs at $150K each. I’d quit one shift and be happier.
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Mo
Oct 31, 2008 7:25 AM CST
Just two questions: did Jack pay for Harvard or did his parents? If the latter, did he pay them back with all the money he earned?
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U.Va. Grad
Oct 31, 2008 7:27 AM CST
Love Yale grad’s comment.
There’s more to life than making $300K per year, but let jack take an “ordinary” non-lawyer job earning $30 or $40 K for a couple of years, and he may repent his decision.
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jujujinglejip
Oct 31, 2008 7:29 AM CST
Ellen….your incessant use of capitalized words for emphasis is unbearably annoying.
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tyler
Oct 31, 2008 7:29 AM CST
I am Jack’s obvious need for external gratification.
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Chicago 2L
Oct 31, 2008 7:30 AM CST
I have a relatively laissez-faire attitude about what Jack did. Grandstanding - yes, so what? Beneficial for him - maybe, and? What’s interesting is the insinuation by Bill at #5 that Howard law school is on the opposite end of the continuum with respect to HLS. I don’t attend either Harvard or Howard, but the jab at Howard seems a bit unfair.
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slm
Oct 31, 2008 7:30 AM CST
i agree with Bitter. Stop complaining, pair up and get back to work. A lot of people who don’t have jobs right now would love to be in your place.
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U.Va. Grad
Oct 31, 2008 7:32 AM CST
P.S. A commercial breach of warranty case! Wow!! Ellen’s life sounds REALLY exciting!!!
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captain obvious
Oct 31, 2008 7:37 AM CST
Did anyone else notice that “Jack” redacted his name prior to burning his diploma in this, effectively, public manner?
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turdadactyl
Oct 31, 2008 7:38 AM CST
It’s somewhat amusing to me that in this age of technology the moderators/directors of this site can’t figure out that “Ellen” is using them every week as a massive Google Bomb to drive traffic to her site.
On topic…who cares? It’s just a piece of paper. It doesn’t take away his JD or his license. As for the decision…if it’s what he wants, good for him for going after it.
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Ellen Barshevsky Superfan
Oct 31, 2008 7:41 AM CST
Oh Ellen, why do you post these jewels and then never stick around for the discussion? Please, give us a follow-up once in a while.
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Kevin
Oct 31, 2008 7:42 AM CST
The day of Obama’s inauguration he’s going to be sending out his army of thugs to begin the confiscation of personal property.
They’re going to come into your house and take your TV and xBox. These items will be redistributed to those who cannot afford to purchase such things with their Welfare checks.
Poor people are going to be bussed into nice middle class neighborhoods at dinner time every night. You will be required to let them join your family for dinner.
They will be bringing their dirty laundry with them. You will be required to wash, dry, and fold it for them.
You will be required to adopt 3 poor minority children and add them to your health insurance policy.
When a poor person needs the use of a car, you will be required to let them use yours. You must give it to them with a full tank of gas.
Since you don’t need your house while you’re off working every day, you will be required to let homeless people have free access to your home during working hours.
You will be required to leave them a prepared meal and clean towels.
Sorry, had to be done. The guys posting on this blog about Obama stealing all your money are cracking me up.
I’m voting for Ellen for president anyway.
P.S. - The time it took for this guy to burn is HLS degree he probably could have been busy making my yearly salary by placing a few phone calls and drafting a complaint.
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Stephen O'Donnell
Oct 31, 2008 7:44 AM CST
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NLJ
Oct 31, 2008 7:49 AM CST
Honestly, it is just a piece of paper. When it all boils down to it, he can call the Office of the Register and request another copy. No matter what he burns or decisions in life he makes, he will always be a Harvard Law grad.
I believe it was just a symbolic way for him to cement what he wants to do next with his life. But as we all know…that can change too.
Kudos to anyone who re-evaluates what they are doing regardless of their end decision.
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Older Guy
Oct 31, 2008 7:54 AM CST
BFD. If he took HLS off his resume, then I’d be impressed.
My HLS diploma is in a box (in a tube, I think)with a ton of other crap from my overachieving life. I’ll pull it out one day to show my kids, then shove it back in.
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Don Richardson
Oct 31, 2008 8:00 AM CST
I wouldn’t mind a change, myself - of scenery, career, and lifestyle - but I would never burn my diploma from the University of Texas. I won’t say I loved every minute of the time I spent there, but the fact is, it was a very formative period of my life. I learned a little bit about the law, and a whole lot about myself. And looking back on it - yes, I guess I loved it. No regrets.
I understand, in a way, where Jack is coming from. I’ve been there. I just wouldn’t handle it the same way. But still - Jack, if you’re sure, then good for you - and best of luck in whatever path you choose.
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EllenHater
Oct 31, 2008 8:02 AM CST
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Ellen Barshevsky Superfun
Oct 31, 2008 8:02 AM CST
TO: LOGICAL NEBRASKAN. WHERE IS NEBRASKA ANYWAY!
SO YOU think that I should STICK around. FORGET IT. My boyfriend says that I AM LUNY but he likes my ankles. MY BIG SHOT HARVARD GUY WITH HIS PUNT $300K will be looking for his nearest STARBUCKS within a week, but MR. SELF-INDULGENT won’t be able to AFFORD IT.
SO DRINK YOUR COFFEE AT HOME BEFORE YOU GO TO WORK. ME? I am working on my BIG CASE with MY BIG DEAL BOSS and we are going to mete out JUSTICE FOR ALL!
Any way, my boyfriend,. who is eight years younger than me - HE’S SO COZY TO CUDDLE! He works in the PUBLISHING industry as an editor and HE LIKES MY WRITING. SO THERE. YOU ARE JUST A LOUSY SEXIST! AND ELITIST. GO OBAMA!
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T Durden
Oct 31, 2008 8:04 AM CST
I am ELLEN’s obvious need for CAPITALIZATION
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Arkansas Lawyer
Oct 31, 2008 8:05 AM CST
My book containing all of Ellen’s comments will hit the shelves this summer.
My second book will contain the responses from all of those newbie’s who have chosen to respond to her postings.
Once I have made enough money off of these two works I will be able to burn not just one diploma but ALL of them.
Thanks Ellen!! You are the reason I still read this weekly newsletter and all of the posts.
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Bailey
Oct 31, 2008 8:12 AM CST
Kevin, if that’s all you earn, you may qualify for Obama’s redistribution plan. You might get to have dinner with me. Do you like fried chicken?
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Ellen Barshevsky Superfun
Oct 31, 2008 8:14 AM CST
WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON with all these states NEBRASKA and ARKANSAS. SO, they GIVE diplomas in ARKANSAS. PROBABLY only to to MEN. WOMEN HAVE NOTHING TO BURN BUT THEIR BRAS! I have to go to work now, so don’t wait for anymore RESPONSES! GO OBAMA - He’s a man for all men and WOMEN!
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fc
Oct 31, 2008 8:19 AM CST
Nice fight club reference earlier.
“Everyday is just a copy of a copy of a copy”. I’m presuming this is why he got out.
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Carrollyn
Oct 31, 2008 8:25 AM CST
I help real people solve real problems. We draft special needs trusts to supplement the “bare necessities” life that medicaid provides. We represent small companies and treat them like they were our family. We listen, advise, write letters and briefs. We make a difference and we find satisfaction in doing so.
The money’s not as good as what he was making and we sometimes skip paychecks, but we are putting our Duke, William & Mary and Richmond law schools educations to good, satisfactory use.
Life is not in the accolades and the certificates and the checks, it’s in taking what you have and trying to untangle the legal morass this country has gotten itself into!
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Mary Humphreys
Oct 31, 2008 8:27 AM CST
Good Move!!! The “trails” not “trials” and bucks(and does as in deer) not ‘300K’ will bring you much more joy. Welcome home to the most satisfying life.
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cc
Oct 31, 2008 8:28 AM CST
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