In a competitive legal job market, where candidates are asked to provide numerous references, there is a surprising group who may provide the most insightful testimonials – adversaries from previous legal cases. Typically, job applicants tend to list coworkers or former superiors who can affirm the quality of their work. On occasion however, listing adversaries as references may offer potential employers a unique vantage point into the candidate’s aptitude and professional maturity.
Speaking from personal experience, an adversary I faced during a particularly contentious litigation case was someone whose work ethic and capabilities impressed me immensely. Despite the ferocity of our legal exchanges, there was a mutual respect that persisted. When it was all over, I was surprised when he reached out and asked me to be a reference. I agreed instantly because not only did I believe I could offer unbiased insight into his abilities, but I also felt that as an adversary, my endorsement carried greater significance.
Enlisting adversaries as references extends to other aspects of the legal profession as well. For example, in a prestigious jurisdiction in which I operate, a highly coveted certification application demands reference from adversaries as a part of the process. It is likely believed that adversaries provide a more candid and detailed evaluation of a candidate’s abilities and that their endorsement carries a certain weight when determining if a candidate is worthy of a given accreditation in the legal profession.
From this insight, it can be argued that practitioners should extend courtesy to their adversaries. Not only is it ethically sound in the realm of law, but also, one’s adversaries may contribute significantly towards enhancing one’s professional reputation and prospects. Understanding your adversaries’ unique perspective on your litigation expertise and character may make a significant difference when pursuing various opportunities within the legal profession.
Original article can be found here.