A recent petition is sparking discussions within the American Bar Association (ABA) over language used to label professionals in the legal industry. The petition, started by Olga Mack, a fellow at the Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and Damien Riehl, vice president and solutions champion at legal tech platform vLex, has highlighted the use of the term ‘non-lawyer’ as one that requires reconsideration.
The pair suggest that the use of this term generates an us-versus-them sentiment within the legal community that, intentionally or not, can create feelings of exclusion. They argue that by addressing non-law practitioner colleagues with this handle, the perception implies a de-valued role in the legal ecosystem, which in turn may limit their professional progression and development.
The implication of such labeling can stretch beyond internal psychology, impacting professional relationships and potentially fostering negativity within the workplace. It is a call to reconsider how language is used within the profession, and how it can influence perception, value and respect among colleagues.
Their crusade has brought attention to the importance of inclusivity and respect in profession-specific language and encourages a renewed awareness of communication in the legal industry.