What was it like to be a lawyer in 2015? Seward & Kissel set out to answer this question for future generations when they commemorated their 125th anniversary with a time capsule intended for lawyers in 2140. Remarkably, the items enclosed already feel dated to legal professionals in 2024, offering a fascinating glimpse into how quickly the legal industry can evolve.
The New York-based firm originally intended to bury the capsule in 2015, but due to various reasons, it was only recently buried outside their downtown Manhattan office. The event, attended by the firm’s New York and D.C. offices, featured an address by managing partner Jim Cofer, who detailed some of the capsule’s contents.
The contents offer a nostalgic look back at the tools and tokens that shaped a Biglaw lawyer’s life just nine years ago. Among the relics was a BlackBerry, a device that once seemed indispensable but had already become obsolete by 2016 when the company announced the end of its product line. The idea that lawyers carried multiple devices—for work and personal use—now seems almost ludicrous to newer generations of associates.
Another item in the capsule is a deal toy, a formerly ubiquitous token that marked the closing of transactions. These souvenirs, although considered somewhat tacky, served as mementos of long hours spent in the office. A physical copy of the Zagat’s restaurant guide from 2015 was also included. Zagat has not published a physical guide since 2020, underscoring how business and social customs have evolved even in a short span of time.
As Seward & Kissel emcee Steve Nadel noted, future attorneys may find this time capsule even more bewildering. However, the exercise serves as a reminder of how the legal profession continues to change, influenced by technology and cultural shifts. It also underscores the transient nature of the profession, highlighting that while the mechanics evolve, the human element—the people and their contributions—remains constant.
For a detailed list of the time capsule items, you can visit Above the Law.