Sometimes a case comes along and reminds us that truth is often stranger than fiction. Consider for example the case of the man who was indicted and tried for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent.
The defendant, Sean Dunn, an Air Force veteran and former Justice Department paralegal, said he was protesting the federal governmentâs immigration policies. Prosecutors said he wasnât on trial for his beliefs but for âthrowing a sandwich at a federal officer at point-blank range.â
Yes, this was a real case. Yes, we used our already crowded federal court docket to have a misdemeanor jury trial for these charges. And yes, the evidence involved onions and an exploding sandwich.
It happened late one night outside a Subway restaurant (because of course it did). Dunn was caught on video yelling at officers and launching his sandwich toward a Customs and Border Protection agent. He admitted to throwing the sandwich. The prosecution took this as a confession. The defense treated it as performance art.
A grand jury refused to indict Dunn on felony charges, and the case was downgraded to a misdemeanor. At trial, the federal agent testified that the sandwich âexplodedâ on impact and left him covered in mustard and onions. âThe sandwich kind of exploded all over my uniform,â he said. âIt smelled of onions and mustard.â
Defense counsel wasnât buying it. She showed jurors a photo of the sandwich still mostly intact on the ground and asked, âSo… it didnât really explode, did it?â The agent held his ground but admitted that after the incident, his coworkers gave him a plush toy sandwich as a gag gift and a sticker that read âFelony Footlongâ. That detail might have sealed the case.
In closing arguments defense counsel summed up the defense by saying, âIf that vest will stop military rifle fire, it will certainly stop a sandwich.â The jury deliberated for seven hours before returning a not-guilty verdict. The judge had instructed that, to convict, jurors must find that Dunn acted âforciblyâ and created a âreasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.â Apparently, a little mustard and onion was not enough to meet the standard.
Stories like this provide some levity in a criminal justice system that often involves egregious acts of violence and harm. But this was not a serious case. This was a case where an officer had a mustard stain and a little onion on his shirt. It is hard to imagine the resources that were involved in bringing these charges and trying this case in a federal court system that is already overcrowded and backlogged with serious criminal charges. This case should have been settled with a wet wipe and a dry-cleaning bill.
Nearly a century after Gideon v. Wainwright affirmed the right to counsel in criminal cases, most Americans still face civil legal problems like evictions, custody disputes, domestic violence, and debt collection without any legal help. In 2022, the ABA reported that self-representation rates exceed 90% on many dockets nationwide, and a Legal Services Corporation study found that low-income Americans receive inadequate help for 92% of their civil legal issues.
Cost is the main barrier. Even modest-means clients often canât afford a lawyer, and rural âlegal desertsâ make access even harder. The traditional solution of asking lawyers to do more pro bono simply isnât enough to meet the demand. And so a number of states have come up with innovative ways to address the crisis.
This fall, the Illinois Supreme Court approved in concept a Community Justice Worker Program that will train and certify nonlawyers to provide limited legal advice in high-need areas such as family law, housing, debt, and estate planning. These community justice workers will operate within legal aid and nonprofit organizations under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
Illinois joins a growing list of more than 20 states exploring similar programs. Alaska already trains paralegals, tribal employees, and community health aides to assist under attorney supervision. Utah and Arizona have launched limited license programs for paraprofessionals, while Washingtonâs earlier LLLT initiative helped inspire these efforts.
These experiments reflect the hard truth that the âone lawyer, one client, hourly billingâ model leaves too many behind. Allowing trained, supervised nonlawyers to handle routine matters could expand access, lower costs, and free lawyers to focus on complex work.
Critics worry about quality, supervision, and scope. Those concerns are valid but manageable through clear rules and accountability. What is no longer tenable is the status quo, where millions face life-altering civil problems alone.
For the legal profession, this isnât about replacing lawyers. It is about restoring public trust and relevance. Lawyers who engage with these reforms can help shape them, ensuring that innovation and integrity go hand in hand.
As more states test new models and gather data, lawyers will play a critical role in the process. The future of access to justice will require both creativity and collaboration. Lawyers have an opportunity to lead this movement by defining standards, mentoring the next tier of helpers, and insisting on safeguards that protect the public. If we embrace these innovations with the same values that have always guided the profession, we can build a system where ordinary people donât have to navigate extraordinary problems alone.
Most lawyers start their careers assuming theyâll spend their professional lives in private practice. Itâs the traditional route that law school implicitly prepares us for and the one most new graduates feel compelled to take. But the truth is that your law degree can take you far beyond the billable hour. Some lawyers never step foot into private practice. Others spend a few years there and then discover their skills translate beautifully elsewhere.
If youâre feeling boxed in by traditional expectations or simply curious about what else is out there, here are five career options for lawyers that donât involve private practice.
1. In-House Counsel
Working as in-house counsel remains one of the most popular alternatives to law-firm life. Instead of juggling dozens of clients, you focus on one. In-house roles range from major corporations to start-ups to nonprofits.
In-house counsel can offer more predictable hours without the burden of capturing billable hours. It can also offer the opportunity to work more closely with nonlawyers in an organization and to influence broader business strategy.
2. Government Lawyer
Government roles are diverse, stable, and often deeply mission-driven. Youâll find lawyers serving as prosecutors, public defenders, agency counsel, legislative drafters, regulatory advisors, and policy analysts at the local, state, and federal levels.
As with in-house counsel, government lawyers break free of the billable hour model. Government work can also offer a steady salary and strong benefits.
3. Compliance and Risk Management
Compliance roles have grown dramatically, especially in healthcare, finance, technology, insurance, and privacy/cybersecurity. These positions focus on preventing problems, understanding the rules, training staff, developing internal policies, and keeping organizations out of trouble.
These roles play on a lawyerâs strong issue-spotting and analytical skills and ability to translate complex regulations into practical steps.
4. Legal Education, Training, and Teaching
Many lawyers find meaningful careers in teaching, training, and instructional roles across the legal profession and beyond. This includes teaching in law schools or undergraduate programs, community colleges, paralegal programs, and high schools. For lawyers with a teacherâs heart or simply those who enjoy explaining complex things clearly, this career path can feel deeply authentic.
5. Legal Tech and Innovation Roles
Legal tech is one of the fastest-growing areas for lawyers who love problem-solving, creativity, technology and the future of law. Roles range from product development to AI training, user-experience design, project management, and consulting with firms on technology adoption. If youâve ever thought, âthere has to be a better way to do this,â this field might be calling you.
The narrative that all ârealâ lawyers must practice in a firm is outdated. The profession is vast and rich with alternative paths that draw on the core strengths of analysis, communication, ethics, judgment, and problem-solving.
Whether youâre just starting out or years into practice and craving a shift, remember that your law degree doesnât confine you. It empowers you. And some of the most fulfilling legal careers happen outside the walls of private practice.
In the administration of a decedentâs estate, few safeguards are as critical – yet sometimes underestimated – as the probate bond. Whether referred to as an executorâs bond, administratorâs bond, or fiduciary bond, this instrument functions as both a legal requirement and a practical protection mechanism. For attorneys advising fiduciaries or beneficiaries, understanding the role and importance of probate bonds is essential to ensuring sound estate administration and mitigating liability risks.
1. Probate Bonds Protect Beneficiaries and Creditors
At its core, a probate bond serves to protect the estate and its interested parties from potential losses caused by the executorâs or administratorâs malfeasance, negligence, or error. When the fiduciary misappropriates assets, fails to properly account for property, or otherwise breaches their duties, the surety company issuing the bond provides financial recourse for the harmed parties.
For practitioners, this means that advising clients to secure a probate bond is not merely about meeting a court requirement – it is about establishing a critical layer of protection for heirs, legatees, and creditors alike.
2. A Tool for Fiduciary Accountability
Probate bonds underscore the fiduciary nature of estate administration. They help ensure that executors and administrators act in strict accordance with their legal obligations – collecting assets, paying valid debts, filing accurate accountings, and distributing the estate per the will or statutory scheme.
The existence of the bond itself serves as a deterrent against misconduct. The fiduciary is made aware that their actions are subject to oversight and that any breach of duty could trigger a claim and personal liability. From a lawyerâs perspective, this is a powerful means of aligning fiduciary conduct with statutory standards and ethical expectations.
3. Enhancing Confidence in the Probate Process
Even in relatively straightforward estates, disputes and mistrust among heirs can easily arise. A probate bond provides reassurance to all parties that the estate is being administered with financial accountability. This can be particularly useful for attorneys seeking to minimize litigation risks. When clients understand that a surety company stands behind the fiduciaryâs obligations, it helps reduce suspicion, foster transparency, and promote cooperative administration.
4. Statutory and Procedural Compliance
Most jurisdictions mandate probate bonds unless expressly waived by the will or by consent of all interested parties and approval of the court. Attorneys must therefore be familiar with local probate statutes and court rules regarding when and how such bonds are required, their amounts, and procedures for waiver.
5. Balancing Cost with Protection
While some clients may initially resist obtaining a probate bond due to cost concerns, it is important to emphasize that premiums are generally modest relative to the estateâs value and the protection afforded. The cost of the bond is typically paid from estate assets, and in most cases, the peace of mind and liability protection far outweigh the expense.
For attorneys guiding executors, administrators, or beneficiaries through probate, securing a probate bond should be viewed as a best practice rather than a bureaucratic step. It protects the estateâs integrity, ensures fiduciary accountability, and safeguards against claims of mismanagement.
By advising clients on the proper use and importance of probate bonds, lawyers reinforce their commitment to ethical estate administration and reduce the potential for disputes or financial loss – ensuring that the decedentâs final affairs are resolved with both legal and moral integrity.
âTwas the night before Christmas, the office was dead But visions of billables danced in my head; My time sheets had all been submitted with care, In hopes that a bonus soon would appear;
The partners were nestled all snug in their beds, But me, I was working so my kids could be fed; And I at my desk with a caffeine IV, Had just settled in to brief a Rule 12(b);
When out in the lobby there arose such a clatter, I jumped from my chair to see what was the matter; When what to my blood shot eyes should appear, But the Uber Eats driver saying dinner was here;
His parka was dusted with frost and with snow, As he handed me beef burritos from Moeâs; And now here I was in the office alone, Missing the joy and the wonder happening at home;
As the sadness set in, I started to think, My nerves and capacity are at the brink; My achy head pounded, my shoulders felt tight, Was this really where I should be on this night;
When out in the hallway, I heard someone come near, A soft, steady sound growing perfectly clear; I turned from my desk with a faint sense of dread, Expecting more work to land square on my head;
There in the doorway, a partner appeared, A strong litigator who everyone feared; What had I done now, what could possibly be wrong, For that question to be answered, it didnât take long;
He looked at my desk with a long heavy sigh, Then shook his head slowly, as if to ask why; âThese pleadings can wait, nothingâs due overnight, Go home to your family, they need you tonight;â
So I closed my computer and packed up my things, Feeling lighter already at what kindness brings; And I heard him exclaim as I walked out of sight, âMay your season be peaceful and your burdens be light.â
Ah, the holidays. A time of Black Friday deals and overspending. A time to see who can put the most blow-up Christmas figures on their lawn. A time to fit in all the holiday parties, decorate the house, host difficult family members, finish year-end tasks and billing, and do it all with a big smile on your face. I know that sounds very Grinchy. But you have to admit that there is some truth to this characterization. The poem above may feel exaggerated. For some lawyers, though, it is not that far from reality.
The holidays have, for many, become a season of excess. And all that excess creates added stress to the already stressful lives of lawyers. So, this holiday season, I want to make a suggestion. Slow down. Take time for yourself and accept that you donât have unlimited capacity and sometimes cannot get it all done in a manner that others expect. In advance of the onslaught of the holiday season, this is a time for all of us to pause and give ourselves a little grace.
Iâm not saying that this will be easy. Even without the pressures of the holidays, the demands on our time and attention are relentless. People depend on us. In addition to volunteer commitments and responsibilities we might have as caregivers for children or elderly parents, we must also be responsive to often overwhelming work demands. We are expected to get it done now and get it done right. We have deadlines that must be met. We have hearings and closings that canât be rescheduled.
Many in the lawyer well-being movement have suggested that we meet these demands by becoming more resilient. This focus on resilience building is not a bad thing. There are some realities about the practice of law that simply cannot be avoided and require a certain level of resilience.
But no matter how resilient we become, weariness and burnout can and often does set in. Our well of energy is not limitless. We all have a breaking point. We are all susceptible to burnout, depression, and fatigue. We are particularly vulnerable during the holiday season. If we donât pause in the midst of what can sometimes seem like unmanageable chaos, we are going to crash. The crash can come in the form of physical illness, mental illness, addiction, or self-sabotage. To avoid this, we need to take time to recharge and take care of ourselves. If we donât, no amount of resilience will prevent the collapse. And, when we crash, we are no longer able to serve the very people we were trying so desperately to help.
During particularly busy times like the holidays, we need to prioritize our self-care. There is a reason they tell you before a flight to put your oxygen mask on first. But this idea of putting yourself first can feel self-indulgent. Just thinking about it might make some lawyers feel a tinge of guilt or uneasiness. After all, we are trained to help others. In law school, they donât teach you how to take care of yourself. That is unfortunate. Many cases of burnout and fatigue could be avoided with some healthy boundaries and self-care.
You may be wondering what it would even look like to pause and take care of yourself. It doesnât necessarily require dramatic lifestyle changes. Many simple practices have been shown to interrupt the stress cycle, replenish mind and body, and reduce the risk of burnout. Here are a few suggestions to consider implementing before the blitz of the holidays begins. Each offers a practical and scientifically supported way to build healthy pauses in your busy days.
1. Take micro-breaks throughout the day
A 2022 meta-analysis found that micro-breaks significantly reduce fatigue and improve energy and performance. These tiny moments of rest interrupt cognitive overload and help prevent the slow buildup of exhaustion. Research suggests that office workers should get up and move for a few minutes at least once an hour to improve mood, increase energy, and sharpen focus. You donât have to go on a five-mile walk. Just take a short stroll outside or down the hall.
2. Practice slow, intentional breathing
Controlled breathing has been shown to reduce stress within minutes. Even one minute of slow breathing lowers heart rate and physiological stress, providing a quick reset during demanding days. So, when you are out in traffic heading to the mall on your lunch hour to do some Christmas shopping, stop and take some long, controlled breaths to calm your nerves. And when you are in line behind the guy who is arguing with the salesclerk about his expired sale coupon, take a deep breath.
3. Spend a few minutes in nature
We spend a lot of time in our offices. If your office is somewhere that you can get outside and into nature, take opportunities during your day for quick walks in nature. Research has shown that getting out in nature reduces symptoms of burnout.
4. Set boundaries around digital communication
After-hours email and constant digital availability can leave you feeling exhausted. Creating a no-email window in the evening, on weekends, or on vacation reduces strain and gives your mind space to recover. You might also consider turning off the notifications feature for your work email. Every time you get a ding from your email notification, your brainâs sympathetic nervous system is triggered, sending you into fight or flight response. Studies have shown that chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system is damaging to a personâs physical and mental health.
5. Engage in regular physical activity
Studies have found that regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of burnout and can increase vitality.
6. Donât overdo it with giving
There is so much pressure around the holidays to buy more, more, more. Itâs easy to get swept up in the idea that the perfect present will communicate love. But stretching your budget, your energy, or your sanity to âdo enoughâ only adds to holiday stress. Overdoing it contributes to exhaustion and resentment. And the truth is we overestimate how much others value expensive or elaborate gifts. What people actually remember is our presence, warmth, and thoughtfulness and not the price tag.
7. Take multi-day vacations
Vacation research is clear. Extended time away increases well-being and reduces burnout. A meta-analysis in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that multi-day vacations reliably improve health and mood, with benefits lasting from 2â6 weeks. Studies also show that people who take regular vacations have lower depression risk, better sleep, and reduced cardiovascular strain. So, whether it is vacation time around the holidays or during other times of the year, make sure to take time off and recharge.
As holiday commitments accelerate and the pressure to juggle work, family, and festivities reaches its peak, remember that we all have limits. Even the most resilient among us canât outrun exhaustion forever. Pausing, setting boundaries, and tending to your own well-being is not indulgent. It is essential. So, as the season unfolds, give yourself permission to slow down, do less, and choose what truly matters. Replace the burrito in the office with a real meal shared with the people you love. Let this be the year you experience peace in the midst of chaos and offer yourself the grace you so readily extend to everyone else.
