The anecdote that truly resonated with the lawyer I hope to become in practice is the story of President Abraham Lincoln’s magnanimous behavior toward General Lee. I think that a common occurrence in today’s world is to seek out revenge against someone who has hurt or mistreated you. Lincoln’s behavior illustrates the best way to handle a previous opponent, with dignity and grace. General Lee could have been punished for his crimes against Union soldiers, but instead he was granted a second chance. This anecdote is one that I will remember when I am a practicing attorney to remind myself to show civility to my fellow attorneys in spite of previous cases or wrongdoing.
