“There’s no shame in being broke.” Sam McGee, a self-proclaimed broke lawyer, knows the feeling and wants to give other lawyers the tools to avoid ethics violations when money gets tight.

In this episode of Voices of NCAJ, host Amber Nimocks previews the upcoming “Ethics Hot Issues'' CLE program with Sam McGee, Legal Affairs Counsel at NCAJ, Of Counsel with the Wilder Pantazis Law Group, and CLE panelist.

Many ethics violations stem not from greed, but from financial pressures, something many lawyers have experienced. Instead of letting one’s problems spiral out of control, Sam explains the value of reaching out for help, which may help young lawyers see they’re not alone. While others may appear to have all the trappings of financial success, they’ve likely faced the same financial ups and downs as anyone else. Tune in to learn how to stay out of trouble! The CLE takes place on Feb. 21 virtually. Register here.

Name: Sam McGee

Connect: Wilder Pantazis Law Group | NCAJ | Email

[01:20] Being a Broke Lawyer: Many ethical issues stem from a lawyer feeling like they are in an impossible financial situation, but Sam aims to share his experience as a broke lawyer to help others avoid ethical temptations that have major consequences.

[02:47] Built-In Buffers: While lawyers in large firms may have the requisite resources and administrative assistance to manage client trust accounts responsibly, solo practitioners or those in smaller firms likely don’t have the same support.

[03:54] Financial Woes, Not Greed: Rarely are lawyers who find themselves facing ethics violations motivated by greed. Typically, they are folks who are struggling financially and personally and feel justified in their actions or are simply in over their heads.

[06:27] There’s No Shame in Being Broke: Because legal success is often equated with financial success, lawyers facing financial troubles may let their shame lead to ethical wrongdoings instead of asking for help.

[08:59] Financial Transparency: Reach out to other outwardly successful lawyers, and you may learn that they’ve faced peaks and valleys in their careers and finances too. Mentors can be essential to helping young lawyers mitigate financial woes before they lead to ethical issues.

[11:22] A Marathon, Not a Sprint: Success takes time, but with discipline and hard work, you’ll slowly but surely go from “shoveling garbage” to achieving financial success, while also ensuring you’re covered on the rainy days in between.

[13:07] Beware of the Joneses: A desire for achievement and outward success are ingrained in the culture of legal practice, but the images that others project likely are not reflections of their inward struggles. Instead of looking to others, we have to figure out for ourselves what we truly value.

[19:02] Who to Look Out For: Deanna Brocker, Helen Baddour, and Lauren...