Andrew York, Esq. – Butler, Vines, & BabbKnoxville, Tennessee In my Leading as Lawyers blog posts to date, I have generally written about ongoing events in my… Read more “Leadership: It Just Needs to be Done”
Tag: Leadership
The Theatrical Courtroom as a Classroom: Leadership Lessons from Inherit the Wind
Inherit the Wind, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee in 1955 dramatizes the famous 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial” here in Tennessee, where a schoolteacher was prosecuted for teaching the theory of evolution. The courtroom drama pits two legendary attorneys against each other: Henry Drummond (based on Clarence Darrow) defending the teacher, and Matthew Harrison Brady (inspired by William Jennings Bryan) prosecuting. Though fictional, the play masterfully captures the tension between tradition and progress, faith and science, and community standards and individual freedom—themes that continue to resonate in our society today.
Experiencing Inherit the Wind at the Clarence Brown Theatre for Professor Cornett’s Law and Literature class here at UT Law transformed my understanding of legal leadership beyond what I had originally anticipated. The dynamic between the defense attorney, Drummond, and the prosecutor, Brady, illuminated how principled advocacy can coexist with mutual respect, while Cates’ (Scopes’) quiet conviction demonstrated that leadership often emerges in small, authentic moments of standing one’s ground. This theatrical immersion prompted deep reflection on the lawyer and leader I aspire to become—one who balances intellectual rigor with moral courage, embraces complexity rather than certainty, and recognizes that our professional identity is shaped not merely by legal expertise but by our own values and strengths that we uphold when facing resistance.
Making the Most of Your Most Precious Resource
The most precious resource we have as humans is time, and as a leader, it is all the more valuable. For lawyers, managing time is something that is constantly at the forefront of life (thank you, billable hours). But how can we as lawyers, law students, and leaders make sure we take full advantage of our most valuable asset?
While there is no perfect formula on how to make the most of your time, there are five things I like to remind myself that you may find helpful too.
The Power of a Name: A Leadership Exercise on Identity and Connection
In leadership, our greatest tool is our ability to connect – to see beyond titles, labels, and surface-level interactions. We often overlook one of the most fundamental human experiences: the power of a name. What does it mean to be named? Is a name simply an identifier, or can it be a mission, a promise, a reflection of potential? It challenges us to think deeply about identity, origin, and meaning. A person’s name is more than a simple label – it’s a bridge of connection, a narrative thread that weaves individual identity into the broader tapestry of community.
When we share the story behind our names, we do something profound. We open a window into our personal history, our cultural background, and the values that shape our identity. This act of sharing is not just about words; it’s about vulnerability, understanding, and human connection. By celebrating the stories behind our names, we transform professional spaces into communities of genuine human connection.
Adaptative Leadership & 6 Steps for Organizational Change
The most rewarding part of law school by far has been my leadership experience through Law Women. Law Women was founded at the University of Tennessee College of Law more than fifty years ago in 1973. The organization’s mission is simple: empower women and encourage them to pursue leadership in their future career, no matter what path they take as an attorney. Within this broad goal lies a focus on networking, mentorship, career opportunities, academic success, and education about issues specific to women in the legal field.
Leading As Lawyers 