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| Ian M. Hull |
The legal profession has long been a subject of scrutiny, criticism and — perhaps most notably — jokes. After four decades of practising law in the Toronto litigation arena, Strigberger takes a serious yet humorous look at the legal world in his book, First, Let’s Kill the Lawyer Jokes: An Attorney’s Irreverent Serious Look at the Legal Universe.
Who should read this book?
This book is not just for those of us in the legal profession, though we will certainly find it entertaining. It is also for anyone who has encountered the legal system, whether as a client, a courtroom drama enthusiast or simply someone curious about how our justice system operates. Strigberger masterfully combines humour and sharp commentary to explore why we lawyers are often misunderstood, why the legal system sometimes falls short of delivering justice, and why some of us might eventually consider alternative careers.
For non-lawyers, this book offers an engaging and accessible way to better understand the legal world. Strigberger debunks Hollywood myths about lawyering, explains why cases can take so long to resolve, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of managing a legal practice.
Key themes and takeaways
While humour is woven throughout, Strigberger’s insights are anything but trivial. Here are some of the standout themes:
- The history and perception of lawyers
Strigberger takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to the history of our profession, drawing from religious texts and historical anecdotes to highlight moments where counsel might have been helpful (think Adam and Eve or Noah’s Ark). He also breaks down why the public sometimes has a negative perception of us — high fees, legalese and the “ambulance chaser” stereotype fuelled by sensationalized ads.
- The art (and pitfalls) of lawyer communication
One of the book’s recurring themes is the importance of clear and concise communication. Strigberger suggests that excessive legal jargon alienates not only clients but sometimes even other lawyers. His advice? Keep it simple — explain legal concepts in a way that a child could understand. After all, miscommunication is often at the heart of solicitors’ negligence claims.
- The anxiety of practising law
Practising law can feel like warfare at times, and Strigberger does not shy away from discussing the stress that comes with the job. Missing limitation periods, facing intimidating judges and dealing with unpredictable clients are all part of the profession. His takeaway? It is OK to admit that sometimes, even the most seasoned lawyers feel the stresses of the profession.
- The realities of managing clients
Clients are the foundation of our work, but they can also be a major source of stress. Strigberger humorously categorizes difficult clients — from the “lawyer switcher” who has cycled through multiple lawyers to the client who believes their case is our only priority. He also highlights the challenges of withdrawing from a case when there is a breakdown of the solicitor-client relationship.
- The myth of the glamorous legal career
For aspiring lawyers, Strigberger offers a reality check. Big Law associates often work 70–80 hours a week, eating at their desks while drowning in billable-hour targets. Meanwhile, solo practitioners juggle client retention and the realities of running a business. The legal profession rarely resembles the fast-paced, drama-filled world depicted on television.
- Civility and professionalism
Despite the adversarial nature of litigation, professionalism still matters. Strigberger recalls a mentor’s advice: “Do not make war on the other lawyer.” Keeping egos in check, extending courtesies to opposing counsel and even using humour to build rapport can go a long way in this profession.
- The changing face of the legal profession
Technology has reshaped the legal landscape, from paperless offices to virtual courtrooms and the rise of AI-driven legal tools. Strigberger reflects on how these advancements, while increasing efficiency, have also exposed differences between lawyers embracing change and those who may struggle to adapt.
- Humour as a survival tool in law
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway is the role humour plays in legal practice. Strigberger argues that humour is not just entertainment — it can be a strategic tool for building relationships, easing stress and diffusing tense situations. He shares examples of how he has used humour in interactions with opposing counsel and clients, often leading to more productive discussions and even case resolutions. As he puts it, “We should take our jobs seriously, but never ourselves.”
Why this book matters
Strigberger’s book is a refreshing reminder that while the legal profession is serious, we do not always have to take ourselves too seriously. He acknowledges the frustrations that might come with the job — from difficult clients to procedural headaches — but he also highlights the camaraderie among colleagues, the satisfaction of advocating for clients and the importance of maintaining civility.
For those considering a legal career, First, Let’s Kill the Lawyer Jokes offers an honest glimpse into the realities of practice. For seasoned lawyers, it provides a moment of reflection (and some much-needed laughter) about the trials and tribulations of life as a lawyer. And for the general public, it’s an entertaining and insightful look at the legal profession beyond the usual stereotypes.
Final thoughts
At its core, First, Let’s Kill the Lawyer Jokes is about the human side of law. It reminds us that, despite the pressures of the profession, we are still regular people. We stress, make mistakes, worry about deadlines, and yes — we might even have a sense of humour.
If you’re interested in reading First, Let’s Kill the Lawyer Jokes, you can purchase a copy here.
Ian M. Hull was called to the bar in 1990, and co-founded Hull & Hull with his father, Rodney Hull, in 1998. He has an LL.B. from the University of Windsor and an honours BA from the University of Western Ontario. He has successfully represented clients at every level of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He was the Toronto Lawyers Association Honsberger Award winner in 2018 and received the Ontario Bar Association award for distinguished service in 2020.
The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s firm, its clients, Law360 Canada, LexisNexis Canada, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.
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