The Benefits of Karaoke for Lawyers (The Legal Intelligencer):
I always thought karaoke was lame and I never, ever, ever, ever, ever believed I would write a column about karaoke, let alone about karaoke and the law. … I always rejected karaoke and begged off of events featuring amateur singing induced by overindulgence — whether too much booze or too much ego. The few times I went kicking to karaoke events, I sneered from the sidelines and mocked the Michael Jackson and Madonna wannabes.
A few weeks ago, I attended a karaoke happy hour for lawyers. I expected to have a terrible time and, I admit it, I was pleasantly surprised. That night, I gained a new respect for this popular pastime, and I learned how karaoke can be good for lawyers. …
My own experience included seeing seemingly introverted lawyers belt out Ray Charles and Bruce Springsteen impressions. Talk about risk taking! I listened as people who had never spoken to each other tried to harmonize. Talk about collaboration! There's a lawyer I thought was meaner than a junkyard dog until I saw him bopping and singing back-up to "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown." Talk about being accessible! I listened as the women and men crooned responsively to "Summer Nights" from Grease. Talk about affinity!
OK, I also laughed out loud quite a bit and so did everyone else. Talk about camaraderie and good morale! When is the last time you had any fun in a roomful of lawyers?
Lots of lawyers love karaoke. One peer told me about a departing partner who considered staying at his firm an extra month so he would not miss the annual karaoke event. Seriously? Another told me, "You have not lived until you have seen the managing partner singing 'Play That Funky Music, White Boy.'" …
I did fight karaoke. I fought it until I saw a group of lawyers letting down their guard, interacting, sharing, working together, supporting and cheering each other on. I fought it until I saw the lawyers taking risks, being accessible and having fun. I fought it until I saw lawyers having fun. I fought karaoke … and the law won.
