By: John Avi Socha, COO — Hemmat Law Group
Traditionally, a lawyer’s job is thought of as reactive. We often perceive lawyers as professionals who defend their clients, draft memos, or advocate before a court. However, this view may overlook the broader contributions lawyers can make.
Lawyers engage in more than just responding to incidents and lawsuits—they can play a meaningful role in shaping the social contracts and systems that bind society together. This idea reflects a belief that, through adherence to the rule of law, societies aim to ensure a better future for future generations.
Many have considered lawyers as “social architects.” The concept of “social architecture”—where individuals help shape society through their actions— is believed to have formally originated with the Bauhaus movement in the 1900s. Yet, it is possible to trace this role back to Ancient Greece, where early legal practitioners contributed to societal organization.
Lawyers as Social Architects
Today’s society may be experiencing a crucial inflection point. Trust in institutions has reached significant lows. For example, in December 2024, only 17% of the public approved of Congress, marking a decline since 2001. Even the Supreme Court, historically the most trusted branch of the Federal government, saw its favorability drop to 44% in 2024. In the past five years, the percentage of Americans who take pride in their country has not exceeded 44%.
Over the past decade, the American household has endured both the Great Recession and the COVID-19 recession. Simultaneously, U.S. home prices grew by an astonishing 95%, and inflation hit all-time highs. In comparison, according to NBC, average hourly earnings saw a modest 44% increase, “while the Consumer Price Index rose by just 33%.” In such a context, achieving the American Dream may feel increasingly out of reach for many.
Lawyers may also play an important role in promoting equity both within their firms and in the legal system as a whole. As contributors to regulatory frameworks, lawyers have the opportunity—and perhaps the responsibility—to advocate for laws and policies that promote inclusivity and protect vulnerable populations. This perspective suggests that legal practitioners have the capacity to address societal challenges by shaping frameworks with fairness and equity in mind.
Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 25 were lawyers, as were 31 of the 55 men who served in the first Continental Congress. By 2024, the 118th Congress included 51 Senators with law degrees and legal experience. This enduring presence underscores the legal profession’s influence on decision-making and governance, though it should be recognized that lawyers are one group among many who contribute to shaping policies.
And despite the universal presence of lawyers in positions of power, there is a coast-to-coast shortage of legal aid staff attorneys. In two examples — California and North Carolina — there is only one legal aid staff attorney for every 8,000 people eligible for their services. The end result? Americans with low incomes do not receive any or enough legal help for 92% of their substantial legal issues. It would seem that an awareness of the legal system and its perils is not enough to bring sufficient resources to the underprivileged.
Laws are foundational to social order and progress. While institutions face criticism and challenges, lawyers may need to consider how they can better serve the common good.
How Lawyers Can Shape the Future
As social architects, lawyers possess a unique and impactful opportunity to contribute to the betterment of society. As legal professionals, we should thoughtfully examine the institutions we support and uphold. Our citizens, as evidenced by recent electoral trends, are increasingly seeking candidates who they believe will bring significant change, regardless of the challenges such shifts might entail.
While many in the legal profession may view these developments with concern, it is worth considering the lessons we might draw from the societal struggles and transformations of the past decade. If we repeatedly find ourselves defending institutions that segments of the public feel have not met their expectations, might this suggest a need for introspection and adaptation within our field?
I encourage every practitioner with influence or a role of responsibility in their communities to reflect on ways they can better serve the public in its pursuit of justice and the aspirations encapsulated by the American Dream. By acknowledging calls for reform and treating them with the seriousness they deserve, we can help shape a future that is more inclusive and equitable for all.
— John Avi Socha is the Chief Operating Officer of the Hemmat Law Group, a civil litigation firm in Seattle, Washington. He is also the CEO of Hemmat Interactive, a legal software and media startup. As the host of the podcast “Gossip Without Prejudice,” John spends his time highlighting legal misconduct and advocating for reform in the legal industry.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.
Published by Stephanie M.
