Lawyer Celebrates Fun of Practicing Law

Blogger Ron Coleman shares his passion for the legal profession despite occasional challenges.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:15pm

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In a blog post, lawyer Ron Coleman reflects on the joys and occasional difficulties of practicing law, recounting an anecdote from his time as co-counsel in a federal court trial that ended in disaster. However, he also discusses a more recent case he found unusually fun and serious, involving representing investigative reporters in a legal matter.

Why it matters

Coleman's perspective provides an insider's view into the legal profession, highlighting how even challenging cases can have moments of enjoyment and satisfaction for lawyers who are passionate about their work. The post also touches on issues of free speech and media law, which are relevant topics for Coleman's law blog.

The details

In the blog post, Coleman shares a story from early in his career when an older colleague remarked, "Can you believe we get to do this for a living?" during a federal court trial that ultimately ended poorly. Despite this setback, Coleman says he recently became involved in a case he found "unusually fun, but at the same time deathly serious," related to representing investigative reporters in a legal matter involving freedom of expression.

  • The original blog post was published on November 19, 2014.
  • An update to the post was published on February 8, 2026.

The players

Ron Coleman

A lawyer and blogger who writes about trademarks, brands, copyright, and free speech issues.

Sharyl Attkisson

An investigative reporter represented by Coleman in a recent legal matter.

Steve Emerson

An investigative reporter represented by Coleman in a recent legal matter.

Edwin Black

An investigative reporter represented by Coleman in a recent legal matter.

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What they’re saying

“Can you believe we get to do this for a living?”

— Older Colleague, Co-Counsel

“I hate @RonColeman because he has more fun practicing law than I get to have. http://t.co/PRr7hJMbwA Hate. Hate. Hate.”

— The Original SPQR

“I'm adding @RonColeman to the list of the kind of lawyer I want to be when I grow up. http://t.co/qtKDqL1fPC”

— Not Jim Ardis

What’s next

Coleman plans to file a reply brief on the case involving the investigative reporters on Monday.

The takeaway

Despite the occasional challenges of practicing law, Coleman's perspective highlights how lawyers who are passionate about their work can find joy and satisfaction in the legal profession, even in the midst of difficult cases. His blog post provides an insider's view into the legal world and the importance of issues like free speech and media law.