By Brian Malcom

In a tribute to the King of Pop, Young Lawyers Blog would like to take a moment and examine the wisdom available to young lawyers within Michael Jackson’s lyrics.

Sound Legal Advice:

"People always told me, be careful of what you do and don't go around breaking [the Law]."

Zealous Advocacy Despite Obstacles:

"Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it.  No one wants to be defeated, showin' how funky strong is your fight it doesn't matter who's wrong or right."

Telling a Partner You’re Overwhelmed:

"You got me workin' workin' day and night
(hold on)
You got me workin' workin' day and night
(I'm so tired tired now)
You got me workin' workin' day and night
(hold on)
You got me workin' workin' day and night
(hoo, hoo, hoo)"

The Nobility and Responsibility of Lawyers:

"We can change the world tomorrow- this could be a better place - if you don't like what I’m sayin' then won't you slap my face . . ."

"I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways and no message could have been any clearer, if you wanna make the world a better place (if you wanna make the world a better place) take a look at yourself, and then make a change (take a look at yourself, and then make a change)."

Justifying a Loss:

"The law was on her side."

Ethics:

"Be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth."

"If you’re not careful, "the word [gets] out you're doin' wrong gonna lock you up before too long, your lyin' eyes gonna take you right so listen up don't make a fight, your talk is cheap you're not a man you're throwin' stones to hide your hands."

Calming a Client Down After the Client is Wronged, if the Client’s Name is Annie:

"So, Annie are you okay? Are you okay Annie?  You've been hit by, you've been struck by - A Smooth Criminal."

Style Counts:

"You know I'm smooth."

Celebrating a Win:

"Who's Bad?"

Of course, I could go on. I will stop there. Needless to say, the world has lost a talented entertainer.