The dictionary definition of “personality” is “the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character.” For many of us, this combination includes strongly held, deeply ingrained, or extremely passionate political views. This very much includes yours truly.
At this moment in history, especially since November 5, many people have found it difficult, if not impossible, to compartmentalize their political feelings in ways they did with relative ease in the past. “Unfriending” those with opposing views on social media, withdrawing invitations to Thanksgiving dinner, and perhaps an unspoken chill hanging over conversations with friends, family, or colleagues are just a few examples of how politics has infiltrated so many areas of our daily lives.
For law firms that regularly publish content about legislative, regulatory, jurisprudential, and policy matters and developments, the next several months and years will undoubtedly be busy. For the writers of that content, especially those who may strenuously disagree or are deeply and existentially troubled by these developments, the strength and resilience of the invisible wall between professional and personal, firm and state, will be put to the test.
Depending on the nature of their practice, some firms find it non-problematic or even advantageous to express an opinion about a particular political issue. For example, an employee-side employment law firm may choose to opine about the detrimental nature of a proposed regulation that will negatively impact its client base.
Such situations aside, however, content writers should tread extremely carefully when writing about the significant changes that will soon come down the political pike. Having another set of eyes review drafts with a focus on identifying potentially partisan statements is one way to prevent politics from seeping into your content. Another method, for some of us at least, is a hearty and cathartic primal scream before starting a draft.
I told you this wasn’t going to be easy.
