I've been trying to understand resistance to diploma privilege among lawyers who, in other contexts, criticize the bar. 2 themes emerge. (1) empathy gap; (2) cycle of abuse - abuse perpetuates abuse. 1/4
Empathy gap: I don't know how many times I've heard from people who say I did it; tough for me when I took it; why should we cut people break now; they don't deserve it more than I did, and I didn't get it, so why should they (last is often quiet part not spoken out loud). 2/4
Hurt begets hurt: this phrasing is from someone I spoke with today. Cycle of abuse, where abuse begets abuse. Taking bar was traumatic for many. Was for me. Why can't we learn from this trauma and set a different course? 3/4
There are also some who believe in the bar as a good measure of attorney competence. Conversations with these folks has to be different. Important to figure out where resistance to DP comes from and tailor arguments accordingly. 4/4
