{"id":111678,"date":"2025-03-24T16:01:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T00:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/03\/24\/why-authenticity-matters-in-law-a-conversation-with-hannah-beko\/"},"modified":"2025-03-24T16:01:24","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T00:01:24","slug":"why-authenticity-matters-in-law-a-conversation-with-hannah-beko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2025\/03\/24\/why-authenticity-matters-in-law-a-conversation-with-hannah-beko\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Authenticity Matters In Law: A Conversation With Hannah Beko"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting professional paradigms, what does it mean to be authentic in the legal field? On<\/span> Season 10, Episode 10 of \u201c<\/span>Notes to My (Legal) Self<\/span><\/a>,\u201d I had the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Beko, a commercial property lawyer, law firm co-owner, and coach, about the power of authenticity in law \u2014 especially in the age of AI and data.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what I learned about how lawyers can embrace their authentic selves, why it\u2019s vital for well-being and leadership, and how AI can be a surprising ally in this journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meet Hannah Beko: Lawyer, Coach, And Advocate for Authenticity<\/b><\/p>\n

Hannah\u2019s journey in the legal world is multifaceted. In addition to her legal practice, she coaches lawyers and trains them to navigate stress, embrace authenticity, and thrive in their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hannah\u2019s passion for authenticity stems from personal experience. Years ago, she faced burnout, exacerbated by the pressure to conform to what she thought a lawyer <\/span>should<\/span><\/i> be. \u201cI was trying to fit into a mold that wasn\u2019t me, and it nearly broke me,\u201d she shared. \u201cBut learning to embrace who I am \u2014 not who I thought I needed to be \u2014 transformed not only my mental health but also my career.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Authenticity In Law: Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n

In law, a field often associated with tradition and rigidity, authenticity might seem like an elusive concept. Yet, Hannah argues, it\u2019s precisely what lawyers \u2014 and the profession \u2014 need to thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

For decades, lawyers have been encouraged to adopt a persona: professional, detached, and perpetually composed. But this cookie-cutter approach comes at a cost. \u201cPretending to be someone you\u2019re not is exhausting,\u201d Hannah explained. \u201cAnd it\u2019s one of the reasons we see such high levels of stress and burnout in the profession.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Authenticity isn\u2019t just about well-being \u2014 it\u2019s also good for business. Clients and colleagues connect more deeply with lawyers who bring their genuine selves to the table. \u201cWhen we\u2019re authentic, we build stronger relationships and trust, which are essential in law,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Role Of AI: A Tool For Efficiency And Authenticity<\/b><\/p>\n

As AI and legal technology evolve, they present a unique opportunity to shift how lawyers work. While some fear that AI might replace lawyers, Hannah sees it differently: AI can help lawyers focus on what truly matters \u2014 their expertise and human connection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAI should handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks like billing, file organization, and drafting,\u201d she said. \u201cThat frees us to focus on the part of lawyering that only humans can do: advising, building relationships, and advocating for clients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

By reducing administrative burdens, AI creates space for lawyers to show up authentically and invest in their own well-being. However, adopting these tools requires a mindset shift. Lawyers need to embrace change, overcome fear, and see AI as a partner rather than a threat.<\/span><\/p>\n

How To Discover And Embrace Your Authentic Self<\/b><\/p>\n

For many lawyers, the question isn\u2019t just <\/span>why<\/span><\/i> authenticity matters but <\/span>how<\/span><\/i> to find it. Here\u2019s Hannah\u2019s roadmap:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Understand The Why.<\/b> Authenticity improves your mental health, relationships, and career. Knowing these benefits can motivate you to embrace the journey.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Reflect On Your Past.<\/b> Think back to who you were as a child, before societal expectations shaped your identity. Were you creative? Outgoing? Reflective?<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Journal And Ask Questions.<\/b> Use prompts like \u201cWho am I?\u201d or \u201cWhat do I truly enjoy?\u201d Writing helps uncover your authentic self.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Identify What You Don\u2019t Want.<\/b> If you\u2019re unsure where to start, think about what you no longer want in your life or career. This clarity can guide your next steps.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Stay Open.<\/b> Walk through life with curiosity, and pay attention to what resonates with you. Opportunities for authenticity often appear when you least expect them.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Authenticity And Leadership In The Age Of AI<\/b><\/p>\n

    Authentic leadership is more critical than ever. As firms adopt new technologies, leaders play a pivotal role in fostering trust and psychological safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Hannah\u2019s research into great practice group leaders revealed a common thread: emotional intelligence. \u201cThe best leaders aren\u2019t just great lawyers \u2014 they\u2019re emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and authentic,\u201d she explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In the age of AI, authenticity becomes even more important. Lawyers who embrace their unique strengths and show up as themselves will stand out in a world increasingly shaped by machines.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Intersection Of Well-Being And Authenticity<\/b><\/p>\n

    When lawyers are authentic, their mental health improves. \u201cOverwork has been a badge of honor in our profession for far too long,\u201d Hannah noted. \u201cBut it\u2019s also a major contributor to stress and burnout.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    By leveraging AI and other tools to work smarter, not harder, lawyers can reclaim time for rest, family, and personal growth. Authenticity allows lawyers to align their work with their values, creating a more fulfilling and sustainable career.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Networking And Authenticity: A Tip For Lawyers<\/b><\/p>\n

    Hannah shared a final takeaway for lawyers looking to build relationships authentically:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cNetworking isn\u2019t about selling \u2014 it\u2019s about connecting. Go into conversations as you would with a friend. Be yourself, and focus on making a genuine connection. Then, use tools like AI to follow up and stay engaged.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Final Thoughts<\/b><\/p>\n

    Hannah\u2019s message is clear: authenticity is not only possible in law \u2014 it\u2019s essential. By embracing who we are, leveraging technology, and focusing on meaningful connections, lawyers can thrive in a profession that often feels overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>\n

    So, whether you\u2019re a senior partner or a fresh graduate, take a moment to ask yourself: <\/span>Who am I?<\/span><\/i> The answer might just transform your career \u2014 and your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

    \"OlgaOlga V. Mack <\/em><\/strong>is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat<\/em><\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, and\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.\u00a0She is working on three books: <\/em><\/strong>Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024),\u00a0The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on <\/em><\/strong>LinkedIn<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Twitter @olgavmack.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    The post Why Authenticity Matters In Law: A Conversation With Hannah Beko<\/a> appeared first on Above the Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \"\"In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting professional paradigms, what does it mean to be authentic in the legal field? On Season 10, Episode 10 of \u201cNotes to My (Legal) Self<\/a>,\u201d I had the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Beko, a commercial property lawyer, law firm co-owner, and coach, about the power of authenticity in law \u2014 especially in the age of AI and data.<\/p>\n