The late Justice Antonin Scalia, one of the most influential and intellectually rigorous justices to serve on the United States Supreme Court, left a powerful legacy—not only through his legal opinions but also through his mentorship of aspiring attorneys.
In various public speeches, law school lectures, and writings, Justice Scalia shared direct and sometimes provocative advice for future lawyers. Whether you’re considering law school or already preparing for the bar exam, understanding his core insights can sharpen your thinking and remind you what it truly means to practice law in the American legal tradition.
This article compiles Scalia’s most essential guidance to law students and young attorneys, including what he believed makes a great lawyer and why the practice of law demands more than just ambition.
Who Was Justice Antonin Scalia?
Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, Justice Scalia served on the U.S. Supreme Court for nearly 30 years until his death in 2016. He was a fierce advocate for textualism and originalism, meaning he interpreted the Constitution and statutes according to their original public meaning, rather than evolving societal views.
His opinions—often laced with biting wit and unflinching logic—left a mark on constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal procedure. Beyond the courtroom, he regularly spoke at universities, urging students to pursue excellence, intellectual discipline, and a deep respect for the law.
Scalia’s Advice to Future Lawyers
1. Master the English Language
Scalia emphasized that law is a profession of words. He often told students:
“If you’re going to be a lawyer and you don’t write well or speak well, you’re not going to be a good lawyer.”
He advised aspiring attorneys to prioritize clear writing and precise language, warning against the growing trend of sloppy legal drafting. Law school, in his view, should be approached as a way to refine your command of language, not just memorize legal doctrines.
Tip: Practice editing your writing ruthlessly. Read legal opinions from judges like Scalia and try to emulate their clarity and structure.
2. Learn to Think Like a Lawyer—Not Just Advocate Like One
One of Scalia’s core themes was that lawyers must think logically and argue from principle, not just emotion or outcome. He taught that a good lawyer must be capable of defending positions they personally disagree with—if the law demands it.
“You can’t be a good lawyer unless you’re willing to follow the law, even when it leads to results you dislike.”
This emphasis on objective legal reasoning was part of Scalia’s broader concern that law was becoming too politicized.
Real-World Example: In law school moot court competitions, many students focus on winning the argument at any cost. Scalia would argue that the integrity of your reasoning matters more than whether you win a particular round.
3. Read Primary Sources, Not Just Case Summaries
Scalia cautioned law students against relying too heavily on legal outlines or secondhand digests. He believed that to truly understand the law, you need to go to the source: the Constitution, statutes, and full judicial opinions.
“Don’t study summaries of the Constitution. Read the Constitution.”
He encouraged reading original documents with a critical eye, analyzing the language, context, and structure, especially in constitutional law.
4. Don’t Expect Law School to Teach You Everything
While Scalia valued legal education, he was quick to note that law school does not prepare you for everything. Much of legal competence comes from practice, mentorship, and repetition.
He urged young lawyers to find mentors early in their careers and to accept that much of the profession will be learned on the job.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Thinking that earning a J.D. means you’re ready for court. Scalia believed humility—and lifelong learning—were hallmarks of the best attorneys.
5. Take the Ethical Obligations of Law Seriously
Scalia consistently reminded young lawyers of their duty to the rule of law and ethical integrity. He feared that a “results-driven” mindset among some lawyers and judges could erode public trust in the justice system.
He once remarked:
“The judge who always likes the results he reaches is a bad judge.”
That advice applies equally to lawyers: if your legal arguments are always aligned with your personal beliefs, you might be ignoring the law’s complexity.
Scalia on the Role of Lawyers in a Free Society
Beyond career advice, Scalia often spoke about the moral and civic responsibility of lawyers. In a democratic republic, he argued, lawyers play a vital role in maintaining the structure of government, protecting liberties, and upholding the Constitution.
He viewed the legal profession not merely as a job but as a calling—a means of preserving ordered liberty through disciplined reasoning and rigorous adherence to legal texts.
How to Apply Scalia’s Advice Today
If you’re pursuing a legal career in 2025, here’s how to bring Scalia’s advice to life:
- Join a moot court team to practice reasoning under pressure
- Read full court opinions, especially Supreme Court decisions (available at https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/slipopinion/23)
- Seek mentorship from experienced practitioners in your area of interest
- Write daily, whether for a journal, blog, or legal internship
- Ask hard questions in class and remain open to opposing views
Final Reflection
Justice Scalia’s legacy lives on not only in the law but in the example he set for how to engage with it: passionately, rigorously, and with humility.
For aspiring lawyers, his advice may seem old-school, but its value is timeless: discipline your mind, respect the law, write with clarity, and never stop learning.
Whether you agree with his judicial philosophy or not, there is much to learn from his approach to legal practice and education—especially if you plan to take your place in the next generation of American lawyers.
