Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving in various public service roles, from assistant county attorney to city attorney, and now as General Counsel for a public school system. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that a lawyer in government or public service is much more than a legal expert. We are trusted advisors, guiding leaders and institutions through complex decisions while ensuring compliance, fairness, and accountability.
Understanding the Advisor Role
In private practice, the focus is often on representing a client’s interests and advocating for a particular outcome. In public service, the role is broader. Lawyers must help decision-makers understand the legal framework and potential risks while also considering the public interest. Our advice shapes policies, operational choices, and long-term strategies. We are not the ones making the final decisions, but our guidance is critical to ensuring those decisions are informed, lawful, and responsible.
Being a trusted advisor requires more than knowledge of the law. It requires judgment, perspective, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly. Decision-makers rely on us to provide practical solutions, anticipate challenges, and offer options that balance legal requirements with operational realities.
Building Trust
Trust is the foundation of any advisory role. Leaders in public institutions must have confidence that the advice they receive is honest, objective, and reliable. Building that trust takes time. It requires consistency, transparency, and a willingness to offer candid guidance, even when it may not be what the leader wants to hear.
In my experience, trust also comes from understanding the mission of the institution. Whether it is a school district, a city government, or a county agency, public institutions have a responsibility to serve their communities. When a lawyer aligns legal guidance with the broader goals of the organization, it strengthens credibility and ensures that advice is relevant and actionable.
Anticipating Challenges
A key part of being a trusted advisor is anticipating potential legal and operational challenges. Public institutions operate in complex environments, often under intense scrutiny. Decisions can have long-term consequences for employees, residents, and stakeholders. By identifying risks early, lawyers help institutions avoid costly mistakes and navigate issues before they escalate.
For example, in a school setting, a decision about policy, facilities, or employment may involve compliance with multiple layers of law, from federal statutes to state regulations and local rules. Advising leaders on these matters requires both a deep understanding of the law and a practical sense of how policies will affect daily operations. Anticipating challenges allows us to provide options that are legally sound and operationally feasible.
Providing Practical Guidance
Being a trusted advisor is not just about pointing out what the law requires. It is about helping leaders make choices that work in practice. Legal advice must be actionable and realistic. I have learned that the most effective guidance combines legal expertise with an understanding of the institution’s resources, priorities, and community needs.
Communication is central to this process. Leaders may not be familiar with legal terminology or concepts, so it is important to explain issues clearly and provide context. This allows decision-makers to make informed choices and ensures that legal guidance supports rather than hinders effective governance.
Balancing Competing Interests
Public institutions frequently face competing interests. Residents, employees, elected officials, and other stakeholders may have conflicting priorities. Lawyers as advisors help balance these interests by providing clear analysis, outlining legal boundaries, and highlighting potential consequences. Our role is not to advocate for one side but to ensure that the institution’s actions are consistent with the law and aligned with public responsibilities.
This balancing act is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the advisory role. It requires careful listening, strategic thinking, and the ability to provide options that address multiple concerns.Ethics and Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of being a trusted advisor. In public service, ethical considerations are always at the forefront. Lawyers must ensure that advice reflects not only the letter of the law but also the values and standards of the institution. Acting with integrity strengthens trust, supports good governance, and reinforces public confidence in the institution.
I have found that consistent ethical behavior, combined with practical guidance, builds long-term relationships and allows institutions to operate confidently. Leaders know they can rely on advice that is principled, objective, and grounded in both law and common sense.
Lessons from Public Service
Over the years, I have learned that the most successful lawyers in government and public service are those who embrace the advisory role fully. They understand that their work affects real people and communities. They provide guidance that is thoughtful, practical, and aligned with the mission of the organization.
Serving as a trusted advisor is challenging. It requires patience, judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. It also offers unique rewards. Knowing that legal guidance helps leaders make decisions that protect the public interest, promote fairness, and strengthen institutions provides a deep sense of purpose.
The role of a lawyer as a trusted advisor will only become more important as public institutions face increasingly complex challenges. Emerging legal issues, public scrutiny, and evolving community needs will require lawyers to provide clear, practical, and principled guidance.
For me, the advisory role is the heart of public service law. It combines legal expertise with judgment, ethics, and a commitment to the greater good. By providing thoughtful guidance, lawyers help institutions navigate complexity, build trust, and serve communities effectively. It is a responsibility I take seriously every day, and it is a role that defines my career in public service.