Freedom is not our default state. We are not born free. As every new parent knows, a newborn is tethered to nature’s impulses unable to delay gratification and therefore unable to govern itself. The freedom envisioned by our Founders emanates only from the principled and deliberate practice of self-governance.

Arnold Siegel, a brilliant American philosopher describes this disciplined autonomy as both the means and the ends for “achieving our country” - the American experiment.  Understood in this light, freedom is not simply the absence of restraint or the unchecked assertion of personal will. It is a performance: a challenging, creative, ongoing expression of responsibility and gratitude by those who cherish it. It is a lifelong endeavor. 

Thus, freedom is not a mere possession nor a belief; it is a possibility we strive toward by exercising our will to become a better person. Principled personhood therefore is not beside the point - it is the point. It is the source of the competence needed to address life’s circumstances and conditions without needless suffering, and it represents a meaningful contribution to our country and to future generations.  At the heart of this understanding is stewardship; the moral responsibility to care for something we did not create and yet called on to preserve, protect and cultivate for those who follow.  Since July 4, 1776, this stewardship has been passed down from one generation of attorneys to the next, not perfectly but sufficiently.   

Yet, in many corners of the profession our focus has shifted. We have drifted from stewardship to “scoreboard”; from guardians of the Republic to relentless competitors in its legal arenas.  Too often, we measure success not by our aspirational commitment to principled personhood but by external indicators, i.e., wealth, status, and victory as evidence of having “won”. But this shallow view of liberty can easily and often does slide into tribalism, selfishness and spectacle. Distracted and driven by the scoreboard “enough” is never enough and “relief” is often sought in counterproductive habits that once adopted are difficult to break. Competition, zealous advocacy and personal success are legitimate goals. But they should never replace a calling greater than personal gain, a calling to be not only advocates but stewards of the civil framework sustaining what many historians regard as the greatest experiment in the history of civilization.  

This experiment emphasizes the rights and autonomy of individuals for personal freedom and equality. Independent agency, free from the monarchy and increasingly independent of ecclesiastical control, was one of the Revolution’s boldest promises. This principle of liberty to think for oneself and be guided accordingly was unprecedented and secured in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Thomas Jefferson captured the spirit of this movement when he wrote to Benjamin Rush on September 23, 1800, swearing “eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”  Unfortunately, it would appear this tyranny has found a home in today’s scoreboard, driven by “me-first” egoism.   As we approach our 250th anniversary, we should remember that stewardship begins with personal responsibility. It is the daily opportunity, available to both attorney and citizen alike, to participate in the American experiment by making decisions rooted in conscience and principle rather than expedience and/or unbridled rivalry. It does not demand perfection, but it does demand vigilance—not to judge others, but to examine ourselves. 

It is to ask: Am I contributing to a society where freedom thrives, or am I merely consuming its benefits without replenishing the ethos of principled self-governance from which it grows?  

Stewardship is not only a moral imperative it is a personal one. The legal profession faces a crisis of wellness, marked by burnout, anxiety, and disconnection. When we chase only the scoreboard we lose sight of the deeper sources of fulfillment. Reclaiming stewardship offers a path back to meaning. Lawyers who see their work as contributing to something larger than themselves and who feel part of America’s progress towards freedom will experience greater resilience, self-possession and purpose. Stewardship is not just good for the country. It is good for the lawyer and good for the citizen.  

As we move forward making our contribution on the right side of history fulfilling our stewardship let us ensure that, in our own sphere and in our own way, we take up the mantle of stewardship and pass it to the next generation.

That is our legacy. That is our opportunity.  

For nearly five decades, Roy D. Curnow stood among New Jersey’s leading trial lawyers, trying approximately 200 personal injury jury cases, with several decisions published by the New Jersey Supreme Court. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, has been named to National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and has been recognized in New Jersey Super Lawyers for more than 15 consecutive years.

(For more information contact roy@curnowlaw.com)

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