June 2024 marks my tenth anniversary as a lawyer, a milestone that has inspired me to reflect on the journey that brought me here. This blog post was sparked by a conversation I had with my marketing consultant extraordinaire some time ago. During our discussion about LinkedIn, the topic of my cover photo came up, and I shared its story with him. Now, I would like to share that story with you. Summer 2014. As I embarked on a months-long journey across New England and Canada, fresh from passing the bar and qualifying as an attorney, I sought to capture moments that resonated with the spirit of (self-)discovery before fully transitioning into my legal career. Little did I know then that this adventure would serve as a last hurrah before diving headfirst into the world of Big Law and beginning my professional career. One such moment is encapsulated in my LinkedIn cover photograph, which I took at the Rhode Island Superior Court in Providence ( above ). This image holds a profound significance for me, reflecting not just a physical location, but a fond memory. On a warm afternoon in Providence, I found myself walking by the courthouse, its imposing structure serving as a symbol of justice. I decided to step inside. After navigating the formalities, I was granted permission to sit in on a docket case, a criminal matter. The courtroom buzzed with a unique energy, a blend of tension, and anticipation. I exchanged words with both the defense attorney and the prosecutor, who were intrigued as to why a lawyer from overseas would choose to spend her free time in a courtroom. Observing the proceedings, I was struck by the solemnity and responsibility that comes with the practice of law. This moment deeply resonated with me, reinforcing my great interest in advocacy that had guided me through law school and my training. After the case, I wandered into the courthouse library. The quiet sanctuary of legal thought and scholarship offered a contrast to the charged atmosphere of the courtroom. I spent some time alone there, browsing through the pages of criminal law textbooks. Sitting there in silence, I felt a profound connection to the generations of lawyers who had walked this path before me. It was in this setting that I took the photograph featured on my LinkedIn profile for nearly a decade now. This image is more than just a snapshot; it encapsulates the eagerness, potential and openness I felt on that day. Standing in the library, I was filled with a sense of purpose and direction. Everything felt possible. That photograph serves as a reminder of that feeling — of the boundless opportunities that lie ahead and the impact I would hopefully make as an attorney. This picture symbolizes the beginning of my professional journey, a moment where my aspirations aligned with the reality of my chosen career. It represents a day when I experienced profound joy and envisioned my life as a newly qualified attorney. Every time I look at that photograph, I am reminded of the excitement and determination I felt, and my commitment to the pursuit of justice and to helping those whose paths I cross. In sharing this story, I hope to convey the depth of my dedication and the personal path that has shaped my professional identity. The cover photograph on my LinkedIn profile is a reminder of the sense of sheer hope, determination, and purpose I felt in those early days after qualifying as an attorney. These sentiments have guided me through the last ten years and will continue to inspire me through the years to come. Shayan