So when you pass the New York bar (at least in my day, i.e., some 20 years ago) you have to sit through one last interview with an older/retired attorney before you're good to go. It's 100% formal, and unless you go completely bezerk, you'll be taking your oath soon. In fact, even if you go bezerk, they'll probably let you in.

My interview was with a pretty old Jewish woman who was easily into her 80s at the time and had a very kind look on her face. She asked me why I wanted to be a lawyer. I started going through a predictable speech about how special the profession was, how important it was to society, and all that. The kind of lengthy BS a 25 year-old associate at a New York white shoe firm would give you.

Once I was done, she said: "That's all very nice, and I'm sure you'll be a great attorney, but it isn't the right answer. Because you see, there is a right answer to this question, and it is only three words long. Do you want to know it?"

I said yes, of course. She said: "to help others."