After sharing the last post on the Ladder of Inference, a few people asked a great question:

“But lawyers have to jump to conclusions… don’t they?”

My wife and I are still deep (maybe too much, but that is another topic) in our Suits marathon, and the answer becomes clear every episode:

**Yes, lawyers climb the ladder —

And they do it intentionally.
We do it accidentally, unconsciously.

It’s a big difference. Let’s break it down.

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In Law, Climbing the Ladder Is the Assignment

A lawyer isn’t trying to find “universal truth.”
They’re trying to build a persuasive case.

The job requires them to:

• choose a position,
• form a compelling narrative,
• select supportive evidence,
• dismiss contradictory evidence,
• and argue with absolute confidence.

This is not a bug in the legal system.
It is the legal system.

A case is not truth — it’s a constructed story, polished until it shines.

That’s why Harvey walks into a room already knowing the conclusion he’s going to prove.

It’s also why Louis gets into trouble: he uses his legal mind on personal problems.

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In Life, This Strategy Backfires Spectacularly

When you use a lawyer’s ladder in your personal world, things get messy fast.

Here’s what non-lawyers (that’s us!) do:

We pick a belief, often in a split second.

• “She doesn’t respect me.”
• “He’s out to get me.”
• “They lied.”
• “I know exactly what’s going on.”

Then we go into Harvey Specter mode:

• select only data that fits our story,
• ignore anything that contradicts it,
• act as if our story is a fact,
• escalate from a feeling to a courtroom drama in under 30 seconds.

But unlike Harvey, we don’t have closing arguments or cross-examination.

We have:

• stress,
• damaged relationships,
• misunderstandings,
• and decisions made out of insecurity rather than clarity.

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The Best Lawyers Know When to Stay at the Bottom

Jessicas, the Mikes, and Gretchen-types have one superpower:

They know how to pause before climbing.

They gather facts first.
They look from a clear mind.
They question their own interpretations.

In Suits, this is why Donna and Gretchen are rarely caught in emotional storms.
They don’t build a case unless they have to.

And most of the time in life… we don’t have to. (hint)

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The Insight

Lawyers build cases.
Humans build stories.

One is professional.
One is psychological, and maybe ontology.

The difference?

Lawyers know they’re climbing a ladder.

We don’t.

Seeing the ladder is how we step off it, and reclaim clarity, calm, and better choices.

Much love,

Reflective Coaching Question:

When you feel the urge to defend your position, pause and ask:
“What if this is a story I’m constructing — not what’s actually happening?”
What does that open up for you?

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