Why Authenticity Matters In Law: A Conversation With Hannah Beko

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting professional paradigms, what does it mean to be authentic in the legal field? On Season 10, Episode 10 of “Notes to My (Legal) Self,” I had the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Beko, a commercial property lawyer, law firm co-owner, and coach, about the power of authenticity in law — especially in the age of AI and data.

Here’s what I learned about how lawyers can embrace their authentic selves, why it’s vital for well-being and leadership, and how AI can be a surprising ally in this journey.

Meet Hannah Beko: Lawyer, Coach, And Advocate for Authenticity

Hannah’s journey in the legal world is multifaceted. In addition to her legal practice, she coaches lawyers and trains them to navigate stress, embrace authenticity, and thrive in their careers.

Hannah’s passion for authenticity stems from personal experience. Years ago, she faced burnout, exacerbated by the pressure to conform to what she thought a lawyer should be. “I was trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t me, and it nearly broke me,” she shared. “But learning to embrace who I am — not who I thought I needed to be — transformed not only my mental health but also my career.”

Authenticity In Law: Why It Matters

In law, a field often associated with tradition and rigidity, authenticity might seem like an elusive concept. Yet, Hannah argues, it’s precisely what lawyers — and the profession — need to thrive.

For decades, lawyers have been encouraged to adopt a persona: professional, detached, and perpetually composed. But this cookie-cutter approach comes at a cost. “Pretending to be someone you’re not is exhausting,” Hannah explained. “And it’s one of the reasons we see such high levels of stress and burnout in the profession.”

Authenticity isn’t just about well-being — it’s also good for business. Clients and colleagues connect more deeply with lawyers who bring their genuine selves to the table. “When we’re authentic, we build stronger relationships and trust, which are essential in law,” she added.

The Role Of AI: A Tool For Efficiency And Authenticity

As AI and legal technology evolve, they present a unique opportunity to shift how lawyers work. While some fear that AI might replace lawyers, Hannah sees it differently: AI can help lawyers focus on what truly matters — their expertise and human connection.

“AI should handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks like billing, file organization, and drafting,” she said. “That frees us to focus on the part of lawyering that only humans can do: advising, building relationships, and advocating for clients.”

By reducing administrative burdens, AI creates space for lawyers to show up authentically and invest in their own well-being. However, adopting these tools requires a mindset shift. Lawyers need to embrace change, overcome fear, and see AI as a partner rather than a threat.

How To Discover And Embrace Your Authentic Self

For many lawyers, the question isn’t just why authenticity matters but how to find it. Here’s Hannah’s roadmap:

1. Understand The Why. Authenticity improves your mental health, relationships, and career. Knowing these benefits can motivate you to embrace the journey.
2. Reflect On Your Past. Think back to who you were as a child, before societal expectations shaped your identity. Were you creative? Outgoing? Reflective?
3. Journal And Ask Questions. Use prompts like “Who am I?” or “What do I truly enjoy?” Writing helps uncover your authentic self.
4. Identify What You Don’t Want. If you’re unsure where to start, think about what you no longer want in your life or career. This clarity can guide your next steps.
5. Stay Open. Walk through life with curiosity, and pay attention to what resonates with you. Opportunities for authenticity often appear when you least expect them.

Authenticity And Leadership In The Age Of AI

Authentic leadership is more critical than ever. As firms adopt new technologies, leaders play a pivotal role in fostering trust and psychological safety.

Hannah’s research into great practice group leaders revealed a common thread: emotional intelligence. “The best leaders aren’t just great lawyers — they’re emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and authentic,” she explained.

In the age of AI, authenticity becomes even more important. Lawyers who embrace their unique strengths and show up as themselves will stand out in a world increasingly shaped by machines.

The Intersection Of Well-Being And Authenticity

When lawyers are authentic, their mental health improves. “Overwork has been a badge of honor in our profession for far too long,” Hannah noted. “But it’s also a major contributor to stress and burnout.”

By leveraging AI and other tools to work smarter, not harder, lawyers can reclaim time for rest, family, and personal growth. Authenticity allows lawyers to align their work with their values, creating a more fulfilling and sustainable career.

Networking And Authenticity: A Tip For Lawyers

Hannah shared a final takeaway for lawyers looking to build relationships authentically:

“Networking isn’t about selling — it’s about connecting. Go into conversations as you would with a friend. Be yourself, and focus on making a genuine connection. Then, use tools like AI to follow up and stay engaged.”

Final Thoughts

Hannah’s message is clear: authenticity is not only possible in law — it’s essential. By embracing who we are, leveraging technology, and focusing on meaningful connections, lawyers can thrive in a profession that often feels overwhelming.

So, whether you’re a senior partner or a fresh graduate, take a moment to ask yourself: Who am I? The answer might just transform your career — and your life.

Olga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and  Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.

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