The Rubicon of Results: Why Your Lawyer Should Think Like Steve Jobs

There’s a famous story from the early days of NeXT and Apple that perfectly illustrates the difference between people who have "reasons" and people who get "results."

As the story goes, Steve Jobs was once showing a new Vice President into his office. When Jobs noticed the office hadn't been cleaned, he stopped a passing janitor and asked why. The janitor replied that the locks had been changed and he didn't have a key.

Jobs thanked the janitor. But when he was alone with the VP, he said:

"When you're the janitor, reasons matter. Somewhere between the janitor and the CEO, reasons stop mattering."

The Rubicon of Responsibility

Jobs called this the "Rubicon." For a junior employee, a locked door is a legitimate reason for a task not being completed. They don't have the authority to break the lock or hire a locksmith.

But for an executive—or an attorney—a "reason" is just a fancy word for an excuse. If the door is locked, you find the key. If there is no key, you find the person who has it. If they won't give it to you, you find another way in.

How This Applies to Your Legal Case

When you are facing a divorce or a bankruptcy, your life is effectively "locked." You are hitting obstacles that feel insurmountable—financial strain, emotional exhaustion, or a legal system that seems designed to slow you down.

At Varnado Law Firm, I operate on the Executive side of that Rubicon.

• In a Divorce: We don't just wait for the other side to "eventually" sign the papers. We push for the result that lets you start your new life.

• In a Bankruptcy: We don't just file forms; we navigate the obstacles to ensure your fresh start is actually a fresh start.

Life’s Short. Get Results.

If you’re looking for a "janitor" lawyer who will give you a list of reasons why your case is stalled, I’m not your guy. But if you’re looking for someone who understands that reasons don't matter—results do—then we should talk.

Life is too short to stay stuck behind a locked door. Let’s find the key together.

Attorney Disclaimer (Mississippi Rule 7.2)

The Mississippi Bar does not certify specialists in any area of law. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a written agreement is signed. Fees for uncontested matters may vary based on specific case details.