Meaning: The quote "Lawyers spend a great deal of their time shoveling smoke" is attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., who was an American jurist and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932. This quote is often used to illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by lawyers in their profession.

In essence, the quote suggests that lawyers often find themselves dealing with vague or intangible arguments, rather than concrete or tangible facts. It implies that lawyers are often tasked with navigating through murky and ambiguous situations, trying to make sense of unclear or convoluted information. This can be a challenging and frustrating aspect of the legal profession, as lawyers are required to sift through a great deal of "smoke" in order to find the truth and present compelling arguments.

The expression "shoveling smoke" is a metaphor that vividly captures the arduous and often futile nature of the work lawyers do. It evokes the image of a person trying to manipulate and control something intangible, like smoke, which is inherently difficult and ultimately impossible. This metaphorical description emphasizes the difficulty and complexity of the legal profession, highlighting the often abstract and elusive nature of the issues lawyers must grapple with.

In the context of the legal profession, "shoveling smoke" can also be interpreted as the process of dealing with arguments that lack substance or validity. Lawyers may find themselves challenging or defending positions that are built on shaky foundations or are intentionally misleading. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, as lawyers must work diligently to separate fact from fiction and present their case in a clear and convincing manner.

Furthermore, the quote may also allude to the adversarial nature of the legal system, where lawyers are often engaged in contentious and heated debates. In this context, "shoveling smoke" could refer to the act of countering or dismantling the arguments put forth by opposing counsel, often in an environment where the truth may be obscured by conflicting narratives and competing interests.

Overall, the quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. encapsulates the challenges and complexities faced by lawyers in their professional endeavors. It highlights the often ambiguous and convoluted nature of the legal issues they confront, as well as the demanding task of sifting through murky arguments and presenting compelling cases. It serves as a reminder of the rigorous and intricate nature of the legal profession, where lawyers must navigate through a great deal of ambiguity and uncertainty in their pursuit of justice and truth.