Summary
This quote suggests that lawyers often find themselves dealing with abstract or intangible concepts and arguments rather than concrete facts. It implies that the nature of legal work can be complex and involves navigating through uncertainty, subjectivity, and ambiguity. Lawyers are tasked with analyzing and interpreting intricate laws, regulations, and precedents, often resulting in meticulous and meticulous argumentation. Therefore, "shoveling smoke" symbolizes their effort to manipulate and shape elusive legal concepts in order to advocate for their clients and present persuasive arguments in court.