Recently I wrote a post on reasons to leave the practice of law. From the number of hits the short blog received, I would guess that a lot of you are re-thinking your life goals. That reassessment, done while we are forced to shelter in place due to a nasty disease, may lead to a new career path.
But, for those of you staying with the law, let’s look at how you can enjoy the journey. Again the “Words of Wisdom” from highly experienced Michigan lawyers can help:
Don’t take yourself seriously, but take what you do for your clients seriously.
Enjoy every minute and learn all you can; it goes by quickly.
Do all that you can in life while you are able to do it—ski the black diamond at least once.
Maintain a sense of humor.
Relax. You will make mistakes. They’re not fatal.
Shine your shoes and always be early.
Stay focused, work, and enjoy the practice of law.
Work hard, don’t get too full of yourself, and don’t make money the most important part of life. Have fun and laugh whenever you can.
Treat all with civility and cooperation. Your career is a long road, and your reputation among your peers and the judiciary will influence the outcomes of your practice.
Return your phone calls.
The practice to which you return may be quite different from the practice you left some months ago. Undoubtedly, there will be procedural rules for the office regarding masks, gloves, hand washing, and social distancing. How services are delivered will change. You will have more virtual meetings with clients, opposing counsel, and judges. Courts will continue to hold hearings virtually. Face to face events may be delayed for some time.
The laws upon which you base your practice, however, have not changed. You will continue to provide well-drafted documents in your area of expertise, expertly defend or prosecute your client’s matter or file a well-researched appeal.
As Hugh Patterson MacMillan, Scottish lawyer, 1916, said: “The practice of law is more than a mere trade or business, and …those who engage in it are the guardians of ideals and traditions to which it is right that they should from time to time dedicate themselves anew.”
Now that you’ve used the down-time to dedicate yourself anew to the practice of law read the “Words of Wisdom” and enjoy the journey.
When you are up and running, remember I edit newsletters, articles and write blogs and content. You can reach me at 734-255-9119 or roberta@robertamgubbins.com.