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.

Community Outreach: An activity of providing services to populations who might not otherwise have access to those services.

Adding local community outreach events to your strategic business plan can benefit both the firm and the community. Supporting local community events is a way to increase brand recognition, create happier employees, gives you an opportunity to offer much needed assistance and builds your reputation and presence in your community. 

Increase Brand Recognition, Grow Networks:

It’s easy to see how being involved in a community event yields greater recognition in the community. Connecting to good works builds trust, cultivates a sense of belonging and can increase your network to include people you might not find in your advertising campaigns.

As an added benefit, when you sponsor an event, you will receive a back link to your website from their site.

Outreach Engages Employees Beyond the Billable Hour:

A recent study by Deloitte found that employees and executives who participate in community outreach programs are “more likely to be proud, loyal and satisfied employees,” and while the study didn’t target law firms, you can be sure that this is true of the legal community as well.

Engaging employees in volunteer opportunities shows that the firm management cares more than just the dollars earned—that the employees are worth more than their billable hours. These activities bring the group together in a new and satisfying way, makes employees feel respected as individuals and can be proud of their firm. And, getting out of the office to support a local event can help avoid burnout.

How to Create a Community Outreach Strategy

Start with your State Bar and Local Bar Associations. Your State Bar has a pro bono program that you can support and your local bar may have a foundation that donates to local non-profits. To find community organizations, take advantage of some of your local social services programs. Contact them to determine area of need that you can fill. The United Way can also help in your selection.

Once you decide where you want to donate your firm’s time and treasure, find the outreach that fits your firm’s interests and capabilities. Some suggestions:

1. Make a financial donation,
2. Offer pro bono services,
3. Offer mentoring to local students,
4. Volunteer with a social service agency, or
5. Offer to host a community event at your office.

Once you’ve decided on an event, you’ll want to promote it. Update your blog and social media profiles with information about your efforts. Create a blog post with details of the event and link to the post with Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and your SBM member directory.  After the event, create a follow up blog and post your pictures.

Community outreach, whether a big or small effort, is worth your consideration. It will bring increase your brand, build your reputation and create a more well-rounded firm.