Panic - - our worst enemy

Last week, our U.S. Legislature (out of panic, in the minds of many) granted a $700 Billion bail-out package to Wall Street.

The expressed purpose of that bail-out was to "easy financial conditions."

But, to the surprise of many, the stock market has been going DOWN (way down) ever since.  Today, it went down -800 at one point on the DOW; although, at the end of today, it bounced back to a mere -369.

I am certain that, as a result of today's market loss, many will take action out of panic in connection with their portfolio's - - which they may later regret.

Although we lawyers are believed to be "level-headed" for the most part, circumstances frequently arise (particularly in litigation and transactional situations) that test that belief.

And when such situations do arise (as they most certainly will), we may make decisions or take action out of panic that we may later regret.

So, the question I put forth is this, "What is the best way to avoid that panic (to "fight that fear") when such circumstances present themselves?

That panic is all the more enhanced when (a) the client is "in your face," or (b) the judge is "starring you down" in court.  But, even in these situations, the lawyer must keep their calm and remain level-headed. 

It is NOT easy to do, but essential to pull off.