Practicing Law Sucks

Getting what you want

Everything in life has a price - - even our deepest desires.

I meet undergraduate students who say they want to go to Law School.  I meet Law School students who say they want to graduate and pass the Bar.  I meet Law Firm Associates who say they want to make Partner.  I meet Partners who say they want to make enough money to retire someday.

...and then, I meet Lawyers who say that someday they want to write an article for a legal publication.  I meet other lawyers who say that they have enough material to write a book - someday.  I meet other lawyers who say, someday, they would like to get certified as a "Specialist" (in those jurisdictions and areas of practice that recognize specialization).

The point is that lawyers (and others) often say they want things; but, when I ask these same people what they are willing to do to get what they want, they often stare blankly back at me - - some even become hostile and give me dirty looks.

Lawyers need to align their "want-to's" with their "willing-to do's." If you want something, but are not willing to do the work to get what you want, then you will live in a state of perpetual frustration. 

Here are some suggestions that might help you get what you want:

1. Make a list of EVERYTHING you want.  Don't leave anything out. Then after you have your list, rate each item on a scale of "0" to "10" ("10" meaning you want that item very badly. "0" meaning you don't want the item at all.)

2. Stop by each of your want's and ask yourself this question: "Am I willing to invest the time, energy and resources necessary to have that item?" Then rate your "willing-to's" the same way you did your "want-to's").

3. Look at your list and pick the top three things you want the most and are most willing to do what is necessary to get them.

4. Make a plan - a serious plan - for getting those three things over the next three to six months.

JEROME M. BAME, Esq., Coach-Mentor-Confidant to Lawyers, 10061 Talbert Avenue, Suite 200, Fountain Valley, CA  92708; Telephone (714) 962-4477

Think "Happy Lawyer" = Be Happy Lawyer

If we think we are dissatisfied with our work or career, then we are. 

When faced with dissatisfying work, clients, cases, associates, etc, lawyers will often think in terms of solutions such as requesting higher fees, minimizing contact with Partners or associates, "firing" certain clients, changing firms, or even leaving their law practice or legal career altogether.

While each of these remedies may be appropriate in certain situations, many psychologists know an interesting truth about work and career satisfaction -- that is, that one's work and/or career satisfaction is as much a state of mind as it is a function of work conditions.

The good news is that our views of our work, career and life can be significantly impacted by changing the way we think.  In other words, thinking positive can result in being positive...about much of what we associate with our work and career.

And, in these difficult economic times when the economy is in bad shape, lawyers (still employed and working) are usually gratified to be employed and working and, thus, tend to be more satisfied and happier with their work and careers.  Of course, not in all cases, but in many cases.

One survey revealed that, when the economy slid into recession, the percentage of people reporting that they were "very satisfied" with their jobs substantially increased.  When we see other people suffering, particularly those lawyers we see as being similar to ourselves, it often leads us to realize that, as bad as things may seem, they could always be worse.  It seems that lawyers who are still working and employed are finding more reasons to appreciate and be happier in their work and career.

So, the "Daily Tip" is this: When "all hell breaks loose at the office" or your "client from hell" reaches new heights that you never thought possible, just consider the good things - the positive things - about your work or career [there has to be at least one or two?] and find something to be grateful about.  It might just raise your satisfaction level a couple of notches - - and save your sanity.

JEROME M. BAME, Esq., Coach-Mentor-Confidant to Lawyers, 10061 Talbert Avenue, Suite 200, Fountain Valley, CA 92708; Telephone (714) 962-4477