Practicing Law Sucks

Is your problem really an opportunity?

I read a story recently that reminded me of some lawyers I meet.  They are so narrowly focused on the problem at hand that they miss the broader opportunity that is presented to them or their client.

The story: It was Joe Markham's problem.  Markham kept hearing the sounds "crunch," "crunch" coming from his 3-year old mutt "Fritz" that he had adopted.  It seems that Fritz loved chewing rocks - - so much so, in fact, that Fritz was breaking and losing his teeth.  In every other way, Fritz was a wonderful and loving companion.

But Markham knew that the dog's one bad habit was endangering his health.  So Markham, an owner of a motorcycle shop, encouraged Fritz to try softer substitutes - - radiator hoses and motorcycle tires.  But Fritz didn't favor either of these items enough for them to become a rock replacement.

One day, Fritz stretched under the workbench, pulled out a part from a car, and trotted over to Markham where Fritz dropped the part on Markham's foot.  This rubber-knobbed gizmo was a prize - - and it was love at first bite for Fritz.  Fritz forgot his beloved rocks. 

That's when Markham speculated that if his dog loved this type of rubber so much, other dogs would, too.  And so began a long journey of prototypes, rejections, manufactured woes, ridicule and late-night commercial slots.  But Markham persevered because he know that his REAL customers - - the furry, 4-legged ones - - would prove him right.

Today, Markham's toy "the Kong" is nearing the 50 million mark - - almost one for every dog in America.  Markham says that while perseverance played a role in his success, the real secret was that he stayed focused on find a solution to a problem.

Lawyers oftentimes hear the annoying (sometimes "crunchy") sound of a problem approaching and, when they do, try to avoid or sidestep the problem.  Instead, they should be listening for the sound of "opportunity knocking."

I often tell Lawyers, "When opportunity knocks, answer the door !"

JEROME M. BAME, Esq., Coach-Mentor-Confidant to lawyers, 10061 Talbert Avenue, Suite 200, Fountain Valley, CA  92708; Telephone (714) 962-4477; Email bame@pro-businesscoaches.com

What makes (or, would make) you a happy lawyer?

If you are an unemployed lawyer, as thousands across the country are these days, obviously you are not a "happy lawyer" - - and, understandably so.

But, I address the following to those lawyers who are employed - - whether working in large firms, medium or small partnerships, solo practices, or whatever.

To those lawyers I ask the question, "Have you ever asked yourself (or seriously took the time to consider) what factors make you happy as a lawyer?"

There is an old adage that goes something like, "If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there?"

So, I repeat my question, "Have you ever asked yourself (or took the time to consider) what makes (or, would make) you happy being a lawyer?"

I recently read in a Blog ("Personal Finance Blog by Money Ning") that a study released in the Wall Street Journal said that making $75,000 a year was the optimum salary for happiness.  However, that study did not focus on the legal profession.  So, let's just add a "1" before the "7" and say (for the sake of discussion) that, perhaps, making $175,000 a year was the optimum salary for happiness for lawyers. Or, if you prefer, let's add a "2" before the "7" and move that figure up to $275,000 for happiness.

But, the interesting part of the study showed that making the optimum salary (whatever the figure) did not really contribute much to happiness.  And, in support of that statement, I have met many lawyers who earn tremendous salaries who admit being unhappy practicing law.

So, then, the real question is, "What factors REALLY contribute to your happiness as a lawyer (assuming you are an example of this latter statement)?"

First, I will admit that how much money a lawyer makes is definitely a factor that affects their happiness and career satisfaction.  But, the truth of the matter is that it is not just the dollar amount.  There are other factors that are equally, if not more, important than the dollar amount. 

For example:

Other types of compensation.  Some lawyers are happy taking less in terms of salary in exchange for other types of compensation.  Benefits such as a good health plan can out weight the take home pay.  A nice retirement plan (if they still exist today), a vacation policy and even unpaid personal leave can all influence how you feel about your job.

Do you still find your work interesting and stimulating? Whether or not your work is interesting and stimulating can also make a difference in how your feel about your career.  Work that a lawyer finds interesting can be satisfying - - even if they are not making a great deal of money.  I have met lawyers who quit the practice because they became bored with their work.

Do you feel appreciated?  Everyone likes to feel appreciated (especially lawyers).  If you feel that you are being recognized for your contributions (by the Bar, by your Firm, by your clients), you are more likely to be satisfied with your career and happy in your work.

Other considerations contributing to a lawyers happiness might be: Flexibility(for example, being able to work at home); the other attorneys around you with whom you associate (if they are a bunch of SOB's, you won't find life in the office very pleasant); whether you have any "clients from hell" (which can ruin your day, if not your career); and, your ability to make the decision on accepting and/or rejecting the clients and cases you take.

What else?

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

 

 

 

 

A Mourner's Poem

I recently attended the funeral of a long-time friend.

Included in the Mourner's Leaflet that was distributed to those in attendance was the following poem:

Life Between The "Dash"

"It is told of a man who started to speak, while standing at the graveside of a friend. He referred to the dates on the friend's tombstone, from beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears; but he said what mattered most of all was the "dash" between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that his friend spent alive on earth; and now only those who loved his friend know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own, the cars...the house...the cash; for what matters most is how we live and love, and how we spend our "dash."

So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change?  For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged."

 

I am going to give a copy of this poem to some of the lawyers that contact me.

Because they don't need to learn how to be better lawyers - - they have that down pat.

But they could use some help to live better, love more, and be kinder to themselves.

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