Lawyers Behaving Badly? The Rules of Kindergarten Get Reapplied
We’ve all heard the jokes about our profession; generally not the most complimentary. For the most part, you brush it off, develop a thick skin, and continue to work hard to build a successful practice and a positive reputation. A recent article in the February 2011 issue of ‘Briefly Speaking’, provided some helpful tips on how to practice law without compromising your integrity when faced with counsel who gives that reputation some basis in reality.
The article takes a creative and humorous approach to some of the most common day-to-day occurrences that make you say “hmm”, in the practice of law, notably, the infuriating letter and the aggressive opposing counsel. One would think that the issues dealt with in this article reflect basic common sense, but as we often live in a world where time is precious and civility thus falls by the wayside, apparently a few reminders are necessary.
I took what I believe to be two valuable lessons from Mr. Meehan’s article. The first, how I react is up to me. Every choice has consequences, but the choice is always mine. Attention should be paid to how we behave in any given work situation as the consequences can be extreme, both short term in potential costs awards, and long term in damaging your reputation; The second, that my mom gives good advice; I can hear her now, ‘If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all’. I don’t think that my mom knew that her little words of wisdom would be useful resource throughout my life, but I’m sure she’s pleased to hear it.
Take the time to read this article and moreover, give it some reflection. Perhaps the next time you are dealing with counsel and you have the notion to act in a reactive fashion, you can choose to be civil because, as Mr. Meehan states, it’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the strategic thing to do.
Something to think about,
Nadia M. Harasymowycz - Click here for more information on Nadia Harasymowycz.
