Speaker and often-published writer Pat McHenry Sullivan's articles include "You Can Find Time to De-Stress" for Law Practice Today, and an article for Steve Keeva's Transforming Practices site about the benefits of working with lawyers (these benefits may not be what you expect). She is featured in "Desktop Vacation Benefits" (at The Billable Hour's Timesheet), an article with imaginative ideas on how to create desktop retreats and sanctuaries right in your office. Sullivan also wrote Work with Meaning, Work with Joy: Bring Your Spirit to Any Job. (Her Web site is not working but should be functioning again within the next two weeks).
In response to a listserv discussion on what is right with the legal profession, Sullivan wrote (and I include it here with her permission):
Here's the hopeful truth -- the overwhelming majority of lawyers I know turned to law because it fascinated them and because it was their way to serve. Law school, law school culture (particularly shame, fears that everyone has to be perfect, fears of weakness), debts from law school, the general culture that doesn't want to deal with legal issues but wants a lawyer to get them out of trouble -- all these have contributed to a culture where the best of law is not spoken. People believe there is no time and space for reflection or for self-nurture. And yet, even a moment of reflection can turn the tide towards compassion, integrity and purpose.
I'm very inspired by the Jewish New Year, which leads to Simchat Torah, or rejoicing in the law -- giving thanks for the laws of God that structure the community and allow it to thrive. I understand the ceremony of rejoicing in the law can be quite raucous and joyous.
It's time to rejoice in human law and the people who serve that law on all levels. Lawyers and legal staff have tolerated and told insulting jokes too long. Too rarely have people stood up for them or rejoiced in the human law that was designed to provide the structure for a thriving, just economy and culture.
A basic principle of Appreciative Inquiry is that you start with what is right. As is so well expressed by Marianne Williams (then quoted by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural), we are much more afraid of shining out our goodness and hopes than we are afraid of facing what's wrong. The result is that we don't share the tips, resources, ideas, and inspirations that could help us bring out the best of the profession and ourselves.
Having worked for hundreds of lawyers while feeding a writing habit and building my own business, I've found that the biggest secret in law firms is how much lawyers really want to serve others.
Rejoice in the law. I am intrigued by, and attracted to, that phrase. And I have a suggestion. First, let me wish everyone in the US a good three-day weekend as we celebrate Labor Day. Now let me suggest that each of you take a minute or so on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to rejoice in the law, to think about one thing each day that you appreciate about the legal profession. By next Tuesday, you and I will have begun the creation of a what-is-right-with-the-legal-progession synapse or pathway in our brains. That new groove just might feel good. Try it.
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