“Get’cha Head in the Game ” Over a decade ago, Disney released High School Musical and it took the tween world by storm. Somehow, my wife and I were roped into watching. One song in particular has remained with me ever since. “Get’cha Head in the Game” performed by Zac Efron. It was not the lyrics, […]
Email Etiquette
The art of email etiquette is not taught in law school. Students are taught how to “think like lawyers,” but are left clueless how to most effectively use email. Below are seven email etiquette tips that are often forgotten: Subject Line Etiquette Make sure your […]
The Right Tools
The other day I was watching our landscapers trim a large bush that had overgrown the fence. What would have taken me 3 hours to complete with my clippers, took them just 10 minutes. That is when it hit me…Productivity depends on having the right tools for the job! CREATING A BUSINESS A client had […]
Standing in Line
A Simple Way to Improve your Argument Have you ever been standing in line at the grocery store when the person behind you strikes up a conversation ? Use that to your advantage. Tell them you are a lawyer and would like to run a scenario by them, if they are willing. Most non-lawyers think […]
Why Lawyers Need Acting or Improv Class
An inexpensive way for lawyers to improve their courtroom skills is to take an acting or improv class. In college, I took an acting class to fulfill arts credit. I learned to be an effective actor, you must be able to get in touch with both your emotions and the emotions of your character. This […]
Toastmasters: An Essential Tool for Trial Lawyers
Without Toastmasters, I would not be the trial lawyer that I am today. Toastmasters International helps people become better public speakers. The organization also offers a very effective leadership training program. Ralph Smedley started Toastmasters in 1924 in the basement of a California YMCA. I am a second generation Toastmaster and have been involved in a […]
Six Tips Before Taking a Career Break
Sometimes a person just needs a career break. A client of mine used to love photography. It seemed to help him clear his mind and encouraged his artistic side. When I first met him, he admitted that the last time he worked a camera was 10 years ago. He had become engulfed by his career, […]
The Undiscovered Self and How to Change It.
The undiscovered self shows up when you least expect it, and usually not in a constructive way. It can happen in a meeting when a superior browbeats you and you do not respond. It can happen when your partner makes an innocent observation and you fly off the handle. It can happen when you avoid […]
Leaving Law for an Encore Career
For many attorneys, there comes a time where they decide to to leave the practice of law. The feelings associated with leaving the practice of law can run the gamut from exhilaration to terrifying. When you spend your entire legal career networking, learning, and fine-tuning your craft, the idea of leaving it all behind can […]
Mid-Career Adjustments
Oftentimes when an attorney reaches mid-career, she or he finds it difficult to stay motivated without making adjustments. However, there are steps you can take to reenergize your career. Here are five ways to help you mid-career: Avoid Burnout Somewhere along the line, most attorneys begin to feel that they are unsure they made the […]