The responses of lawyers to this recent online survey, co-sponsored by TCL and the NALP Foundation, reveal marked differences in the perceptions of men and women and among lawyers from different generations.  This summary offers insights on how lawyers assess career choices, their daily labors and the societal role of the legal profession.
By Paula Patton

I never wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a preacher--a man of God. Then I wanted to be a teacher--a man of letters. But I ended up as a lawyer--a man of rules. I’m glad I did.
By Clay Long

The cases in which I have obtained the largest settlements, written lengthy legal briefs, given speeches that I labored over for days, are not my greatest victories. I revel in the notion that I have the choice every day to do what I think is right, to work for what I believe in.         

By Lorna Sills Katica

I am proud that lawyers in Georgia are involved daily in the business of vindicating the rights of Georgia’s citizens.  Working within the judicial system, they are protecting or establishing rights that shape our lives—assuring that all our citizens enjoy equal protection of the law and the other vestiges of freedom.

By Edward H. Johnson

The remainder of the tasteless joke ratifies the stereotype of lawyers as philistines, with hair on their hearts that deprives them of empathy, driven by greed and pre-occupied with the billable hour. You need them in a tight fight, but never in your home for a warm evening with the family.

By Alf Nucifora

Sue finally understood that if she did not care for herself, no one else could or would do it for her, and she would end up burned out and useless to herself, her clients, and her family and friends.
By Debby Stone and Laura Biering

Peter Drucker said, “Most people think they know what they are good at. They are usually wrong.” The further you get from fully expressing your talents and abilities, the less likely it is that you will enjoy your work. What are you good at?

By Anne Whitaker

From CPA, to large firm associate, to small boutique partner, to sole practitioner; there are many ways to describe the career of Lee Kellison: Typical, however, is not one of them. 

By Paul Consbruck

Many “personality conflicts” are just differences in communication styles. Once you understand the four basic styles, you can see that what may aggravate you in another person is not personal—he behaves the same way with everyone.
By Judi Craig

There is an institutionalized disconnect for attorneys, built into the American legal system, between what we do for a living and who we really are. That disconnect causes a discomfort within ourselves.  Meditation is one antidote.

By Richard Weiner

4.5 million persons in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.  That number is projected to rise to 16 million by 2050.  It is important to understand what is normal aging and which symptoms exhibited by a loved one should concern you.
By Lucy Whelchel

A gregarious personality, a network of high net-worth individuals, and a competitive nature are good to have in developing business. But what do you do if you don’t have these assets?

By Sara Holtz

How do you see your role as lawyer, and what do you offer your clients? Do you play different roles, in different circumstances, as the needs of clients change?  If so, do you feel authentic as you assume various roles? As you better understand your identity as a lawyer, you can better articulate your offer to potential clients and attract clients who are aligned with you.
By Dennis Coyne

Most students enter law school happy and healthy. By the second semester, however, their rate of depression rises dramatically and stays high after law school. Is this a result of learning to “think like a lawyer” or something else?  What can law schools do differently?
The Complete Lawyer Interview: Larry Krieger

One in five lawyers suffers from clinical depression, alcoholism or some other form of psychological distress; almost twice the rates of those experienced by the general population. One antidote: Find the “flow” in your work.

By Susan Daicoff

When you are under too much stress your memory isn’t good, you are easily distracted, you become impulsive and your judgment is suboptimal. Now there’s a tool to help you detect your level of stress before it’s too late.

By Lyle Miller

An idea began taking shape in my mind: an online magazine, focusing on the best practices in professionalism and quality of life and career that would help lawyers succeed and find greater satisfaction in their lives and careers. We would offer antidotes to problems—not merely unearth them.

By Don Hutcheson

Herbert Gold described travel as encouraging a certain “emotional availability, a willingness to be moved.”  Indeed, travel sets us on this open course.  And yet, no matter how much we travel, there are always new perspectives to behold.
By Steve Zikman

As professionals we each assume significant financial risks, whether or not we recognize or are aware of them. If we choose not to defer the risk, the effect can be “catastrophic” to us individually and to our families. The proper use of risk analysis and implementation of a Risk Management Plan is crucial to our livelihoods and well being.

By Robert Hockett

Having pondered why some people with very high IQ scores fail miserably in their personal lives, Harvard professor Howard Gardner, concluded that the concept of “intelligence,” as a singular measure of competence, could no longer be supported.