Retreat for professional reflection
In just a few hours, I am going on retreat. I’ll be in Wyoming, which dials deep into one of my top values — freedom. (The image to the left is the view from my “office” during last year’s retreat.) A retreat is, for me, time devoted to looking at where my business is, what’s […]
Under pressure? Don’t get rattled.
I noticed another lesson in the Olympics last night. I watched the 400m relays and saw the U.S. men’s and women’s teams disqualified for dropping the baton. The men quit running after the drop, but the women’s team anchor Lauryn Williams picked up the baton and ran the rest of the race. It was hard to […]
Attaining leadership in a bar association
Working on a bar association committee or project is a good way to get leadership experience quickly. The reason is simple: because of the number and variety of bar associations (the ABA, state, city/county, area-of-practice, group affiliations, etc.) and the number and variety of sections and committees within each, leadership opportunities are numerous. Why should […]
Are you playing to win?
Last night, I was watching the men’s gymnastics Olympic competition. I was struck with the approaches, at least as described by the know-it-all knowledgeable commentators. (I admit to some impatience with the Olympic commentators, who magnify every misstep and cluck over the athletes’ failings, but that’s another story.) Some gymnasts played all out, trying their […]
Discrimination against women in law firms?
Former law firm associate Catriona Collins sued the law firm that had employed her, Cohen Pontani Lieberman & Pavane, claiming that she was passed over for work assignments and ultimately dismissed on the basis of her gender. Last week, the ABA Journal reported on Judge Kimba Wood’s Order denying (in part) the firm’s motion for summary judgment […]
What challenge bothers you most?
One of my favorite questions to suggest to a lawyer who’s in conversation with a potential client or looking to deepen a conversation with a current client is this: When you’re stuck in traffic and you’re thinking about your business, what’s the challenge that comes to mind most frequently? I love that question because it’s […]
Q&A: When an assignment goes awry
I’ve begun including a new feature in my weekly email newsletter Leadership Matters for Lawyers, called “Ask Julie.” Readers can send in questions, and each week I select one to answer in the newsletter. Last week’s question and response generated quite a bit of discussion, so I’m sharing it here. The question… I’ve been working […]