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Happy Lawyers Blog

A blog for lawyers who practice the Law of Attraction & Sacred Commerce

If you are a happy lawyer, you are centered
If you are centered, you are balanced
If you are balanced, you have a work/life balance
If you have work/life balance, you have an abundant life
If you have an abundant life, you can give back

Lawyers as Healers

By Cyndee Todgham Cherniak on Posted in Positivity, Sacred Commerce, Social Justice, Uncategorized

At the American Bar Association, Section of International Law, Fall Meeting in Dublin, I was reminded of a quote made by former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger:

”Doctors still retain a high degree of public confidence because they are perceived as healers. Should lawyers not be healers? Healers, not warriors? Healers, not procurers? Healers, not hired guns?”

This quotation has been reviewed and considered by many.

This quotation speaks to me because lawyers are healers.  Lawyers should look in the mirror and see themselves as healers.  By looking at oneself and the work lawyers undertake in a positive light, lawyers can reclaim self-respect, self worth and positivity.  In terms of sacred commerce, lawyers can match their profession with social justice. 

Lawyers may heal those who have been wrongly accused.  Lawyers may heal those who have been wrongly assessed tax.  Lawyers may heal relationships as they separate and/or divorse.  Lawyers may heal emotional scars when parties are in a dispute.

What have you done to heal those who have come to you for help?

Change is Good: What Would You Like To Change About Yourself

By Cyndee Todgham Cherniak on Posted in Affirmations, Happiness, Inspiration

Would you like to be a “happy lawyer” but are not there yet? Transforming yourself into a “happy lawyer” requires a willingness to make some change(s) in your day-to-day to let go of a counterproductive beliefs, attitudes, habits that hold you back from reaching our true potential. What are some changes you need to make internally and externally for the rest of 2011 to honor the intention you wish to manifest in your life?  Pick one belief (e.g., lawyers are not happy people” change to “lawyers can be happy people”), attitude (e.g., “I am not happy” change to “I have a lot to be happy about”), or habit (“I have a short temper” change to ‘I can control my anger”).  I am sending you best wishes for success.

Prepare A Mission Statement Before Your Business Plan

By Cyndee Todgham Cherniak on Posted in Gratitude, Happiness, Humility, Mentorship, Positivity, Relationship with Employees, Relationship with Lawyers, Uncategorized

Lawyers should prepare a mission statement, which includes statements of positiveintentions.  Mission statements are an opportunity to align yourself, your support staff, your colleagues, your clients, your client development activities, your community work, etc. with your commitments.

Your mission statements should be written in the present tense because it is represents who you are right now.  Your mission statement should use positive words – avoid stating anything that is negative.  Think of your mission statements as a promise to yourself and those around you – how you are going to be a happy lawyer.  Remember that humility is critical and to keep your ego in check when establishing a mission statement.

I cannot give you a precedent, but here is what I have written for myself:

I am a happy lawyer.  I have self-respect and will respect others in all that I do.  I value integrity and will strive to do the right thing in all circumstances.  I will honour my commitments and will deliver what I promise. My reputation and my words are important and I will ensure that when I act, it will give honour to my name and my profession.  I am fair to those around me and to myself – I will do unto others as I will have done unto me.

When I honour my mission, clients will come. I a sherpa to some, and a lifeguard to others.  I am a helping hand during troubled times. I am grateful to have the knowledge, insight and experience to solve the legal problems of others. I will show gratitude and appreciation to those who entrust me with the troubles and ask me for legal advice and guidance.

You mission statement can be updated and changed as you evolve your thinking.  After you prepare your mission statement, the preparation of your business plan should be easier.

I invite everyone to share their mission statements so that other lawyers (and I) may benefit.