Five Suggestions for Young Lawyers 1. Don’t be someone you’re not. I tried to act “tough” early in my career and failed. I had to learn to practice in a way that fits who I am; it made me happier. 2. The human element of practicing law is often more important than the legal. Working […]

For Young Lawyers From Ken Turek “The long hours, money pressure, conflict, potential for mistakes – sometimes overwhelm me.” You may think this quote is from a young lawyer, but it is from a lawyer in practice almost 20 years. The lesson is: the early pressures of lawyering remain throughout our careers. How we understand […]

Americans are more afraid of public speaking than death. To Jerry Seinfeld that means if we go to a funeral we’d rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy. I have walked off stage to a thundering ovation and have been booed off by a swearing mob. Using the same material! I’ve also had […]

When a story begins in the present tense and touches our senses we are suddenly right there. Lessons abound for the courtroom, especially for opening statement and direct examination. As we learn from the fairy tales of our youth to the proverbial “two guys walk into a bar” great storytelling drops us right into the experience. The jury deserves the same.

Originally published in San Diego Lawyer magazine, November 2009

Our work as lawyers is very difficult. The conflict and pressures we face are not normal or healthy. How do we lead a “normal” balanced life when our long work days are so often contentious?

There is an opposing lawyer in one of my cases that wants-wants-wants everything her own way.  She wants me to give in on everything and whines when I don’t. Then I’m unreasonable.  Then I’m unfair. But ask her for anything and she shuts down like a slamming door, and then attacks me personally. I’ve tried to be patient.  I’ve […]

I recently interviewed Josh Karton, a communication expert from Los Angeles, who helps lawyers all over America become better speakers and presenters. Josh, who has a dramatic arts background, explained that it’s often difficult to get lawyers to look up from notes and just speak to an audience. He told me it’s because our training in […]

What does a lawyer seeking work life balance need the most? Is it time management and To Do lists?  Or exercise?  Or less work? Maybe, but none of these will work without the most important element of all:  mindset. Mindset is the key to work life balance in the law.  Several years ago I was getting ready […]

Many years ago I started to study and speak on a topic I called Lawyer Happiness. Part of it involved the struggle to achieve balance for lawyers in their work and lives. During that study I attended a presentation on “Achieving Sacred Balance”. (Sign me up again…)  I learned there that balance and success depends […]

Law and humor collided recently when defense attorney Don West told a knock-knock joke to begin his opening statement in the trial of George Zimmerman.  (“Knock knock. Who’s there? George Zimmerman. George Zimmerman who?  Congratulations you’re on the jury.”) The joke went nowhere and West was almost universally panned:  “Inappropriate.  Astounding.  Unprofessional in such a […]