The oldest law journal in the United States
Where Do I Start? Using Merge Lanes to Conquer Procrastination
Getting started is the hardest part of any endeavor, even those you love doing, which is paradoxical. [...]
The Benefits of Rewarding Yourself for a Job Well Done
If we recognize that external rewards signify something achieved, a benchmark attained, then why do so many people shrink from the idea of rewarding themselves? [...]
How to Say You’re Sorry: An Important Tool in the Workplace and Beyond
Apologizing is an important tool and if you dismiss it as a sign of weakness, you haven’t experienced its power and are missing opportunities to build and strengthen relationships at work and in your personal life. [...]
Exposing and Easing Fear of Young Lawyers in the Profession
There’s a saying about law school—”the first year they scare you to death, the second year they work you to death and the third year they bore you to death.” This saying implies that students overcome that first-year fear, but for many lawyers, it never completely goes away. I know because I was one of them. [...]
Why it Helps to Admit You’re Scared
I had a dream last night about coronavirus. A group of friends were leaving a restaurant (remember those?) and I looked back at the table where we had just been sitting and said “oh my God, we forgot to social distance.” The restaurant table was not spacious and, in the dream, I mentally calculated how far away I was from the person across from me, the person next to me. Well within 6 feet. Way too close. It was an intimate space and I began to panic that I had just contracted COVID-19. I woke up bemoaning my forgetfulness. [...]
Reset, Reinvent and Recover: Practical Ways to Adapt to a Changing World
In July 2008, I left my job as general counsel to a school district without having another one lined up. It was impossible to look for another job because I worked very long days and couldn’t simply disappear for a few hours in the highly visible role I had. But, I wasn’t worried. [...]
One Attorney’s Struggle With Addiction Shines Light on Deeper Problem
Every January, a group of lawyers I used work with went on a “diet.” It’s in quotes because, as one partner explained, the diet was an excuse to prove to themselves they weren’t alcoholics following the excesses of the holiday season. Recently I learned about “Dry January,” [...]
Chasing the Elusive Work-Life Balance
What do we mean when we talk about work-life balance? Usually a feeling that things are off-kilter between career and the other domains in life, particularly family time. Many of us face what the research calls a “time bind” caused by the simultaneous time and energy demands of family life and the workplace.
Investing in Lawyer Well-Being—Why It Matters
Back when I was practicing law, I had the privilege of arguing before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The court was six hours away, and my boss directed me to leave two days prior rather than just one. Instead of driving six [...]
Being a Lawyer Can Be Lonely—But It Doesn’t Have to Be
When I was a young lawyer, I mentioned a hobby of mine in front of my boss, something I did in my free time. My boss, the managing partner of the firm, narrowed his eyes and said, "free time? You [...]
A Novel Way to Create Change in the New Year and Beyond
In the early days of 2019, you may be asking yourself, with respect to the previous year, what just happened? What kind of year was it for me? How do I want this year to be different? What changes might [...]
Mentors, Mentees and What to Wear for a Successful Career
I reconnected with an early mentor recently when an old piece of business brought us back together again. At the time we worked together, I appreciated his guidance—he showed me how to improve my writing, cross-examine an expert witness, pick [...]
Apply Lessons Learned at the Gym to Your Career
In many ways, the gym is a microcosm of work, family and life. The way you interact while working out can have a big impact on your personal and professional life. Here are some things I’ve learned at the gym: [...]
Pro Bono Work: Helping You Gain Skills While Doing the Right Thing
October is pro bono month and the Pennsylvania Bar Association will observe the National Celebration of Pro Bono Week from Oct. 21-27. The Rules of Professional Conduct encourage, but do not require, attorneys to offer pro bono representation or to [...]
Those Habits That Are Working Against You Need to Go—For Good
Did you ever stop to think that our daily actions are a simply a collection of habits formed at various stages of our lives and rarely, if ever, re-examined to see if they are working for or against us? At [...]
From Piles to Files-How Getting Organized Can Transform Your Business
Recently, I was on the phone with a fellow coach who asked about my personality type from an assessment taken in the past. I didn't recall, so while still on the call, I quietly walked over to my filing cabinet [...]
Networking: Why Is It So Important and Can You Get Better at It?
Networking has been defined as "a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest." That doesn't sound so bad, does it? Support? Sharing? Interests in common? Why then, do so many professionals shudder [...]
Cycling Through Life’s Career Highs, Lows and Uncertain Times
You know the feeling—you just got a new job, client or case and you're all charged up. Ignited by the challenge, you are optimistic, goal oriented, focused and excited. During a phase like this, you are unstoppable and always looking [...]