Do you sometimes feel like your calendar controls you instead of you controlling your calendar? Do you ever bust your rump at work and wonder, at the end of the day, why you did not complete the project you really needed to get done? Do you feel like portions of your day get away from you? Do you miss time with your family or friends because you have to stay late or work on weekends to catch up or get those large projects done? If so, you need to learn that saying “yes” means saying “no.”
I used to suffer from this calendar “malaise” until the September luncheon speaker, Cammie Hauser, gave me some great advice. In order to prevent me from overcommitting my time or taking a borderline case (worse yet a “favor for a friend” case), Cammie told me to place a couple of pictures of my family on my desk that face me when I am working on the computer and talking on the phone. She then said every time you say “Yes” to someone else, look at the photos and remember you are saying “No” to your family.
As we commit to these projects, cases or other tasks that require time during normal business hours, we have to make that time up somehow. All too often we sacrifice our personal or family time. Recently, a friend of mine lost his wife in a tragic accident. He is a widower and single dad at age 40. It was an unfortunate reminder of those sayings like “life is short” and “you never know when today is going to be your last day.” I am not suggesting you stop working and run home to your family, although that’s not a bad idea. I will challenge you to say “no” more often, protect your calendar and take time to enjoy life with your loved ones. Time is an attorney’s only asset. Make your time in the office and with your family and friends as valuable as possible.
Welcome New Attorneys
Last week Chief Judge Donald Moran hosted a swearing in ceremony for the new local attorneys that were approved for admission to the Florida Bar. Congratulations to all of you sworn in on Friday. While becoming an attorney was presumably one of your life goals, it is time to reassess and decide what kind of lawyer you want to be known as. This is not about the type of law you are practicing. I am talking about deciding if you want to be known as a hard worker, a passionate advocate, an honest and ethical attorney, someone that gives back to the community and promotes the public’s perception of our profession. These are all very attainable goals that you can start working toward right now. Whether you are in the office or not, every day you can do a little something toward improving yourself, establishing your reputation or giving back to the profession.
The practice of law is truly a privilege and a noble profession. Your career and reputation will advance much faster if you start working toward those long term goals right now. Get involved in the community. Find a mentor, either in your firm or in your practice area. The Fourth Judicial Circuit’s mentoring project is a great resource for young lawyers. Join the Jacksonville Bar Association and participate in our events. From volunteer opportunities, to our lunches, to the young lawyer happy hours and sports leagues, there are many avenues to meet other lawyers, young and old. Through involvement in the JBA and our community, you will build lasting friendships and invaluable resources outside of your law firm. Hard work and a determination to start giving back to the community will greatly enrich your reputation and your legal career.
October Luncheon
The next luncheon is set for Oct. 16 at the Hyatt. Our featured speaker is University of Florida Law Dean Bob Jerry. He will discuss how law schools are changing their teaching methods to best reach today’s generation of law students.
Courtney for President in 2010
Many thanks to Courtney Grimm of the Beddell Firm for covering the September luncheon in my absence. Courtney did a great job with less than 30 seconds notice to prepare. I hope you agree that Courtney should be running these meetings in two years.
Top 10 Lists
I have only received a few submissions. The best was from Brian Currie — it was titled “The Top 10 Reasons Joe Camerlengo Should Use An Updated Photograph In The Bar Bulletin.” While (in my opinion) the actual list was clearly not that funny or worthy of inclusion in this article, the message was loud and clear!