Be a Careful Lawyer
Positive client interactions contribute to client satisfaction, fostering trust and loyalty, and often lead to valuable word-of-mouth referrals
Jim Vickaryous
The old carpenter’s advice, “measure twice, cut once,” is just as applicable to lawyers as it is to those that swing a hammer. Maybe it’s even wiser for lawyers to measure their work three times. After all, our clients are much more important than a piece of wood. It goes without saying that a lawyer needs to always be careful in what they do and choose their words with wisdom.
The story of Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, offers a compelling narrative on the importance of meticulousness and commitment to craftsmanship. In a formative childhood experience, Steve Jobs learned a profound lesson from his father while painting a fence. Tasked with this seemingly routine chore, Jobs’s father insisted that not only the visible side but also the unseen side facing the neighbors needed to be thoroughly painted. Puzzled by the necessity of investing effort in an area hidden from view, Jobs questioned his father, who imparted a fundamental insight. The lesson was simple yet profound: True excellence transcends external recognition. Just as Jobs’s father insisted on painting both the visible and unseen sides of the fence, lawyers must approach their work with a commitment to meticulousness, recognizing that their efforts, like the unseen side, contribute significantly to the overall tapestry of justice. What we do as lawyers offer is neither seen nor heard. Seen or not, our careful efforts are necessary for our clients.
Reviewing and revising legal work emerges as a cornerstone in the pursuit of excellence for a careful lawyer. This practice is not merely a routine exercise, it’s a deliberate act of self-reflection. Legal documents, contracts, and briefs are not mere transactions, rather they are reflections of the lawyer’s dedication to precision and a testament to the standards they uphold. In the process of re-reading, a careful lawyer embarks on a journey of continuous improvement, refining their skills and ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and coherence.
The ethos of being a careful lawyer extends beyond the confines of legal practice to interpersonal relationships, starting with clients, the lifeblood of a legal career. A client-centered approach, characterized by empathy, transparency, and a commitment to achieving optimal outcomes, is not only a reflection of care for the client but also a strategic investment in the lawyer’s business reputation. Positive client interactions contribute to client satisfaction, fostering trust and loyalty, and often lead to valuable word-of-mouth referrals.
Moreover, a careful lawyer understands the weight of their responsibilities in client interactions. Beyond the legal intricacies, there lies a profound impact on individuals’ lives. This recognition underscores the importance of a careful and considerate approach, ensuring that the legal process is not just a procedural matter, but an experience guided by empathy and dedication.
In the delicate balance of professional and personal life, the careful lawyer recognizes the significance of family relationships. Principles of integrity, communication, and understanding become the bedrock of a balanced life. A lawyer’s commitment to family not only contributes to personal well-being but also nurtures emotional resilience, positively influencing their ability to navigate the complexities of legal matters.
Interactions with fellow lawyers are equally vital in shaping a collaborative legal community. The legal profession thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. The careful lawyer navigates professional relationships with tact, recognizing the collective responsibility to uphold the principles of justice. Through thoughtful communication and ethical conduct, a careful lawyer contributes to the fostering of a positive and collaborative legal environment, reinforcing the interconnected nature of the legal community.
The careful lawyer internalizes the idea that good quality is a virtue for oneself, irrespective of external recognition. In a profession where success is often measured by external validation, the careful lawyer maintains personal pride and satisfaction in their work. The pursuit of excellence becomes an intrinsic value, adding depth to the lawyer’s professional identity. This perspective fosters a sense of fulfillment, reinforcing the belief that the integrity of their work is not compromised for the sake of external perceptions.
Being a careful lawyer is a multifaceted commitment to excellence, integrity, and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the story of Steve Jobs and the metaphorical fence, lawyers can embrace the importance of meticulousness and a commitment to craftsmanship. Checking and rechecking legal work becomes a deliberate act of self-reflection and continuous improvement, ensuring that every document is not just a representation of legal proficiency but a reflection of the lawyer’s dedication to excellence and personal character.
The careful lawyer, in navigating the delicate balance between professional and personal life, weaves a narrative of integrity, diligence, and unwavering commitment to excellence, contributing to the shaping of a legal community defined by its ethical standards and collaborative spirit. In the pursuit of becoming careful lawyers, let us collectively uphold the noble principles of our profession, nurturing a legal landscape where excellence and integrity are supreme. Let’s all resolve to be careful lawyers.
Jim Vickaryous is the managing partner of the Vickaryous Law Firm in Lake Mary and represents the 18th Circuit on The Florida Bar Board of Governors.
