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Be An Encouraging Lawyer

Special to the News Columns
Jim Vickaryous

Jim Vickaryous

A word of encouragement can go a long way. Some years ago on a Friday afternoon, my paralegal handed me a very official and fancy envelope to me saying, “You’d better open this one yourself.” Embossed on the envelope was the raised seal of the Florida Supreme Court. I am not an appellate lawyer, and not one of the august attorneys that regularly practice before the Florida Supreme Court. I was somewhat worried as I opened the envelope. It was a one paragraph letter from then Justice R. Fred Lewis. He gave a compliment on a Florida Bar News picture of a group of lawyers with whom I had run a 5k charity. It ended with a heartfelt word of encouragement. It had been a rough week, and it was just what I needed. It meant a lot to me that day and still does. Getting “atta-boys” should not be a person’s life purpose. However, a word of encouragement is uplifting. It is always interesting to me how words of encouragement often come when you need them most.

Lawyers are leaders, even if we don’t often think of ourselves in that way. We are looked to by family, friends, clients, and the court system to be leaders. In the demanding and often challenging world of law, the role of a lawyer extends far beyond mere legal expertise. Beyond the courtroom battles and complex legal intricacies, lies a fundamental aspect that can profoundly impact professional relationships and the legal community as a whole: The power of encouragement. Just as we appreciate encouragement, as leaders we must recognize the power of encouraging others. There are so many we come across each and every day that need just a little encouragement.  It can make all the difference in the world to the person that you encourage.

Being an encouraging lawyer involves more than just offering legal advice, it encompasses a supportive approach that uplifts and empowers those around you. Whether interacting with clients, fellow lawyers, or aspiring legal professionals, the ability to provide encouragement can make a significant difference in the practice of law.

The attorney-client relationship is built on trust, transparency, and effective communication. Clients are often terrified of the legal world, whether a court proceeding, a contract, and especially while contemplating their demise when planning a will or trust. A simple, “I’ve done this many times, don’t worry,” goes a very long way to ease edgy nerves. Adding encouragement to this mix creates a dynamic where clients feel not only legally supported but also personally empowered. During challenging legal situations, clients often face emotional turmoil and stress. Encouraging lawyers can provide more than just legal guidance, they can offer reassurance, motivation, and a sense of hope. You don’t have to offer friendship — your clients aren’t looking for a friend, they are looking for a lawyer. They just need to know you have their legal concerns. An encouraging, “Go home and get a good night’s rest tonight, I am working hard for you,” gives your client a restful sleep.

By actively promoting a positive mindset, lawyers can help clients navigate tough times with resilience. Encouraging clients to make informed decisions and reassuring them that challenges can be overcome fosters a stronger bond and a more constructive attorney-client relationship.

In the legal profession, collaboration and mentorship are essential. The encouraging lawyer recognizes the importance of supporting colleagues and nurturing the growth of younger lawyers. By fostering a positive and uplifting environment within the legal community, seasoned attorneys can contribute to the professional development of their peers. Lawyers are particularly susceptible to having unpredictably horrible days. One telephone call or one hearing can radically change the trajectory of a day for the worse. We can tell when a colleague is having a tough time. They need encouragement, especially from lawyers that know how rough it can be. Lawyers are often the only people who really know what they are going through. After all, your clients don’t want to know how bad your day was. They want results. That’s why they hired you.

Be careful not to be discouraging in your demeanor or with sharp comments. Some things are best left unsaid. My mother’s admonishment, “Jimmy, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” is great life-long advice. It’s also great advice for lawyers. Following this advice may prevent a Bar complaint. Discouragement is beneath us and has no place in our profession.

The encouraging lawyer keeps it classy and understands the influence their words and actions can have on the legal community. Instead of discouraging, they uplift; instead of criticizing, they guide. Despite our culture’s proliferation of sharing what we think to all, it’s often best not to share what you think when you are perturbed. Wait a while and see whether you still want to share your comments.

Encouragement is not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength, a strength that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. Aspiring to be an encouraging lawyer goes beyond the fulfillment of professional duties. It is a commitment to the well-being and success of those within and outside the legal sphere.

Encouragement is most appreciated by the recipient when expressed through tangible actions. No encouragement is better than a personal handwritten note. Some of the best advice I have ever taken was to get personalized note cards. There is nothing like getting a nice card or thanks and encouragement in the mail. The sender took time to hand write and mail a note of encouragement just to you! It makes a difference, and it makes the recipient think of you in a very complimentary way. If you don’t have time to handwrite and mail a card, send a quick email, or text message of encouragement. It’s better to send an encouraging word now than forget about it later.

Being an encouraging lawyer is not just a virtue, it’s the responsibility of a leader. By fostering a culture of encouragement, lawyers contribute to a more resilient, supportive, and thriving legal community, one where everyone, from clients to colleagues, can face challenges with the confidence that they are not alone on their journey.

The true measure of a lawyer’s greatness is not solely in their legal acumen but also in their ability to inspire and uplift others in the pursuit of justice. As the legal landscape evolves, the impact of encouraging lawyers will resonate not only within courtrooms but across the entire fabric of the legal profession. Encouragement, therefore, is the foundation of a legal community that thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and the shared commitment to uphold the principles of justice. Let’s all resolve to be encouraging 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.

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