talking to law students about meaningful work
I went off the blog track for a bit to be with my family during the kids’ school break. In that time, I was invited to give programs on work-life synergy at the University of Michigan (my undergrad alma mater) and on business relationships at Harvard Law School and New York Law School. The latter two programs are geared towards helping students navigate the often challenging transition from academia to life as practitioners.
I’m excited about this opportunity because law students are very interested in exploring the idea that work can be financially rewarding and meaningful. As I’ve noted before, meaningful work and work relationships are energetically filling rather than depleting. They uplift us and gives us a sense of wellbeing and contentment.
These bright and motivated students likely know the statistics on lawyer attrition. But, they may not be aware of the steps some firms are taking to address this problem through lawyer engagement and experience management.
This law.com article on upward reviews sheds light on one of these initiatives. Upward reviews give associates an opportunity to “provide input on the management and leadership performance of partners with whom they regularly work.” In turn, partners learn how they can “improve their management skills and retain top talent.” It’s a win-win proposition.
Dan Hull adds to this conversation at his blog, What About Clients? He suggests that everyone – firms, clients and lawyers – benefits when firms compel junior associates to regularly share their thought processes with the senior attorneys they work with.
I don't know if what I'm doing is meaningful, but I'm certainly filled with energy.
Why do you think law firms are so slow to implement basic industrial psychology principles into their work? Is it some form of intellectual snobbism: we know what is best for the firm, so we do not care what science tells us.
Arnie,
I recently got an invitation to a conference being held at the University of Michigan in April about Happy Healthy Lawyers. I immediately thought to myself, I wonder if the author of Legal Sanity knows about this conference. Lo and behold, you're speaking at the event.
I plan on attending and hopefully will get a chance to meet you.
My question is this: While Harvard and NYU and U of Michigan are providing valuable programs such as yours to their students, these schools also pride themselves on high placement rates for their students as employees. Are those who wish to go directly into practice being provided with the same tools for work/life synergy? You state some students may not be familiar with the steps employers are taking to provide a better environment. What about those seeking self-employment? This question is truly positioned as seeking information. My experience has been otherwise and I am asking for some enlightenment from your vantage point.
[in response to Susan Cartier Liebel comment]
Hi Susan,
You ask: Are law schools teaching work-life synergy and similar real-world lawyering skills to students who want to go into solo practice right after graduating?
I’m not aware of any ongoing law school efforts geared towards preparing students for the work-life realities of solo practice.
My programs at Harvard and New York Law are on business relationships (they’re based on my XE Factor learning system that you can read about in my two most recent newsletters http://www.legalsanity.com/about-arnie/-newsletter-podcast/). Michigan is bringing me in to speak to area lawyers about work-life synergy. Some law students may be in the UM audience, but it’s not an official student event.
My programs are interactive and intended to help prepare students for the work world in whatever capacity they enter it. Stand-alone programs like mine are certainly a good first step. But, a more lasting impact will be made if and when law schools start incorporating this kind of learning and in-depth training into their core curriculum.
I read your bio and see that you teach students at Quinnipiac University School of Law how to start their own practice. What have you gleaned about your student’s work-life synergy needs and concerns? Please feel free to pass along the eGuide on work-life synergy in the law http://www.legalsanity.com/BeyondBalance%20eguide.2007-01-09.pdf I wrote with my wife (lawyer, business writer and mom of three), Lori.
Best,
Arnie Herz