Attorney Wellness: A Perennially Timely Topic

Each time I have come to a crossroads in my career, I have been called to continue in the field of family law. To keep practicing effectively in this emotionally charged area, I have employed strategies which are best distilled to one guiding principle: To be fit to help others, one must be fit themselves.

Of course, one has to be at their best to do their best. Intuitively and logically, lawyers know this, but how do we actually achieve wellness? If you have ever pondered this question, this issue has some insights for you.   

When I was asked to guest edit this edition of the Contra Costa Lawyer with co-editor, Mary Grace Guzman, I excitedly accepted the opportunity. I am passionate about the subject of attorney wellness for many reasons.

From a global view, confidence in the judicial branch of government is essential to our Democracy. Interacting with a lawyer is often the primary contact a person will have with the justice system during their lifetime. If we serve our clients well, they will have increased confidence in the system.

Taking a more personal view, attorneys can and should aspire to experience satisfaction and joy in serving our clients. It is arduous work to obtain a license to practice law, even harder to gain proficiency in our chosen field, and hardest yet to stick with the work year after year. There is no shame in enjoying the fruits of one’s labor, even while laboring. Plus, if we enjoy our work, it will show in our work.      

Going back to my career as a family law attorney, I have come to accept that in most instances, property is hard to attain and easy to lose. While no one wants to give up more than they have to in a divorce, provided that each person is left with their rightful portion of assets and debts, then justice has been served. There are some cases that tug at the heart where a person is left with less than they need to get by and they do not have the ability to recoup the loss. Yet, ultimately, almost always, the client is an adult who has self-determination, resources, and ability to improve their circumstances.   

In contrast, the well-being of a child is non-tangible and children are subject to the decisions the adults in their lives make for them. In child custody work, the happiness and safety of a child has a rippling impact. What happens in a child’s life affects the individual child, the child’s family, the child’s social circle, and ultimately all of society.

On occasion I have wondered if continuing in my particular area of law was sustainable. Assisting a client with retaining their lawful share of an estate can be stressful on its own; however, when a client’s child is involved, the work takes on a more serious dimension. No attorney or judge who has worked in this field will dispute the work can lead to sleepless nights, at a minimum.

Again, this is why the concept of wellness for attorneys has been vital to me. I have been inspired to find ways to continue to do my best at the work I feel called to do.

In my pursuit of wellness, I have explored a variety of avenues. I started with the idea that the goal was to take care of body, mind, and spirit.

For my body, I love the outdoors and nature. I get out as much as I can to hike and kayak. For my mind, I read non-law related books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts. For my spirit, I find peace by spending time in nature. I find meaning by giving back through teaching, mentoring, and maintaining supportive connections with my colleagues. No one understands what it’s like to be a lawyer better than another lawyer.

It has also helped me to think about how taking care of myself benefits my clients. Some years ago, I woke up at three am, worried about a court appearance I had in the morning. I was upset not only about the hearing, but about how my lack of rest would impact my performance in court.  A thought struck me, “My client deserves a well-rested attorney.” I decided that instead of giving up on sleeping, I would use the “Calm” App, which I had but rarely used, to listen to a “sleep meditation.” I was able to go back to sleep until it was time to get up and get ready. In the morning, I thought if I needed surgery, I would want the surgeon to be rested and feeling good. Certainly, a client in court feels the same about their lawyer.

My journey to being well is a journey, not a destination. I will always be searching for new ways to be more at peace.

In this issue, the contributors share their ideas about wellness and how they have taken care of themselves in their pursuit to practice law with their well-being intact. I hope you enjoy reading their work as much as Mary Grace and I have enjoyed working with the authors.

With the wisdom gained from an extensive tenure in the legal world the Hon. Richard S. Flier (ret.) details six principles for how he thrives in his career. Judge Flier tells us what he has learned over decades from being a Hearing Examiner, a Deputy District Attorney, a Superior Court Judge, and a Neutral for ADR Services, Inc. It is an inspiring piece that makes me look forward to coming to work tomorrow.

Jennifer King writes about how having healthy boundaries at work increases her mental clarity and makes her practice more rewarding. She offers seven ways that setting healthy limits can improve your experience as an attorney.

Exploring an often-overlooked concept, Kristen Tabone’s piece on the intersection between financial wellness and work-life balance offers points to ponder about how our financial health is a vital component in our overall well-being.

Ania Bednarczyk shares how early in her career inspiration from one of her mentors led her to practice meditation and mindfulness. Reading her article was a catalyst for me to re-start my imperfect, but sincere efforts to meditate.

Hengameh Kishani details her experience with balancing being lawyer and a mother. She passes on her tips for ensuring adherence to the California Rules of Professional Conduct while giving her all to the truly critical and important work of being a parent.

Finally, co-editor Mary Grace Guzman articulates the power of saying yes to commitments while also knowing when to graciously decline opportunities. She shares her insights into the balance between being open to chances to further one’s career and yet not stretching oneself too far.

It has been a pleasure to co-edit this issue with Mary Grace. I hope the issue gives you a little extra nudge to take a walk, look up at the sky, and marvel at all the hard work you did to become a lawyer and all the good work you will do in the future.