Griffin Speaks

THINK LIKE A LAWYER

I have practiced law for twenty-two years. So in essence I have been thinking like a lawyer for twenty-two years. How does a lawyer think?

First, a lawyer accepts the fact that “the law” is ambiguous; Secondly, a lawyer has no emotional tie to his position; Thirdly, a lawyer is able to see both sides of the argument; and lastly, a lawyer questions everything. 

A lawyer knows that he can make a difference. He refrains from making the same mistakes. He doesn’t trade popularity for integrity. He challenges authority and questionable issues and proposes a better solution. A lawyer listens to his instincts. A lawyer doesn’t follow the crowd. A lawyer insists that the t’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted. He does not accept substandard work from others. A lawyer does not consciously do things wrong on the first attempt. A lawyer does not allow other people to dictate and manage the use of his time. A lawyer avoids problems that negatively effect his performance. A lawyer does not blindly follow processes and procedures that are not effective. 

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com