A View from the Back
By Dan Murdock, OBA General Counsel

I looked in the mirror the other night and was shocked. I always thought I looked young for my age, but the bald spot on the back of my head caused me to question that fact. I was using a mirror to look at the back of my hair after returning home from a haircut, and I saw something that I knew I had but never fully realized...how large a bald spot it was. I guess I was fooling myself.

Maybe as lawyers we have the same problem. Maybe we see ourselves in a different light than do our clients or those with whom we interact and even our families. Perhaps we should seek outside advice and get opinions as to how we really are taking care of business. Maybe our staffs, clients, other lawyers and judges view us differently.

Many times we choose not to look at ourselves in this manner because the process can be painful. Most of us know that we are not perfect. This isn’t about perfection but the recognition of our imperfections.

The fact that we are not getting grievances may be one thing to consider. Ask someone these questions:

• Am I on the right track?
• Are my clients receiving the representation they deserve?
• Are my skills where they need to be?
• What CLE do I need so as to improve?
• Are anger management classes for me?
• Are my trust account records up to par?

Many times Jim Calloway can help with law office management. Gina Hendryx can help with ethics advice. Donita Douglas and her staff in CLE are always available. Lawyers Helping Lawyers is there for you as well. The resources of YOUR bar association are available to you.

Maybe I just need to ignore the back view, but the mirror is always there. Not much I can do about the hair loss, but I can do much about other things.

Like maybe...the scales are right, and I am not as thin as I think I am.