Life in the Real World
By Dan Murdock, OBA General Counsel

I have always been amazed by how much my perception of the world can change in just over a week's time. The days before Christmas and the days after the new year begins, although separated by only a few days in time, are so different. So, too, are our lives. Perhaps it is what I will call, "Life in the real world."

It is back to the office, seeing clients, returning calls, trying cases, complying with discovery, not worrying about completing all of the MCLE requirements, and doing all those other things that lawyers do but things that are often set aside those last days of the year as we enjoy the holiday season.

Life in the real world offers great opportunities and a new beginning. It is a time for those resolutions that are so often forgotten so quickly but which, for a short time, cause us to examine who we are, what we are doing, where we are, and where we ought to be in our lives and in our profession. Whether it be the loss of weight, more time with the family, less procrastination or some other change in behavior, we have the opportunity to make positive changes in our lives.

Perhaps those resolutions should include professional resolutions. Resolutions like returning calls promptly, completing CLE earlier, getting the work done on time and when promised, being more civil and conducting ourselves in a more professional way should be considered.

A story I read just the other day in the Dallas Morning News sports pages caused me to really consider some of these things. A guest column by a mother of a college football player, who, as a junior, decided he was not going to play his senior year and questioned his desire to continue by telling his mother, "I'm just not sure I'm committed anymore." There are those who would have criticized his decision and called him a "quitter," but this young man was no quitter.

Attending academically challenging Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., his grades were suffering from football and the injuries suffered during the season. He did not lose his commitment. He was merely making a different commitment. He was making a decision we can all make. Do something better, something different - make things better.

There isn't much difference between a resolution and a commitment. The real difference is the intensity and how long it lasts. You may have made resolutions, but are you committed? Are you committed to

• greater diversity within the legal profession,
• a greater role in providing pro bono services,
• a stronger belief in the equal access to justice,
• an even stronger belief in the independence of and
• the adequate funding of the judiciary?

As a lawyer, these should be your professional resolutions and your commitment should be strong and unwavering. Commit this year to your clients, your profession, and to yourself and make life in the real world better for all.