It may seem too simple but one of the services we have found most profound is the opportunity to speak with other members of the legal community. Some of us have begun to speak of these conversations as the birth of a "new language" that we are learning to speak, a language that has the capacity to transform the legal system, the create a legal system that works for everyone. In retreats, on phone calls, in email, we have begun to explore what works about the legal system and what changes are needed. We have begun exploring our own calling to the law. We have asked the easy questions and inquired into the hard ones. Some examples:
Many of us get caught up in the day to day emergencies and deadlines and we forget to ask the important questions or to appreciate the simple things. Often, when we do ask those questions, we don't follow up on the plans we make. Our lives are not set up with a structure to succeed at those issues that are closest to our hearts and our fulfillment. It seems like there is always a court date to prepare for or a deadline to meet. We think we will get to it later. Sometimes so much time passes that we lose sight of why we became a lawyer. We don't authentically talk about how we feel with our colleagues. We think they're doing fine and we are the only ones that feel like we are on a hamster's wheel. Unfortunately, many lawyers wait until they get a wake-up call before they confront the important questions. You don't have to wait for health emergencies, substance dependency, or a family crisis to take control of your life and to take it to the next level of success and fulfillment.
Special Interest Groups: Our Virtual Community
Ever wish you could share your concerns with lawyers like yourself? Lawyers who really care about their clients, who want to make a difference, lawyers who are concerned with issues like integrity and how to provide quality services when there is so much to do? The Renaissance Lawyer Community is a forum for those concerns. Sometimes, we lead thoughtful inquiries into the issues that affect us as lawyers every day. Some of our calls have "regulars" who have become friends and share intimate details of their lives and dig deep into their hopes, fears, and dreams. Through special interest groups, email groups, and other group activities, you can experience the camaraderie and support of lawyers who have faced and resolved many of the challenges you are facing.
Movement
liaisons A special Renaissance Lawyer committee consists of liaisons to most of the approaches, trends, and models we list on our site. We are developing opportunities for these leaders of the movement to interact with each other. They also keep us informed about activities in the approaches and help us share about this movement in their area of expertise.
Gatherings
Across the US, we are beginning to form groups of Renaissance Lawyers who gather for camaraderie and conversation. In homes and restaurants, meeting rooms and offices, we are coming together for conversations that make a difference. If you wish to host or attend a gathering in your vicinity, contact jkimwright@renaissancelawyer.com. Events calendar Each month, we publish the Renaissance Lawyer Cable with a listing of events in the movement. Readers are invited to contribute events and announcements to the Cable. Job Listings
The Cable also includes job listings. Besides connecting job seekers with employers in this movement, each job ad is inspiring evidence of the growth of the movement.
Newsletters
The Renaissance Lawyer Connexion is a quarterly newsletter with news and articles that support the movement.
Members of our board and founding members speak to groups, at
conferences, etc. Contact Speakers@RenaissanceLawyer.com.
Renaissance Lawyer sponsors
conferences, retreats, and other events that support the creation of a legal
system that works for everyone.
Celebrating Renaissance Lawyers
The antidote to the lawyer jokes, this feature celebrates and recognizes lawyers who are making a difference in their communities. |