This book draws on the author’s professional experience and published works in the areas of leadership, philosophy, psychology and management (amongst others) to discuss the ‘softer’ qualities of being a good lawyer – qualities which are not taught or widely documented, such as humility, confidence, personal relationships and our dreams and vision.
The book demonstrates that we can be individuals within the law and outlines qualities that can both enrich our work and our souls. A theme throughout many of the chapters is to encourage us to think and act differently to what we may have been taught, what others expect or what we ourselves believe. To know that regardless of our strengths and weaknesses, we are unique individuals in the law. This book offers wisdom and pragmatic support for lawyers and anyone involved with the law.
Covering a range of issues, it includes advice on:
- Maintaining one’s passions inside and outside law
- Dealing with perfectionist tendencies, anxiety and depression
- Managing our fears and dealing with mistakes
- Striving for an honourable path
- Understanding and leveraging the organisational matrix
- Acting as a moral voice in your organisation
- Leading with humility and vulnerability
- Taking breaks and reconnecting with ourselves
- Navigating structural inequalities in one’s career
This book is an easy must-read for anyone seeking advice on how to succeed in law.
About the Author
Preface
- Follow your dream
- From skills to relationships
- You are not your client
- The other side of fear
- Mistakes make us
- Calming the mind
- The worry train
- To have a vision
- Authentic self-promotion
- Workplace marketing through individuality
- An honourable professional
- The moral voice
- The confidence journey
- Embracing the organisational matrix
- Passionate communication
- The power of humility
- Leadership with soul
- Stop to smell the lemongrass
- Colourful (in) justice
Bibliography
Index
Biography
Ray Steinwall is an Attorney of the High Court of Australia; a Member of the Australian Competition Tribunal and Adjunct Professor, UNSW Law, Australia.
The best thing about this short book is that it captures so many essential skills and qualities not taught in law school but rather gleaned over a lifetime in the law.
Moya O'Brien, Victorian Bar News
A revolutionary and practical way of thinking to pave the way to both professional and personal fulfilment. Highly-recommended as a persuasive and essential read for lawyers at all stages of career and life.
Sian Morris, Director of Legal and Ethics, Risk and Compliance, Sandoz Pty Ltd
