Evolving the New Professional Identity

"Vocation is where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need." ~Frederich Buechner

"Legal practice is showing signs of the evolution of a new professional identity for lawyers which is responsive to new dispute resolution processes with an emphasis on just and strategic settlement. In an era of ‘vanishing trials’ — we know that between 95–98 per cent of civil claims end in a negotiated outcome short of a full trial — and sweeping civil justice reforms in both civil and family matters, effective negotiation and settlement skills are becoming increasingly central to the practice of law." Julie Macfarlane, The New Lawyer

2010 Big Plans

We've started 2010 with some excitement as we're in the process of creating a strategic partnership with an educational software company. Within a few months, expect CuttingEdgeLaw.com to offer a wide range of continuing legal education programs that actually educate, entertain and provide credit!

Law Student Call: A New Professional Identity

Wednesday February 24, 2010 4:00 PM Eastern/ 3:00 PM Central/ 2:00 PM Mountain/1:00 PM Pacific/9:00 PM London/8 AM Feb 25 Melbourne, Aus

We often hear from law students who want to know more about Cutting Edge Law and the movement. What is this new approach to law practice? What is a new professional identity? What skills do New Lawyers need? On February 24 at 4 PM Eastern, we'll gather on a conference call to talk about the movement, meet law students who are exploring these ideas, and explore whether we might want to have on-going meetings. If you are a law student interested in the conversation and not available on February 24, please drop Kim an email at jkimwright@gmail.com and we'll make sure that you get in the loop.

Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4850
Participant Access Code: 786137#

New Video Uploads

Most of you know that we host our videos on YouTube and then integrate them into the CuttingEdgeLaw.com site with descriptions, categories, topics, etc. Within the last few weeks, we've uploaded about 85 new video clips so we're pretty far behind at getting them integrated into the site. Feel free to peruse the YouTube site for new content.

Book Update

I have just finished the final edit of the book and I'm excited to announce that Lawyers as Peacemakers and Healers will be published by the ABA soon - we're on schedule for April.

Coaching Offer: Evolving Your Own New Professional Identity:

What are you working on in your life? How would having a coach support you in making the changes you need to get it done? I currently have openings for a few (no more than four more) new clients in 2010. Would you grant me the privilege of working with you?

In more than ten years of coaching lawyers, I've worked with lawyers to design and execute many different goals.

* Several clients have found self expression and satisfaction in a variety of practice areas including collaborative law, mediation, and corporate counsel.
* Often we work on practice issues, brainstorm how to approach client issues, deal with opposing counsel, and even role-play potentially difficult conversations..My coaching clients have created harmonious workplaces with support staff and associate, including partnership agreements between business partners.
* We've drafted non-polarizing documents in plain language. For example, a collections letter with such a holistic, compassionate approach so the lawyer and business could feel good about sending it without alienating recipients. (We're going to experiment with its effectiveness.)
* Some lawyers have clarified their values, purposes, and missions and have redesigned their lives to live true to them.
* Once I even coached a lawyer client on her sex life - and she realized that her relationship with men had kept her from being fully expressed as a litigator in front of male judges.

As you can see, there are many possibilities. How can I support you in creating what you want?

At www.consciouscoach.com, you can learn more about me, coaching and how to become a client. Please contact me right away for an introductory call to explore a possible coaching relationship. It is my goal to enroll four more clients and to start our group coaching sessions by the end of February. CLE Credit for coaching is available in Tennessee and may be available by reciprocity in New York.

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J. Kim Wright, J.D.
Publisher & Managing Editor
www.CuttingEdgeLaw.com