The work of a bricklayer goes to the blue.
The knack of a mason outlasts a moon.
The hands of a plasterer hold a room together.
The land of a farmer wishes him back again.—Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), author, editor, poet, Pulitzer winner.
But first: Hearse Horses, anyone? Do you love what you do? Step back from the canvas and try some simple tool sharpening. Bone up on your fundamentals, maybe. Your techniques. Do you need some new ideas? How does your firm do its work these days? Do you get things right? What do you teach associates?
Now step back further. What of this Lawyering Thing?
Clients? What is it you really do for them? You serve, right? You mix your products and services with an overall experience that makes you unique, right? Or are you and yours indistinguishable from the rest of the generic law cattle out there? Is your firm really different?
Step back again. Are you problem-solvers?
Or just part of an insular and self-important “club” that needs clients as equipment to pursue a daily game?
Does practicing law and serving turn you on? Or is it just a past choice you, or your partners, made–maybe one that hardened around you too long ago–and now regret?
Carl August Sandburg: “The lawyers, Bob, know too much…“