I realize that many different types of people read this blog: contractors, architects, consultants, homeowners, lawyers … and the list goes on.  Despite our differences in vocation or industry, I think we all have a few things in common: (1) we all will face adversity in our lives; (2) we all have desire to be better than we actually are; and (3) we all have the ability to improve.  Do you agree?

 

Former construction attorney and current coach to lawyers, Cordell Parvin, has challenged me over the past few months in my professional and personal development.  At Cordell’s pushing, I drafted an article on my first ten years of practice that was published by The Practical Lawyer.  Although the "lessons learned" relate to my development as a lawyer, there are certainly some life lessons for contractors and other executives.

Years before my first law class, I thought I was ready to practice law.  At the time, I was already working as a law clerk at a personal injury firm.  My job entailed interviewing witnesses, preparing and responding to discovery requests, and drafting legal memos and briefs.  Among these tasks, I enjoyed legal writing the most.  In fact, I had drafted trial court briefs, administrative agency statements, state and federal appeals, and even a writ of certiorari to "the Supremes" in Washington.  Based upon all this work, I was confident about my preparation for the practice of law.  However, a few stumbling blocks remained in my way to becoming a successful attorney, including a bar exam, many non-billable articles and conferences, hundreds of soiled diapers, and tens of thousands of dollars in debt.  Click here to continue reading this article in its entirety.

Image: Kim Vetter Photography