Editor's Column

Luck and Love
By:  Amanda N. Torres

February was a month to celebrate LOVE. Hearts were ablaze, valentines exchanged, and flowers given all to show that special someone that you cared. For some people, it was not all chocolate hearts and roses. While some people chose to hide from the pink and red hearts plastered everywhere, perhaps we should just shift the focus back to the one thing all lawyers are in a relationship with, the practice of law.

As lawyers, we may be at different places in our lives and careers. No lawyer starts out at the same place in experience or relationship status, but hopefully, we all start out with one thing in common, and that is the excitement of a new romance with the legal profession. Like any new relationship, you may be nervous. You might wonder if you are dressed right. You just want to live happily ever after, but then, like every relationship, it matures and you realize “This is work!”  

The practice of law at times can become unbearable, and many lawyers wonder if they are truly happy in their profession. The hours, the clients, and the lack of civility amongst lawyers can be enough to make any reasonable person wonder if the love is gone. Ideally, there was a time when you fell deeply in love with the law. Maybe it was in law school, when every day the role lawyers played and continue to play in shaping our communities challenged and amazed you. Maybe it was when your first client thanked you. Whatever it was, do not limit that feeling to that one experience.

If you find yourself disenchanted by the day-to-day challenges of being a lawyer, take a moment to remember why you chose to become a lawyer. There can be no doubt in the realization that our profession is tough. It is difficult. People rely on us to solve their problems, and the time and energy we devote to our clients may sometimes be to the detriment of our personal lives. So, if the love you once felt for the law is waning, remember that Lady Justice still deserves your respect, and a second chance. You are, after all, your community’s link to justice.

This month’s articles highlight how we as lawyers can reflect on what is beautiful about the practice of law. I hope that Shaprecia Bryson’s article about speed mentoring female law students will encourage you to consider mentoring a young lawyer as they mature in their profession. As you read Shannon White’s article regarding the Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association’s Love Shouldn’t Hurt 5k event you will learn about Dick King, a lawyer who devoted his life to the practice of law and service to the bar. If you want to give back to the bar and serve as an ABA/YLD representative, check out Baylor Wortham’s article for information on how to apply. Put your love for the profession into service, and watch it grow.

In the meantime, hope you had a happy Valentine’s Day! If not, I hope St. Patrick’s Day brings you luck!

Amanda N. Torres is an associate at Branscomb PC where her practice focuses on civil litigation including probate litigation and guardianships.