You forget to calendar a deadline. . . you lose a big summary judgment motion. . .a client asks that you transfer their files to new counsel.
Every litigator has been there. In the moment, you’re convinced that your career is about to end. A malpractice action is around the corner.
For me, there’s a coping mechanism that always works. It’s one that I’ve passed on to many younger lawyers when they hit that “Oh no” moment. Step back, take a breath, and envision one year from now. Will anyone else remember, much less care, about the seeming disaster that happened today? And, when you look back one year, will you still be freaking out about what went wrong?
If you can be rational for a second, you’ll realize that the answer is no. And that can make all the difference.
By Robert G. Hulteng
Senior Counsel
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Littler Mendelson, P.C.
www.Littler.com
Please note that the author’s expressed opinions or perspectives are those of the author alone and may not be those of BlawgMine or of any employer, school, agency, organization with which the author may be affiliated.
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