June 18, 2008
Many Lawyers Enjoy Being Too Busy
Many lawyers enjoy the sensation and "rush" of being too busy and of being completely immersed and engrossed in a case or a transaction. I know from experience that there is a certain exhilaration that comes from working long hours with ironclad focus and a "steel-trap" mind on a legal brief or on preparation for a hearing or a trial.
Comments on Many Lawyers Enjoy Being Too Busy »
Bentley,
I think that level of concentration would be called "flow," according to Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi, and is a good thing. I think the problems arise in connection with what you mentioned yesterday and to the social and economic aspects of firm life as well as how many lawyers perceive themselves.
I enjoy your posts. You seem to have an accurate and refreshing take on the legal profession. I have not read your book yet but plan to.
Gabe Clark
Gabe,
I agree with your comment about "flow," and about the positive nature of being in flow. When the focus shifts from the actual case or legal transaction to the hours being logged, problems for lawyers occur.
Bentley Tolk