Okay, so now that some of the foundation is down (and I expect to have to lay more as we go along here), let's get into some more detailed information.
First, let me say that any similarities to real people that might be described in this BLOG, are probably based, in part, on experiences I have had with clients, staff, Judges, opposing Counsel, but I will not use names. I will not divulge anything that might breach client confidentiality, and if I describe something about staff, former staff, or others who are not clients or former clients, that information will be truthful.
I have a thing about "strays." I have pets that were strays, rescued dogs and cats, and cockatiels. It is in my nature to help those who have been put in a situation that, from all outward appearances, was not caused by any actions of their own. Animals, of course, are subject to what we humans either do to them, or for them. People, on the other hand, are not always the victims they would like the rest of us to believe they are. There is always the "poor, poor, pitiful me" out there, and they usually find me. Let me be clear that the last thing I ever want to see in the mirror when I awake in the morning, is a Jacob Marley or Ebeneezer Scrooge. I am 58 years old, and I can honestly say that I cannot recall ever treating a client or a staff member, or anyone else I have had dealings with in such a way that I would fear the day I meet my Maker. I treat others with respect (the Golden Rule) because it is the right thing to do. I may not like the person I am dealing with, for whatever reason they have given me in the past, or I may not trust them, but I will treat them with respect due, respect earned. This, unfortunately, gives an "in" to those out there who see this as a weakness. Nice people are apparently dim, weak, or otherwise easy to take advantage of and treat with contempt.
I am a big fan of a writer by the name of Don Miguel Ruiz. I have bought his books over the years, multiple copies to have on-hand for me, and for others with whom I come in contact who seem to need the sort of guidance his books give. Those people include family, clients, friends, or neighbors, and although I won't be so naive as to think that they have all read these books, those who have read them have reported back to me how those books made a huge difference in their outlook. One of the books, The Four Agreements, is especially dear to me, and I re-read it annually, mainly to remind myself: That just because some of those people I come in contact with, whether they are clients, opposing Counsel, Judges, or staff, may think I am poor at something, a bad person, a greedy person, an inept Attorney, a horrible boss, doesn't make it so. Who I am is who I am. Those others have their own baggage, and their "take" on me is colored by their baggage. But their "take" on who I am is personal to them -- it does not change who I am, who I have chosen to be, and I will not buy into their "Press." Bottom line here: I am not weak, dim, or easy to take advantage of, nor will I allow someone to treat me with contempt. If someone thinks they can treat me this way, or that they have "gotten away with something" they are mistaken, and that will be proven in time by their own actions. I am nice to people, I am honest with people, and I always try my best to help them to the very best of my ability -- just like Perry Mason.
More to come later -- with more specifics!
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