Language is Everything …
Do we usually state the obvious?
Wouldn’t we know we’re on a down hill?
And if we don’t see slower vehicles, we’d certainly know it when we hit them …
What am I missing?
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Category: Personal Thoughts
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Is Your Law School a Defendant?
“With these lawsuits,” Law School Transparency says, “nearly 10 percent of all ABA-approved law schools across eight states will be accused of tortiously misrepresenting job placement statistics and violating state consumer protection laws.”
The complaint says, among other things, that law schools’ employment figures include work outside the law. And Senator Barbara Boxer of California wants the ABA to require all law schools to better determine where their graduates go after school and what kind of employment they get.
In a recent teleseminar I conducted, recent graduates were angry that they spent so much of their money (and incurred so much debt) to receive an education in a profession that does not offer them employment opportunities. They considered it fraudulent for the schools to have taken their money.
Those feelings and this law suit are different. On the one hand, the students want jobs and feel the schools have an obligation to help them get jobs. On the other hand, the current spate of law suits merely wants information — consumer information — to be accurate and available to law school entrants.
What is the obligation of the law school? How could anyone have predicted the shifts in our economy and the disruption of the profession? Not even senior partners are safe in their firm positions. Why should students be protected? We need to watch these developments as the profession continues to change … caused by the economy … and perhaps more significantly, caused by technology.
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Language is Everything …
Reminds me of John Wooden’s "Be fast, but don’t hurry."
This State limits the fine on speeding but doubles the cost of everything else.
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Language is Everything …
This city either doesn’t want cyclists … or doesn’t want pan-handlers.
Can you tell which?
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Language is Everything …
This was the first time I’ve been to Nebraska. The people were super friendly, the architecture was outstanding and the downtown sculpture of Omaha was unique, featuring the pain and stamina of our pioneers. They came to know the “good life.” Here, I learned from the people about some of their social beliefs and economic successes. And don’t let anyone suggest that Nebraska is flat. There are many rolling hills here. As a cyclist, I can attest to this.
It became evident why people conclude that a president of our country must get out of the “bubble” of D.C. to truly understand and stay connected to his national constituency. One area of the country is quite different from another.
It was a pleasure for me to share “the good life” for a short while with the folks from Nebraska.
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Language is Everything …
It’s Fair time all over the country. Here, at the Minnesota State Fair, Elvis made a return appearance.
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Language is everything …
Language is everything.
What do you think the State is trying to tell us with this sign?
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A vast and beautiful country
Our travels have taken us over 8,000 miles thus far. We finally turned the corner in Cleveland and have begun our trek back west. Today, we left Chicago for Madison and will go to Minneapolis and Omaha before boogeying back home. We will likely have traveled more than 11,000 by the time of our return.
Despite the diversity of our geography and of our people, I have found that lawyers are facing the same issues irrespective of whether they are in small communities or larger cities, in solo practice or in major law firms, in general practice or in a specialty boutique. Are there differences? Yes, but I like to view it in terms of nuances rather than differences. In other words, the "differences" are smaller in nature than many contend.
Oh, I know, we all think we’re different. We all think we’re special and face special circumstances. My experiences in both industry and in law tells me different, that all commercial enterprises, whether professional or trade, have the same basic characteristics. In other words, we all have to get the business (marketing), do the work (production) and get paid (finance). Each of us excel in certain areas and need guidance and support in others.
My travels has renewed my energy to coach and to produce more material (audio and electronic) that will guide lawyers to improve their connection with their clients. Though our trip has not yet concluded, it’s never to early to thank those many lawyers who’ve attended our programs and been generous with their comments of support. I look forward to continuing our work together.
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Pike’s Peak
The road to Pike’s Peak was windy, z-turns, with treacherous drop-offs and only a few guard rails. The average grade was 6.7% with many areas at 10%. The park rangers tell you to drive up and down in low gears … and to allow at least one hour each way. With my wife feeling nervous (white knuckle time) and oxygen deficit affecting both of us as we ascended, I was not looking for a speed record.
When we got to the14,110 foot top, we were met by the beauty of the area … and something even more spectacular for me. A plaque with a bit of important American history.
In 1895, Kathleen Lee Bates reached the top and was so struck by the scenic view that she wrote a poem. The poem was called America and published on July 4th. Later, in 1910, the lyrics were put to music and the song, America, the Beautiful was born.
One stanza which I don’t remember ever knowing is:
" … thy liberty in law …." More people should take these words to heart and develop both a higher respect for and tolerance of the law!
I nearly flew down the mountain with a greater love and respect for the institutions which those before us wrought.
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Baker City, OR
We met and talked with Dale “Pee Wee” Schwamborn, a cousin of Wally Byam, the creator of the Airstream travel trailer. He regaled us with stories about the starting and growth of the concept and the company … and his own travels as a youngster with Wally through Mexico and Central America and then through Africa. To be right there as history is being made, traveling in such a unique fashion and meeting so many people in “high places” is quite unique.
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