August 3, 2005
Humor Can Increase Law Partner Income
My brother Steve is at it again. He sent me the following little quip, which I suspect he may have used before a jury or, if not, he probably would have liked to.
"This Plaintiff’s continuing, unnecessary treatment reminds me of the story of the speech maker who went on much too long. Two colleagues were at a rather tiresome function and the person who had been asked to speak violated the cardinal rules of public speaking; to-wit: a good speech needs a strong beginning and end, preferably close together. After what seemed an eternity, one of the friends nudged the other one and said, 'I’ve just got to get out of here for a minute'. After taking his leave, the friend returned only to find, much to his dismay, that the speaker was still at the podium. He asked his colleague, 'You mean she’s not finished yet?' Whereupon the friend’s response was, 'Oh yes, she finished long ago; she just won’t stop'."
What does the above have to do with more partner income? Actually there are two morals to the story. Successful litigators already know the first one. As for the rest of us, point one is that humor, used wisely, is an effective tool for minding relationships, resolving disputes and reaching agreements. Point two is know when to stop! Over lawyering, like over speaking, over spending, over eating, over drinking and even over working are the wrong roads to more income and wealth.
P.S. Brother Steve is, J. Steven Collins, one of the founding partners of the Knoxville, Tennessee, firm of Burroughs Collins & Jabaley. Steve's primary practice areas are defense of businesses, civil litigation, employment law and workers' compensation. For more information about Steve and his firm, go to http://bcjattorneys.us.
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