Opening Statement

Investment Tips

for New Attorneys

Our Bar Association has the pleasure of celebrating the admission of 14 new members to the bar in a wellattended ceremony on Nov. 3 in Courtroom 5A.

At the ceremony, the new members were offered words of encouragement by their sponsors, Bar leadership, and each of the judges in attendance. Among those judges offering remarks was one of the Court of Common Pleas’ newest judges, Jim Gavin. In his typically dry, matter-of-fact fashion, Judge Gavin offered a sobering reminder of a natural truth that every fresh lawyer should be reminded of; namely, that your reputation will be the single largest factor in determining the level of your success in the courtroom, so protect it. Every plea for relief—both in and out of the courtroom—lives in the shadow of its author. The quality of your work product and the integrity of your words will often dictate the direction the first step your plea takes toward its disposition. Judge Gavin encouraged the new members to make investments in their reputations by researching and preparing well and providing the best argument possible within the bounds of the truth.

I agree with Judge Gavin.

So, allow me the liberty of sharing a few ways to increase the chances that your pleas are received well.

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Congratulations to the 14 attorneys who participated in the “Welcome New Members” ceremony on Nov. 3 in Courtroom 5A.

1. Honor the Truth. In the broadest sense, the purpose of the law is to uncover the truth and, within the bounds of the truth, administer justice. So, seek to live a life and build a practice that enjoys a reputation for veracity and guard yourself against mishandling or bending the truth. A reputation for truthfulness affords others the luxury of not second-guessing your proffer where there’s otherwise no immediate reason to, regardless of whether the recipient of your plea is a judge, a client, a fellow lawyer, your neighbor, or your spouse. Seek to be truthful in all things in and out of the courtroom. 2. Be Present. My son Jamin’s college football coach, Andrew DiDonato, had several “three-second phrases” he used to encourage his players to live lives of integrity on and off the field. In my opinion, one of his best was, “Be where your feet are.” When you’re meeting with a client, give them your undivided attention. When you’re engaged in legal research or drafting a brief, give it your undivided attention. When you’re with your family, give your undivided attention to them. This goal was hard enough without cell phones but made so much more difficult when COVID made working from home commonplace. Working in the same space you eat supper can naturally blur lines that a commute used to leave much more clear. Take the time to discuss with your employer fair boundaries between your work and home, and then be wherever your feet are. 3. Be kind. Don’t be rude to judges, to the partners in your firm, to attorneys, to your clients, or to your neighbors. Practice is stressful, and in any given week, there can be a hundred reasons to respond emotionally to a thousand triggers taking the form of opposing counsel, a judge, a boss, a client, or a neighbor. Play the long game. Be willing to swallow an insult today in exchange for a reputation of being the better person a year or two from now. And don’t allow yourself to be fooled into thinking that the partners in your firm are idiots. It takes more energy to run a successful law firm than most fresh associates can imagine. Respect that, especially before you originate a dime. Remember that we are the manifestation of the law to many in our community. Reflect well. 4. Seek Counsel. Train yourself to seek counsel from men and women that have demonstrated a life of integrity. They’re not hard to find. This Bar Association offers so many talented men and women that carry with them a wealth of wisdom and sage advice that would be willingly shared for only an ask. If you have an issue and need to speak with someone about a particular legal issue under circumstances where you might be hesitant to talk to the partners at your firm, this

Association offers a Safe Ask program that will provide you with a seasoned member who will listen and offer counsel in the strictest confidence. Everybody needs a sounding board from time to time. All you have to do is ask. To those in this

Association on whom I have leaned for advice over the years— and there are many—I offer this, my heartfelt thanks.

Guard your reputation by honoring the truth, by being present, by being kind, and by seeking counsel so that the shadow cast on every plea you offer points in the direction of a positive resolution.

LET US GET YOU THERE.

Our goal is to reduce stress, enabling you to feel reassured and in control through the transitions you experience on your journey. If you have questions about investment management, your plan for retirement, or a recent change in your financial picture, we are ready to help you transition well.

www.domaniwealth.com

Thomas Williams, CPF®, CPA tom.williams@domaniwealth.com 610.927.4685 Michael Dinan, CFP® michael.dinan@domaniwealth.com 610.927.4685

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