As a Rhode Island lawyer focusing my practice mostly on divorce coaching these days I look back upon a man who said something to me privately decades ago that perplexed me. This man had been practicing in another state for some 40+ years.
This man was about as true, honorable and generous a gentleman as I have ever met. He embodied everything that I saw in a good lawyer. He truly cared about his clients. He fought for each one of them. Yet he did so within the bounds of the law, within the bounds of his professional ethical code, and with a high degree of morality such as I have never seen before. The lawyer knew that I admired him and had great respect for him as both a person and as a lawyer.
One extremely hot Tuesday afternoon this rather portly lawyer returned to his office after losing a district court hearing. He plopped himself down in the chair at the opposite end of the short conference room table I was sitting at in the office law library. His secretary nervously brought him a lemonade and napkin then quickly skirted out of the room. There was silence. It seemed to go on forever. Finally, I said, "I'm considering becoming a lawyer."
It lasted perhaps two seconds but it seemed like an eternity. The lawyer lifted his partially balding forehead, wiped his brow with the napkin then grabbed a nearby law book and flung it across his small law library. The book smashed against a row of New Hampshire Statutes Annotated. I heard the spine of the hardcover book tear slightly as it fell to the floor.
It was one of the first times I had ever seen this man so angry and upset.
I was quiet. Perhaps my timing was off. This time I kept my big mouth shut and waited until the lawyer spoke. This is what he said.
This time the pause was endless and it seemed very clear the lawyer wasn't going to say anything else. So, I took a chance. I was just too puzzled not to speak.Lawyer: [Very Loudly though not Shouting] "I HATE LAWYERS!
Chris: "I don't understand. You are a lawyer."
He was quiet for another period of time. I took a chance and asked my question.
He waited quite awhile before speaking. I was thankful that there wasn't another hardcover book within the lawyer's reach.Chris: "How can you hate lawyers when you are one? I don't get it."
That was it. The conversation never went further. It was never brought up again to this date.Lawyer: [ A bit calmer . . ] I can't explain it. You have to live it. But I tell you Chris, if you're anything like me you'll know what I mean when you get there.
I've been working in the legal field now for more than 20 years after that conversation.
As a Rhode Island lawyer I am bound by a Professional Code of Ethical Conduct and Rules of Conduct. To some extent there are things that I can say and things, things I shouldn't say and things I am prohibited either from saying or doing. Some of them might amaze the layperson. I know they amaze me. Morality and Personal Professional Ethics are another ball of wax that are completely different.
The lawyer's name (for lack of a better one just as a point of reference) was Roger.
Hopefully he's still alive and hopefully he is in tune enough with today's "internet" that he reads this article.
So after all the years that have passed I would like to address one statement to this great lawyer and then another one to you as my reader.
First, to this great lawyer.
Now, to my readers I offer this.Roger, I went down the path. Just as you thought, I was very much like you. Thank you for your wisdom. Just as you thought, I understand.
If you have read my message to Roger then you may not understand the statement I make now until you meet with me.
With that said, I can tell you that as a Rhode Island Lawyer who has focused my practice exclusively in the area of divorce and family law, I can't make your problems go away. They are your problems and only you can take responsibility for them and only you have the power to resolve them in your life by your own decisions."If you need a lawyer and you happen to like lawyers then chances are . . you won't like me."
What I can tell you is that I can help you understand and to get through your Rhode Island divorce and family law challenges by working with you as your Coach or by working for you through Representation.
Roger's words were invaluable. Today, they are the powerful force motivating the continued growth of your coaching program. It is a your program specifically because it is designed for you. It is designed to teach you, train you, inform you, and save you time and money in the areas of divorce and family law.
As Your Coaching Program continues to evolve, it will continue to work faster for you, become more economical than it already is for you, become more helpful than it already is for everyone.
Whatever you choose to believe, there is one thing you can know with certainty. I am one lawyer trying to make a difference with a new and innovative way of practice designed by my sacrifices and your willingness to be open to something new that works.
What can Your Coaching Program Help You With?
Rhode Island Divorces & Legal Separations
Rhode Island Child Support Establishment, Modification, Collection and Termination
Rhode Island Child Custody and Child Custody Modifications
Rhode Island Petitions to Enforced Marital or Property Settlement Agreements
Preparing Pre-Nuptual Agreements and Ante-Nuptual Agreements
Petitions to Move Out of State with Minor Children
Rhode Island Motions to Modify Child Support
Petitions to Establish Paternity
Motions to Adjudge In Contempt and Defense of Contempt
Protection from Abuse Petitions and Defense Against Such Petitions
Rhode Island Motions and Petitions to Establish, Modify or Terminate Visitation
RI Common Law Divorces and their Defense
Rhode Island Legal Rights
2nd Opinions on Rhode Island Family Law Cases
and many more . . .
Look for my testimonials section coming soon! Call for a low-cost Coaching Session!
Authored By:
Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law
Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce* Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Only Divorce and Family Law Coach!!
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