[Ailist] New book: Why Lawyers Should Surf

[Stephanie West Allen]

Excerpt:

Professor Martin Seligman argues that the key thing about lawyers is  
that they tend to have pessimistic personality types. When lawyers are  
asked the famous question: ‘Is the cup half empty or half full?’ most  
respond by saying half empty. This somewhat pessimistic response may be  
seen as an actual advantage in the legal profession, because seeing  
troubles as pervasive and continuing, is at the heart of being a  
prudent lawyer. The inherent and honed ‘scepticism skill’, enables the  
lawyer to see every conceivable snare and catastrophe that might occur  
in legal transactions. Therefore, the ability to anticipate any pending  
or possible snag or disaster gives a positive legal outcome, as the  
lawyer can then help clients defend against those negative  
eventualities. Hence, ‘pervasive pessimism’ and possibly  
‘catastrophizing’ can be seen as powerful tools in law, helping to  
anticipate disaster, and encouraging lawyers to think the worst before  
it has happened. However, on the flip side of that same coin, is that  
if you take the same pessimistic mindset home with you from the office,  
it may form part of the answer as to why lawyers are more likely to  
suffer with low moods.

Rest here:

http://drmichelletempest.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-book-why-lawyers- 
should-surf.html

Best,

Stephanie
*********************************
Stephanie West Allen, JD
http://www.idealawg.com
Denver, CO USA
Phone link:
http://www.jaxtr.com/stephanie