How Religious Attorneys Get in the Spirit of Law Practice
For religious attorneys, regardless of their particular faith, law practice has a different dimension. In addition to trying to do a good job for their clients, many say they also actively try to comply with the tenets of their belief system. And, when their clients are religious, these attorneys say they go the extra mile to help them spiritually as well as legally.
From focusing on doing the right thing, rather than simply making money, to finding time for family and faith-based activities outside of the law, to praying with clients, attorneys of different religions say their beliefs significantly affect what they do at work, reports Texas Lawyer. Individuals say their beliefs inspire them to do a better job, although it can be difficult for a lawyer to decide what his or her religion calls for at work, and different attorneys apply their beliefs in different ways.
John McShane, a lawyer in Dallas, is a Christian who sometimes prays with clients. He tries to keep the prayers nondenominational, though, and focuses on belief in a higher power, following the right path and doing the right thing. He never prays to win a case.
Prayers are comforting to all involved, and help provide “a sense of acceptance and peace regardless of the outcome,” he says, as those involved share their humanity and dependence on God. “I’ve had people come back and say that it was a special moment for them, an unforgettable moment.”
A Houston lawyer who is Jewish, Alan Levin, finds that an atmosphere of spirituality in mediations can help parties “come together in harmony and respect.” He routinely tells clients of his own religious faith, and, if he finds they are religious, too, will try to help them use their faith to establish common ground with opposing parties, as a starting point for reaching an agreement.
“When religion is the filter through which you live your life, you have to examine every opportunity that’s presented to you,” says Syeeda Amin, an observant Muslim who is an associate at Littler Mendelson’s office in Dallas. Although she has no children, she reduced her hours there so that she could better focus on faith-related and family activities.
“If you get offered a promotion and more money, that’s great, but you have to have the constant dialogue with yourself about your faith,” she says. “It’s something I work on all the time, and I think I am blessed.”
