A sense of justice / fairness : In many respects the entire justice system is about the pursuit of justice or fairness . It is easy to see it in the criminal justice system , but it is present in other areas , too . Commonly , contracts are not entirely one-sided and civil juries reach what they consider fair monetary awards . Similarly , kids are constantly exploring what is fair . Do you not believe me ? Give one sibling two cookies and the other only one . It will not take long before you hear “ Hey ! That ’ s not fair !” ( If you were raised in my parents ’ house , the immediate response back would be “ life isn ’ t fair ; get used to it .”). If given enough leeway , the child will even explain to you why it is not fair and how to remedy the solution - sounds more and more like a lawyer , does it not ?
For better or for worse , I try to keep these similarities in mind in my professional and personal life . When my kids want to stay up late on a Friday night to watch a movie , we negotiate a deal and execute a “ contract ” memorializing that deal , often even addressing the ramifications if they breach the agreement . ( Do not get on to me about capacity to contract - I have conveniently omitted that detail from my discussions with them ). I have found that they are more willing to stick to a deal in which they had buy-in than to comply with a parental edict . Likewise , when opposing counsel are inextricably irrational , I try to remind myself that they may need a hug , a snack , and a nap . Because after all , children are really just short lawyers and lawyers are really just tall children .
Now go play nice in the sandbox .
Christina M . Baugh Atlanta Bar Association President www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 5