Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Reder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Robert, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Developing resilience is best done through experiencing failure. The famous Michael Jordan quote is true – the reason he succeeded, through is resilience, was because of his failures. Everyone has failed in life and business, but its the reaction to that failure which defines the successful from the unsuccessful. My greatest failure in business was attempting to scale my law firm when that was never the right path for me. I now own and operate a solo practice and I am much happier. Of course, that happiness has translated to better work for my clients, more opportunities, and an enjoyment of the practice of law.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
There are many exciting aspects to the practice of law that can make it a rewarding and fulfilling career. Here are a few examples:
Advocating for justice: One of the most exciting aspects of practicing law is the opportunity to advocate for justice. Whether you are representing an individual or a corporation, being able to argue your case in front of a judge or jury and help your client achieve a favorable outcome can be incredibly rewarding.
Intellectual challenges: Law is a complex field that requires a great deal of critical thinking and analysis. As a lawyer, you’ll need to interpret laws, regulations, and court decisions, and apply them to your client’s situation. This intellectual challenge can be both stimulating and satisfying.
Variety: The practice of law is incredibly diverse, with many different areas of specialization, from corporate law to criminal law to family law. This means that you can pursue a legal career that aligns with your interests and passions.
Collaboration: Law is not a solitary profession. Whether you’re working with colleagues at a law firm, collaborating with experts in other fields, or representing a client in court, the practice of law involves a great deal of collaboration and teamwork. This can be both challenging and rewarding.
Continuous learning: The law is constantly evolving, with new court decisions, legislation, and regulations shaping the legal landscape. As a lawyer, you’ll need to stay up-to-date on these developments and continuously expand your knowledge and skills. This can make for a dynamic and intellectually stimulating career.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
There are three important qualities that every lawyer should have:
Analytical and critical thinking skills: A lawyer should have the ability to analyze complex legal situations and apply critical thinking skills to come up with the best solution. This includes the ability to identify and evaluate relevant facts, anticipate potential issues, and develop sound legal arguments.
Communication skills: Lawyers must have excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively convey legal information to clients, colleagues, judges, and juries. This includes the ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear and concise language, as well as the ability to listen actively and ask relevant questions.
Professionalism and ethical behavior: Lawyers are held to high standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. They must be honest, trustworthy, and maintain the confidentiality of client information. Additionally, they must adhere to the rules of professional conduct and uphold the integrity of the legal system.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The 48 Laws of Power” is a book that outlines strategies and tactics for gaining and maintaining power in various situations. The book draws on examples from history, literature, and popular culture to illustrate each law.. It’s important to note that the strategies and tactics outlined in the book may not be suitable for all situations or individuals, and that some may find them objectionable. Ultimately, it’s up to each reader to decide whether they find the book useful or not. That said, if you go past a literal reading of the 48 Laws, and drop some of the advise not meant for modern professionals, it is a wonderful guide to human interaction and the shifting power structures you experience while developing professionally.
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