In the world of trial law, where evidence, arguments, and legal acumen take center stage, my approach, heart-centered advocacy, might seem like an anomaly. But I assure you it is possible, and it can be a transformative approach for trial lawyers.
I am not a lawyer. As the author of many books on acting, I have travelled the world training professional actors and acting teachers who use my books in their classes. I have also trained many lawyers and senior executives who have attended my programs to learn the very things I am advocating in this article. Right now, I am busy working in the corporate world training CEOs and corporate teams in what I call inspired communication.
By the way, as in everything I do, I don’t ask you to believe me or agree with me. I only ask that you give consideration to what I am sharing, try it on for size, and see if it works for you.
Let’s begin here, with the fundamental core of heart-centered advocacy:
It is a fact that the human heart is the strongest muscle in the body. It also exhibits unparalleled resilience and endurance. The heart has the remarkable ability to tirelessly pump blood throughout the body, beating around 100,000 times a day, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell while removing waste products. Its unwavering strength and endurance are vital for sustaining life, making the heart an extraordinary marvel of biological engineering.
Heart-centered advocacy embodies the resilience and endurance of the human heart, symbolizing strength through empathy, compassion, and connection. Like the heart, heart-centered lawyers possess the ability to continuously give without faltering, fostering an environment of trust, support, and understanding with their clients and in the courtroom. Their unwavering commitment to serving others mirrors the relentless pumping of the heart, consistently nourishing and uplifting those around them. Just as the heart efficiently distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, heart-centered lawyers facilitate the flow of inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment throughout their law firms and in their communities. They model authenticity, integrity, and a deep-seated belief in the inherent worth of every individual.
I don’t know how you feel about it, but here is something I take very seriously. As a lawyer, you are part of the helping professions. Your fundamental role is to advocate for and assist individuals in navigating complex legal matters. While your work may involve contentious disputes and legal intricacies, at its core, lawyering is about providing guidance, support, and representation to those in need.
We all know of course that there are plenty of lawyers who represent scoundrels, and there are plenty of scoundrel lawyers, but let’s put that aside for the moment. I am highlighting the fact that you play a crucial role in safeguarding the interests and well-being of the people who seek your help. Much like doctors heal the body and counselors heal the mind, you contribute to the societal fabric by upholding the principles of justice and fairness to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients and society as a whole.
Acknowledging, in a serious-minded way, that you are just as much a helper and healer as a psychotherapist or doctor is sends you on a great inner journey to refine your legal skills but also your human ones. Most people live from the neck up, stuck in the trappings of the mind, lost in thought, with their attention on themselves. As a trusted counselor, you do not have this luxury. You must take the necessary steps to reclaim your openness, your deep availability, your ability to “listen with the ear of your heart” and to hone your attention to “the other,” meaning your client, the courtroom, your colleagues, and the world around you.
At the heart of my approach is the recognition that effective trial advocacy extends beyond the mere presentation of facts and legal arguments. It involves a deep and empathetic connection to the emotional landscape of the courtroom, encompassing jurors, judge, clients, opposing attorneys, and witnesses. To be a truly effective trial lawyer, you must navigate not only the legal intricacies but also the complex web of human emotions that permeate the courtroom.
The courtroom is a dynamic arena where the unexpected is the only constant. A trial lawyer must not just be prepared for the unforeseen turns of events but also be able to adapt to moment-by-moment shifts in the proceedings. This demands a level of spontaneity and responsiveness that goes beyond rehearsed arguments and scripted responses. Yes, you have always been told to never ask a question you don’t know the answer to. That’s not the point here. I have seen lawyers ask questions that were not relevant or were already answered simply because they were distracted, disengaged, and not attentive to what was actually happening. Heart-centered advocacy encourages you to be present, fully engaged, and responsive to the ever-changing dynamics of the courtroom.
One of the key principles of heart-centered advocacy is the genuine care for the client. It goes beyond the professional obligation of representation; it involves a deep personal investment in the well-being of the client. I suggest that the best trial lawyers are those who don't just advocate for their clients' legal interests but also care about their clients as individuals. This care translates into a heightened sense of responsibility, driving them to go the extra mile to ensure justice and fairness prevail.
Transparency, vulnerability, and authenticity are the cornerstones of my approach. In an environment often characterized by formality and procedural rigidity, this approach is one that strengthens trial lawyers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. This means being transparent about the strengths and weaknesses of the case, acknowledging uncertainties, and expressing genuine emotions. By doing so, you can establish a deeper connection not only with your clients but also with jurors and others in the courtroom.
The importance of transparency cannot be overstated. Jurors, in particular, are keenly attuned to authenticity. In an era where skepticism toward legal professionals is not uncommon, a transparent and authentic trial lawyer can break through the barriers of mistrust. By openly acknowledging the nuances of the case and the emotional impact it may have on all parties involved, a trial lawyer being authentic builds credibility and trust.
Moreover, let me emphasize the transformative power of vulnerability. In a profession that often values stoicism, allowing yourself to be vulnerable might seem counterintuitive. However, vulnerability fosters connection. It humanizes you, making you relatable and authentic in the eyes of the jury. This authenticity is a powerful tool in building rapport and persuading the audience effectively.
This also extends to the relationship between opposing attorneys. While the adversarial nature of the legal system is inherent, I believe that a genuine and respectful approach to opposing counsel can enhance the overall atmosphere of the courtroom. By recognizing the shared humanity even in the midst of legal disputes, you can contribute to a more collaborative and constructive legal process.
Heart-centered advocacy also has personal benefits for attorneys. By aligning your professional practice with the principles of authenticity and genuine care, you experience a heightened sense of integrity and satisfaction. Engaging in this approach means staying true to your values in the face of adversarial pressures. This alignment between personal values and professional conduct fosters a deep sense of integrity, reinforcing your belief in the justice you seek to uphold.
The satisfaction derived from knowing that you have approached your role with empathy, transparency, and a sincere dedication to your client's well-being is immeasurable. This personal fulfillment extends beyond the courtroom, influencing your overall sense of purpose and contributing to a more meaningful and rewarding legal career.
Let me conclude with this . . .
You are on a hero’s journey. How do I know that? All human beings are. This is my belief. There is a deep desire in every human being to do something meaningful that has purpose and makes a difference. Some people just forget or lose hope or choose to deny this unquenchable force that is the basis of life itself. Now you may say, “Little me? I am no Luke in ‘Star Wars’ or Frodo in ‘Lord of the Rings,’” but I say that you were entrusted with a mission just as crucial and every day you can strive to get closer to the fulfillment of that great quest.
I suggest beginning with a turning inward, with a quiet listening. Do you have a sense of that most intimate calling? Do you feel a profound longing, an aching to bring some relief to the suffering we see in every part of the world? This is where heart-centered advocacy begins, with this kind of quiet listening. The point of this effort will be to strengthen your ability to listen with the ear of your heart.
The good news is that listening with the ear of your heart is not merely a passive act but a skill that can be honed and refined through deliberate practice. Here are practical strategies to deepen your heart-centered advocacy through empathetic listening.
By incorporating these strategies into your practice, you will not only enhance your ability to listen with the ear of your heart but also foster a legal environment where empathy and understanding form the bedrock of your work. This is a lifelong journey, and each interaction provides an opportunity for growth and deeper connection.
