Oftentimes we hear that the ends justify the means. However, in the legal world it does not…or should not.
Cutting corners and taking shortcuts should not be the roadmap to success. The law can be complex, convoluted and sometimes contrary to good common-sense. However, the laws, rules, processes and procedures are there to protect you, be it as the litigant, the attorney and even the Judge.
When liberties are taken with the rights of other’s – even for the “right” reasons – it impugns the integrity of the Court, the trust in the system and offends Constitutional safeguards we swore to uphold and defend.
If you are a lawyer and/or a judge and you are wondering if this is pointed at you, the answer is yes.
Follow the law. Strictly. Follow the procedure. Honestly. Demand compliance. Demand competency. 99 times out of 100 you can still achieve the same result, but when you take the easy way out it begins the slippery slope into fiefdoms and dictatorships that degrade a society, degrade the people’s confidence in the Court and actually contributes to rigged systems.
Ah, success. Being your own boss, no financial worries, owning three 4-wheel drive vehicles, however you define success the strive for such is a great thing and a motivator in it of itself. But, don’t count on shortcuts to get you there.
thawats /freedigital photos.net
Common wisdom says it takes 10,00 hours to be an expert on any topic. That is 5 years worth of 8-hour days (with weekends off). Often, it seems we are seeking to take the shortcut to success and it’s great if it can be had, but it is not an appropriate plan to count on to get there. Similarly, in a Family Law case clients are ready for it to be over before it even starts. Cases must run their course in most circumstances and the process cannot be shortened, absent agreement of all parties and Court approval, which doesn’t happen in highly litigious situations.
Shortcuts, where an opportunity presents itself are to be considered and taken, but counting on shortcuts to get you where you need to be is a bad plan.
Matthew Thompson is a Family Law attorney and cautions you to not count on shortcuts, but take ’em if you get ’em.
Follow the blog: #BowTieLawyerVisit the website: #Thompson Law Firm. You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms
(601) 850-8000 - - BowTieLawyer.MS 