Hardened

As legal professionals, we can become hardened – almost in self-defense.

We deal regularly with extremely difficulty life situations. A will is contested on the death of a loved one. An auto accident raises questions of liability. Criminal allegations must be contested or the viability of defenses assessed.

For the clients’ benefit as much as our own, we steel ourselves to the emotional context of these situations; become increasingly inured as situations recur.

At times, we become the focus of misdirected anger by individuals or families attempting to deal with crisis or tragedy. We must face down ruthless and unscrupulous adversaries, without sinking to their level; may work side by side with colleagues whose ethics are less stringent than our own. “Lawyer jokes” to the contrary, we are often unappreciated and underpaid.

Worst of all perhaps, we see injustice triumph.  We see base tactics succeed.

As a result of this, we can become jaded and worn down over the years. One plaintiff, one defendant, can become much the same as another to us.

God, however, calls us to mercy. After all, it is on His mercy we ourselves rely.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5: 7).

Merciful God, You above all know how much it is we need mercy.

Remind us to safeguard the weak, and forgive even those who would harm us. Help us to remain effective advocates while extending Your mercy to clients and adversaries, alike. Give us the strength and the heart to do so.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed