Earlier modules have noted the findings of Arthur Brooks, the Harvard professor who teaches about happiness, on the importance of "Meaningful Work" as an important component of one's happiness.
Brooks notes "Meaningful Work" consists of two things: 1) earned success and 2) service to others. It was emphasized that Brooks findings are based on "How" work is approached rather than "What" your job is.
It is striking how similar Professor Brooks findings (above) are to the synthesized definition of Professional Identity Formation in the legal profession crafted by the Holloran Center (below).
Each professional should understand, internalize, and demonstrate:
1) a deep responsibility and commitment to serving clients, the profession, and the rule of law (which includes equal access and bias elimination)
2) a commitment to pro-active continuous professional development toward excellence at all the competencies needed to serve others well in the profession’s work (which includes well-being practices)
An interconnected formula emerges - taking care of yourself (well-being practices) in order to execute one's deep responsibility and commitment to serve clients well (values), delivered through a continuous, pro-active, commitment toward excellence at all the competencies in the profession's work (guiding principles) = Meaningful Work (Happiness).
We designed the image below to help illustrate the above formula and highlight how the values and guiding principles that are foundational legal practice are interconnected to meaningful work and happiness.
There are links below to resources on each respective heading. Take the time to make your way through the "wheel" and make up your mind on this approach to law school (and your professional career beyond!).
Wellness; Grit and Resiliency; Serving Others With Excellence; Meaningful Work