In the last couple of years, the family and I have taken some serious blows what with moving from the west coast to the east coast, taking on a new job, buying a new (or different house) and dealing with other "stuff."
Its been a rough ride.
This year's review I got to thinking about how I've grown (or whether I have) and my mind got to wandering (as it often does) and settled on the topic of pride. What is pride? One of the seven deadly sins, pride is defined as:
a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired
Ever hear that line pride cometh before the fall? I gotta wonder whether a person can ever be proud of their accomplishments but not prideful to the point that they think they are the best. I've never heard a librarian say they're the best (pretty good, maybe) but I'll bet there are a few who have thought it.
Anyway, I've been teaching legal research and writing (on and off) for little over 12 years at various institutions and to/for a variety of persons. As I was reflecting on what I've been doing and how I've been doing it, I got to thinking whether I'm as good as I think I am or, more to the point, whether I'm good at what I do or whether I just think I'm good at what I do.
Of course all of this came to my mind when I read a case the other day about an attorney who tried to barter sex for legal services. I'm guessing attorney thought he was the cock of the walk when he tried that move. Dang but he must have thought he was coated with Teflon - that he could get away with anything.
See, back in 2013, Mr. McGinnis E. Hatfield visited the Cherry Bomb Gentleman's Club and met a young woman who was working the establishment. Seems instead of charging the young woman his customary fee of $1,500, Mr. Hatfield offered to represent the young woman, in an upcoming divorce action, in exchange for sex.
While reading this, I had a flashback to a television show back in the 80's called L.A. Law which revolved around the lives of a law firm and the employees at said firm. One character, Arnie, was the divorce expert and was very handsy with his female clients.
Anyway, young lady didn't appreciate Mr. Hatfield's proposal and filed a complaint against Mr. Hatfield. Subsequently, Mr. Hatfield had his law licensed annulled. Note: not just revoked - but annulled (like it never happened). They didn't just want to get this guy off the books, they wanted him to disappear like he never existed! A bit much but I guess you reap what you sow.
You know, I've known a number of attorneys who, over the years, were suspended or out and out lost their licenses for things like mismanagement of client funds, not filing documents, holding on to a client's files until they paid a past due bill, and other crazy stuff.
I suspect there are a lot of attorneys out in attorney land who get away with this. Me? I'd be too terrified to pull something crazy like this....which is probably why I'm a law librarian and don't have to worry about such things. Of course, I've got other things to worry about - but not that! So, maybe one in my corner?
Yeah, best not to tempt the fates.
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