A young legal mind brews with resourceful ideas to help change and shape the world in various ways.
Felix Frankfurter, who served as the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, once said:
“No less important for a Lawyer is the cultivation of the imaginative faculties by reading poetry, seeing great paintings and listening to great music.”
Being a young legal professional on the verge of greatness, requires a person to have a high level of professional competence. This involves much more than the mere pursuit of financial gain. To be on the cusp of greatness, is to be cultivated and well-read in a plethora of subject areas, whether it be Law, current affairs, or even science fiction.
The cusp of greatness, to me, is dependent on inter alia: the knowledge of method, knowledge on how to do legal research, and a knowledge of how to approach a situation with confidence and zest. It is the unceasing opportunity to be able to apply my mind each day and to sharpen the skill set within my legal arsenal. This gives rise to a deep-rooted concentration that leads to a robust work ethic, which is beneficial for both my personal and professional growth.
As a young legal professional, finding both challenge and fulfilment in the day to day ignites my drive to greatness. Each day comes with difficulties and successes, and these experiences propel me forward and make me all the more prepared any obstacle that may cross my path.
Often neglected, is the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, consisting of eating right, road-tripping, to enjoying a good glass of wine, and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, the simple things in life are often overlooked in the pursuit of greatness.
At times, the Law may appear to be complicated and convoluted. Yet, with composure, and level headedness, I have learnt to keep my approach to it simple yet meticulous.
Work in the legal profession requires endurance, and to understand that being “great” does not usually occur overnight. Rather, it comes gradually as a result of measured determination. I intend to practice for years still to come, and I therefore view my greatness as a ‘slow burner’. Growing up with a single mother in the Cape Flats has taught me the essence of patience and having grit. The tenacity I have developed through life allows me to be adaptable to almost any situation that may arise.
I do my small part to help and assist society wherever I can. Whether it be advising on commercial law, family law or law of delict, I try my utmost best to deliver with excellence, seeing the humaneness in every individual and circumstance.
In conclusion, being on the cusp of greatness, to me is to wake up each morning with the driven passion to be unorthodoxly pragmatic to suit the changing of times. It is to build long-lasting relationships, to live with emotional intelligence and to ensure that the world is left a better place than it was yesterday.
Written by Richard Atkins: Associate at Adriaans Attorneys.