It was 1980-something, and I was fascinated by stories about the Marine Corps. That was probably related to my father’s service. One film that stood out to me was Heartbreak Ridge. That was in no small part due to Clint Eastwood’s character, Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway. For those who are not familiar with the film but know the actor’s work, imagine what kind of personality you would expect from the character. Have it in mind? Yep, that’s exactly it.
But around that time, Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket made Gunny Highway seem like a teddy bear. So it wasn’t Gunny Highway’s gruff presence and trademark scowl that was most memorable; it was a mantra that he repeated throughout the film that Marines need to improvise, adapt, and overcome. The next decade, Dr. Spencer Johnson penned Who Moved My Cheese?, which would teach the same lesson in a different context.
In 2020, there were a couple of events that forced people to shift the way they did things. But we, as a profession, should not require a major catalyst to motivate improvisation and adaptation. One of the many great lessons I learned years ago from my firm’s namesake, John Klinedinst, was that lawyers must continually do such things.
So, I offer the following thoughts. We are engaged to solve problems. Sometimes that is just answering questions. Sometimes it is to ensure things go smoothly. Other times, it is much, much more. But in each of those situations, there are potential roadblocks. Although it is easy to observe the imperfections in those scenarios, look for creative solutions and ask questions. Even for those practitioners who have particular routines for approaching matters, make sure some elements of your services are bespoke.
And as the provision of legal services evolves, whether through changes in regulation, the addition of new participants in the market, or otherwise, consider whether your model remains the best way for you to achieve your goals. After all, you’re a lawyer. You should improvise. You should adapt. And you should overcome.
Yours,
David Majchrzak
2022 SDCBA President