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Do you think law schools should teach empathy?
In a recent article, lawyer and author Jeena Cho writes "Nowhere are we taught that the act of sitting with someone who is suffering — someone who has been unjustly treated, physically, emotionally, psychologically or financially harmed, or lost dignity, limbs, or loved ones — is really deeply painful and hard work. Instead, we are regularly told nonsense like, we’re lawyers, we shouldn’t have emotions." I agree with her that it can be emotionally draining to sit with a client who has been harmed, especially if physical or emotional abuse is involved. However, clients are not coming to us for a shoulder on which to cry. Clients want justice. While it is certainly appropriate to sympathize with our pained clients, our role as lawyers is to advocate for their legal rights and deliver the protections and compensation they deserve. What do you think, counselor?
3 Comments
James Lownsdale
6/8/2017 01:32:18 am
The lack of empathy is the hallmark of narcissism. I understand that even after countless hours of psychotherapy most narcissists still lack it.
Julie Joanes
6/8/2017 01:32:55 am
I know a narcissist well and you are so correct that it cannot be learned. In my experience, becoming a lawyer doesn't necessarily make something non-empathetic, but there is an unfortunate tendency to stiffen up as the years go by.
James Lownsdale
6/8/2017 01:33:28 am
What you say is true, the practice chisels away at the heart and soul. But. Despite people and their expectations of us, despite our training, we don't have to be heartless. Leave a Reply. |
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January 2018
CategoriesJulie JoanesLawyer and legal writer, Julie worked primarily in real estate law before focusing her career on the social media and marketing aspects of the legal industry. 
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