Law is serious business. At least, that’s what lawyers are expected to believe when in law school. For years we go through case law, better understand different landmark cases, and get an understanding for not only our past, but how things will be done in the future.
The same focus that lawyers maintain in law school can sometimes blend into daily responsibilities and our legal practice. Given that legal paperwork, contracts, and the profession in general can be incredibly tedious, it is no wonder there is a lack of joy and happiness. Clients of most lawyers enjoy great customer service, but almost all of them dislike the profession and the seriousness attached with it.
Being more playful in the legal context might sound odd or hard to fathom, but it is possible and actually quite useful. A playful mentality improves creativity, leads to excellent new solutions, helps boost trust and connectedness.
3 Reasons to Include a More Playful Mentality in Law
Here are 3 different reasons that you can include a more playful mentality while you are engaging in the legal profession.
- Creativity and play – according to numerous research studies, people who engage in play are more creative and come up with more innovative solutions. Consider how Steve Jobs approached the products that were made for Apple. He played with technology and calligraphy concepts in order to have more creative solutions. His solutions ended up creating some of the most important technology we currently have and much of it was related to play.
- Play fosters trust – the legal profession does not have a good reputation regarding trust. Most people feel like they cannot trust lawyers, but the foundation of the profession is around trust. The jury, judge, or other people involved with a legal case need to trust the speaker and clients need to trust their own lawyer. Play is a great way to build trust. Just being playful in the approach to law or life in general will build trust.
- Create empathy with play – it is important for children to spend time playing while they are young so that they can create social bonds and learn how to interact well with others. Just because we grow out of childhood doesn’t mean we still can’t benefit from this phenomenon! It is especially important to build feelings of empathy when you are in the legal profession. A playful mentality will offer just that opportunity.
Whether you are a client, a judge, or lawyer in the legal profession, there is a way you can help make it tasteful and enjoyable. Just because the profession has a reputation around being serious, getting things done, and matters of the law doesn’t mean a playful mentality doesn’t have a place.
Practice play more often in your legal dealings and you’ll experience more joy, happiness, and all of the tangible benefits we outlined.