Lawyers are ignoring the spirituality and humanity of their profession in exchange for what they may mistake as advancement, writes Linda Spedding
Almost everything we do now seems to be aimed at being “bigger, better, faster”. The explosion of technological advancement has meant that information is moving at a dizzying rate and we are all fighting to keep up.
For many professionals the traditional 40-hour work week has become a thing of the past. Doctors often work over 60 hours a week, sometimes even 80 or 90 hours. Lawyers are expected to work at least 60 hours a week, sometimes significantly more. We have become obsessed with economic efficiency and the bottom line, so concerned with the end result that we have lost sight of what makes us balanced and happy people, let alone aspiring enlightened leaders.
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Yet there is no doubt that the legal profession enjoys a special position in terms of high professional standards that can set an example to others and contribute to society and its development. Having entered the legal profession in 1975 as one of the youngest female lawyers in the UK, I have gained experience as an international lawyer specializing in environmental law, sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), risk, ethics, due diligence and corporate governance.
Having worked in the UK, the EU Commission in Brussels and the US, I have found that India has a special role and opportunity to demonstrate uniquely high standards that bring to life and embrace perennial spiritual values and wisdom. I have travelled extensively in India assisting a humanitarian charity and developed a great interest in responsibility for the self, positive thought and a balanced lifestyle and applied this to my professional service.
I have always felt that at the heart of the legal profession is the concept of service – to the client and the community – or seva in the Indian traditional context. By integrating this concept and the ethical approach that embodies the role of the lawyer, upholding truth, fearlessness, humility and justice in the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, we can foster enlightened leadership, while realizing who we truly are and attaining a heightened sense of our own well-being.
In practical ways this can be achieved by demonstrating the highest standards of corporate governance, CSR and risk management. Of course both CSR and governance are long established concepts in India.
If we consider that the purpose of law generally is to balance the rights and responsibilities of the individual in society then in my view there is nowhere that such a balance can be achieved more beautifully than in the law of dharma, by carrying out one’s duty. If we followed many of these ancient principles of life, including respect for each other, our environment, our world, our planet, as well as coexistence, many of the challenges faced in today’s overly complex world would, in my opinion, be more manageable. We could reach more sustainable relationships, communities and society as a whole.
This may transcend individual short-term goals and objectives. With this in mind I have been inspired by the stanzas in the time honoured tradition that is found in the Bhagavad Gita, which I have found to be relevant when considering the implementation of duties and more enlightened leadership. In my opinion, if international lawyers were to study and implement the Gita where appropriate when dealing with today’s challenges, this would be really effective.
One of the ways in which I have attempted to apply the tenets of the Gita is through the Women in Law initiative, established over 10 years ago. In pursuit of a goal to encourage or enlighten other lawyers and to begin a debate that included gender leadership and the ability to realize our potential, we formed Women in Law (WiL) International.
Observing the profession’s decline over the years from a position of overall respect to an often unnecessary evil, I considered how I could use my substantive practical experience to make a difference. I have worked closely with colleagues in several jurisdictions to raise awareness and consciousness so that the profession not only attracts young women lawyers but also nourishes and retains their interest in the law when they are faced with complex professional and personal choices.
Essentially WiL, through workshops, individual training and projects that promote enlightened leadership, strives to teach lawyers how to balance their personal and professional lives so they can attain true happiness. It focuses on the well-being of lawyers as well as their clients and has considered issues such as stress management, time management and communication.
While inclusive, we have sought to encourage young female lawyers in particular to live in accordance with the ideals that attracted them to the legal profession and to practise what they preach, by forging vital avenues of communication among lawyers in an effort to connect them on a global scale. Part of the debate has been to change the face of law by creating a legal system that does not promote and perpetuate conflict, but instead resolves it and results in positive resolution for all.
In the course of WiL and other workshops I have found that some client frustration over the standards of communication with lawyers has emerged, including in India. Critics have cited delays in response – even silence – inappropriate drafting, and a lack of general care and attention as challenges. The lawyer-client relationship depends on good faith and must be scrupulously guarded. In the spirit of enlightened leadership all lawyers should perform their duties and show humility and sensitivity in all dealings with clients and colleagues alike.
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Dr Linda Spedding specializes as an independent international legal adviser in environmental law and has been involved in donor-financed environmental projects in Asia, notably India, where she has also been committed to corporate governance and ethical or values driven projects.
