The international alliance of holistic lawyers conference will be held in Vancouver, B.C.Nov.12-15.98 and will begin with a debate.

JOY IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW?

By William van Zyverden, Esq.

A few months ago The IAHL announced the Theme of its 1998 Annual Conference to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia; Canada at the Sutton Place Hotel; November 12th - 15th, 1998 as "How to Find Joy in the Practice of Law."

We chose Joy as the theme for 1998 because joy is both the spiritual nourishment and the reward we need to stay on law's difficult path. In fact, it is the logical extension to last year's theme, "The Calling of the Law." The Call was the attraction and this year we not only name it, but provide guidance in the form of stories, exercises, and practical techniques to help us achieve it.

It seems, however, that we opened up a Pandora's Box. Although we anticipated a lively debate from the profession in general, we were amazed to find much discussion within our membership. We were most surprised to find that this question even existed.

Joy in the practice of Law?

One person put it this way, "Asking whether there is Joy in the practice of Law is like asking whether there is "health" in the practice of medicine. Of course not!, he emphasized. "You must understand that healthy people do not need Doctors and Joyful people do not need lawyers."

"Let me re-phrase the question," I said. "Can lawyers experience Joy in the practice of Law?"

"I'll continue the metaphor," he said. "Like Doctors, Lawyers are surrounded by people sick with conflict, rage, hostility, victimization, and righteousness. Doctors have it easy," he added, "they work with their patients to fight a disease which battle is just as acceptable to loose as it is to win. Lawyers, on the other hand, are hired to fight and to win and losing is not only unacceptable, but cause for an attack by the client for negligent and incompetent representation."

"May I try another question?"

"Sure."

"Can people experience Joy?"

"Of course."

"Can people who have chosen to become lawyers experience Joy?" He thought for a moment. "I see where you're getting at," he said, "but statistics say no. Several States have done surveys and each has revealed that most lawyers surveyed not only claim no Joy practicing law, but in their private lives as well ... and due, they say, to their profession."

"So the profession has somehow kept its practitioners from experiencing Joy?"

"I disagree," a woman said rising from her chair. "Joy comes from within. The lack of Joy is a lack of one's ability to bring Joy out from within. This should have nothing to do with what profession one is in."

Another woman stood up. "I wake up every morning thinking that this day I will not succumb to the professional cloud that hangs over me. It comes in from all sides, cases, clients, partners, opposing counsel, opposing parties, judges, racking my brain to be sure that I have placated everyone."

"Is Joy present when you wake up?"

"I think so, but, well, no, I don't really believe it. If there was any at one time, I think it has been beaten down until it is unwilling to surface."

"What happened?"

"I used to be proud to say that I was a lawyer, now, well, people need us but they don't want us. Like medicine. Clients actually expect you to taste bad and the worse, the better."

"Must you assume the role?"

"Hey, if I don't play the part, I don't pay the bills."

"Even if you assume the role, isn't there a you that is playing the role?"

"In the beginning," she said. "Over time the role took over and now I can't tell the difference."

"Are you a lawyer all the time?"

"That's the same question that my family asks."

"Wait a minute," someone in the third row interjected. "I don't agree with any of this and I don't like where this is going. Yes, I agree that Joy exists within, but to the extent that our world either evokes our Joy or suppresses it is of our own personal choice. You can't blame it on the Profession when you choose how to practice."

"Oh, like we have a choice," a voice interjected over the growing din.

"Don't we have to practice Law the way Law is practiced?" someone else argued.

"Oh, yea, a woman said sarcastically, I love a world where everyone tells you you're wrong."

"You open the door when you choose the profession," another broke in.

"What do you want? We were taught to be SOB's."

The noise of the arguments grew and became overwhelming.

Are we sure that we want it to rest that to be a Lawyer must infer a Joyless existence? We will begin our Conference with this very lively dialogue.

We continue our plenary, sharing format with emphasis on sharing and the inclusion of our partners in our journey. The conference promises practicality, British Colombia innovations in the area of victim-offender reconciliation and mediation, and the experience of joy in a laughter workshop, a professional theater group's hilarious look at the profession, and an evening celebration.

We have also learned several lessons over the years:

First, that Spouses and Partners are not only encouraged to participate throughout, but that their insight is especially valuable. Again, we have waived registration fees for Spouses and Partners and charged their expenses, refreshments, meals, and entertainment at our cost. We have also secured a single room rate for Single or Double Occupancy.

Second, attendees have asked for time to enjoy the venue rather than being inside for the duration. We have therefore extended the Conference an extra day and provided for free afternoons and Dinners on the Town at selected restaurants. Attendees will sign up for their preferred restaurant and dine accordingly.

Finally, we have again negotiated with the Hotel to ensure Conference rates a few days before the Conference (November 9th, 10th & 11th) and a few after (16th, 17th, & 18th) to allow participants to arrange their vacations around the Conference.

The early Conference Registration fee has been established at $300.00 US for IAHL members and $350.00 US for non-members who may also join for an additional $25.00 US. After June 30th, the rates go up $50.00 US. All but $100.00 US is refundable before November 1st.

Registration fees are waived for Spouses and Partners, excepting a $115.00 fee for refreshments, meals, and entertainment. All but $75.00 US is available for refund before November 1st.

Hotel reservations are to be made independently with The Sutton Place (845 Burrard Street; Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2K6; Tel: 604-682-5511) which is in the thick of Vancouver, between Robsonstrasse in the West End and downtown proper, a block from the major courthouse, the major downtown shopping. You won't need a car to get around - the more ambitious walkers can enjoy mornings in Stanley Park.

The hotel offers coastal ambience, natural light, first-class fare, and pool and health club, delivered with western hospitality. Be sure to advise that you are registered with this conference to obtain our conference rate of $139 Canadian / Approx. $100 US.

You may register for the Conference immediately by check in US funds or by credit card over the phone. Please call (802) 388-7478 for more information.

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