I think it’s important that my clients know what to expect when they hire me, and part of that is knowing about my values. I am a lawyer, and that means I will advocate for my client’s position. You might think of me as a counseled adviser who speaks on your behalf. I will uphold the law, and I will seek to make sure that you and the others involved in the process are treated fairly and with dignity.
And I will do those things for many reasons.
1) As a lawyer, I am required by law, by honor, by my profession, to uphold the laws of our country.
2) As a rural citizen, I believe that the best way to handle conflicts between people is to treat each person with respect.
3) And as a Christian, I am called to live a life filled with faith and love.
I will admit that I feel disheartened when I read lawyer jokes. I know that it’s fashionable to be cynical, and that lawyers are “known” to be dishonest. But I know differently.
I am not a shark. I am a mother trying to raise children to be good citizens, people you can count on. I am not a bulldog. I stand up for what you and I believe to be right, and I do everything I can to make sure we get the outcome we want. I am not vicious. I am ready to help when you’ve reached the end of your rope, crying, and you don’t know what to do next.
I am not dishonest. I am a lawyer, and I am the person you will call when you want to buy farmland that will ensure the continuation of your Minnesota family farm. Your real estate closing will be done quickly and efficiently, so that you can carry on with your life. I will be here when your loved one passes away without a will and you don’t know how to take care of all the probate paperwork. I am ready when you have a great idea for a new business and you need help navigating the incorporation process. I will be your advocate when you’ve upheld your end of a contract, but the other guy didn’t pay his debt. I will help you as you make your estate planning decisions. I will work with the community bank that is owned by a local family and exists to help the small town.
I am a lawyer, and I am hopeful.
