I used to practice my violin every day for at least an hour. It started in the fifth grade with a practice card commitment of ten minutes a day with one day off a week. I hated it. But, by the time I got to high school, I practiced until my fingers were sore, my neck was raw, and I could play audition pieces in my sleep (and often did). I practiced a lot. I practiced to improve. I practiced so that I could make music. I practiced so that someday I could pick up a fiddle, play a jig, and smile, knowing that while practice hadn't made perfect, it was the means to a happy end--an end that isn't defined. My violin sits in its case in my bedroom. Last week, I had a glass of wine and ordered sheet music on Amazon (tipsy Amazon is great fun!). I can still pick up my fiddle, play a little jig (or the theme from "Mary Poppins"), and smile.
We say we're practicing law. We don't say we're working in the law. Most of us can't say that we're making law. We're just practicing, learning as we go. A legal career is a perpetual work in progress, ever changing. I learn something new every day. Sometimes it's something exciting. More often, I learn things like the difference between a limited liability limited partnership and a limited partnership association--not exciting but nevertheless new. And, each new thing adds just a little bit more to my skill set.
Last year, RJ took a practice year, and so did Gigi. We didn't take much too seriously this year; there will be time enough for that when we're in the thick of a real school year.
Today was their last day of their practice year. RJ wrapped up kindergarten for the last time, and Gigi twittered and twirled through her practice year of preschool. The learned something new, and each day they added something new and extra to their skill sets.
Last year, I took a practice year. An academic vacation. I practiced law in a new way. I learned something new every day. I taught a year's worth of bankruptcy classes and learned more about myself and the law than I had learned in nearly a decade of practice. I loved it. I love it. It was the means to a happy end--one that isn't defined.
Last month I ended my academic vacation and rejoined a more traditional, yet not totally traditional, legal practice. I work in house at a bank now. And, every day, I practice law. I learn new things. I add to my skill set every day. This practice, too, is a means to a happy end--one that isn't defined.
We practice law, imperfectly. Sometimes, we're given the chance for a practice year; and then, it's over:
Sometimes, it's just time to move on; to take what we've practiced and find another undefined end.
Sometimes, it's time to pause and give thanks for for the luxury of practice.
And sometimes, it's just time to celebrate.
Happy summer, everyone--get your fun on!
