Congratulations to Courtoonist David Mills on Unanimous SCOTUS Win
As we reported in November, our very own Courtoonist, David Mills, achieved quite a career coup by arguing a case (Ortiz v. Jordan) before the Supreme Court. The issue was whether a party may appeal a denial of summary judgment after a district court has conducted a full trial on the merits. A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Mills's client, Paula Ortiz.
Click here to listen to the oral argument and read the transcript. Click here to read the unanimous decision in favor of Ms. Ortiz.
Congratulations, David!
Feature Article: Restless, Irritable & Discontented: 7 Transition Tips by Kevin Houchin
Have you ever had a day when you just couldn't sit down or concentrate, and when you were vaguely ticked off at almost everything that came through your life? I have, usually at some transition between the categories of my life. The transitions from work life to parenting at the end of the day, from work to weekend on Friday afternoons, and those wonderful Monday mornings always bring out the best in me. I find myself vibrating at a weird pitch. I'm restless and can't sit down. I'm irritable and have to try hard not to snap at people. And, I'm just generally discontented in those moments because something seems to be missing.
Here are seven tips for getting through those moments in a healthy manner.
Music: Music always adjusts my mood and mode. Do you need something calm or something rockin'? When I want to connect with my kids on Friday afternoons and release my week, I move toward funk, not into a funk, but grooving to some funky music. Yes, I am a white boy. And, my whole family; wife, 9-yr-old son, 7-yr-old daughter, and 5-yr-old son spontaneously break out into a dance party. Everyone smiles. Groove on. Go to www.pandora.com to create free moods.
Pick up the Phone: Call your mom, your dad, or one of those old friends you've not spoken to forever. They'll always share something to get you out of yourself for a moment.
Exercise: You knew it would be on the list. Sorry about that. No, it's not my favorite either (I like the music), but I have to admit that I always feel better after beating the crap out of a squash ball. Find something you like and go with it.
Art: Find your muse, grab it by the throat, and sit it in a chair. Create something. If you're pissed, create something red, black, or blue. Allow yourself to actually feel those feelings and transfer them to the paper, piano, or guitar. Channel that force into something expressive. You'll be OK. If you don't like whatever it is when it's done, burn it. Ahhh.
Reflect on your day/week: Sometimes the wacky vibration comes from an unresolved resentment toward someone that needs to be addressed, or something that you just haven't admitted to yourself that needs to be ferreted out.
Forgive someone: Maybe someone ticked you off. Does being angry at them make you feel better? Obviously not. So, just let it go. But… But… But… Stop it. Really. Just let it go. You'll feel better immediately. And, if you're feeling better immediately, you know you've not yet successfully forgiven the other person and let it go.
Forgive yourself: Maybe you just didn't do as well that day or week as you had hoped. Maybe you told a lie. Maybe you acted greedily. Maybe you yelled at your spouse or your kids. Maybe you missed something on a contract or element of evidence. Forgive yourself. We are all human and none of us hit the mark all the time.
Lawyers are especially in need of self-forgiveness because we are such over-achiever. How many people do you know who could realistically reach the standards you've set for yourself? We suffer a lot of pain because our performance and accomplishments in life usually fail to live up to our own expectations for ourselves. Many lawyers (the stats say 1 out of 5) reach out to alcohol to anesthetize that pain. Then, the more we fail to forgive ourselves, the higher we set our new expectations and the larger the performance gap.
When you feel that weird vibration of the state of restlessness, irritability, and discontent, know that you can act on one or more of these seven suggestions and find the healthy serenity and balance you need to make the appropriate transition into the next moment of your life.
Kevin Houchin is a lawyer, graphic designer, husband, father and creative spirit. In his law practice, Houchin & Associates P.C., Kevin advises creative people on how to maximize creativity, build businesses, and protect intellectual property. He is also the founder of The Space Between Center for Creative Spirit in Business, a unique mentorship program designed to equip, inspire and position lawyers and other entrepreneurs to attract and serve their ideal clients in the information age. From vital flat-fee billing schedules to advanced internet marketing strategies, no subject is left uncovered in this groundbreaking mastermind program.
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Cartoon: Courtoons
by David Mills
Courtoons are the creation of David Mills, an Ohio appellate lawyer who works with litigants and law firms involved in civil and criminal cases in federal courts across the country. Visit David's law firm website at www.MillsFederalAppeals.com
Cartoon: J.D.
by Mark F. Bernstein
Mark F. Bernstein is a lawyer, cartoonist, writer, historian and producer. He is the author of five books on politics and sports, contributor to numerous national magazines and co-producer of the feature-length documentary film "8: Ivy League Football & America." You can find out more about Mark and his current projects at www.MarkFBernstein.com
Video of the Month: A Little Shameless Self-Promotion
by Lisa Solomon
Suzan Charlton is a professional cartoonist who is rumored to practice insurance coverage law as a hobby for a major Washington D.C. law firm. Her cartoons cover a wide range of law-related topics, from law school grades to law firm romance.
Song of the Month: Fifty Ways to Get Through Law School
by Bob Noone & the Well Hung Jury
"The trouble is not inside your head," she did explain
"You can get through your first year with very little pain"
She said "I’d like to help you keep your sanity maintained
There must be fifty ways to get through law school"
I don’t usually go around giving free advice
But you say you’ve been in school a week and only have slept twice
So heed what I’m about to say ‘cause it’s worth double the price
There must be fifty ways to get through law school
Fifty ways to get through law school
Buy the Casenotes briefs, Chief
Read the Nutshell, Mel
No library, Larry
If you’re gonna stay free
Hit the speed, Reid
Any time you feel the need
A little Prozac, Jack
And just lay back
Property is a cinch with your Legalines
Sum and Substance in Civ Pro can save you half the time
Go to Contracts once a week and never fall behind
There must be fifty ways to get through law school
Now son don’t you know that life is more than Torts
Your future lies way beyond a dimly-lit court
So before the final lesson let us have a little snort
There must be at least fifty ways to get through law school
Fifty ways to get through law school
Buy the Casenotes briefs, Chief
Read the Nutshell, Mel
No library, Larry
If you’re gonna stay free
Hit the speed, Reid
Any time you feel the need
A little Prozac, Jack
And just lay back
Just one of the hilarious songs on
Cartoon: Law and Disorder
by Paul Brennan
Cartoon: Jonny Hawkins Collection
by Jonny Hawkins
Did you know that Jonny licenses his artwork for use in newsletters, presentations, print publications and on websites? He even offers special rates for student and teacher use.
You can also purchase original artwork and custom prints (framed or unframed) from Jonny.
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Take a close look!The dials of our watches and clocks are marked in tenths of an hour—the same way many lawyers, paralegals and law clerks bill for their time.
