Being that it's summer, I would probably be talking to others at the office about last night's great Mad Men episode. The show, however, has been on hiatus due to contract disputes. Those disputes have been resolved and shooting has begun on season five. To celebrate, below are some memorable lines from past seasons (and my thoughts about them):
"If you don't like what's being said, change the conversation."
Don Draper, Season 3, Episode 2: "Love Among the Ruins"
It's your case. You need to set the theme and tone of it. If you don't like "what's being said" in your case, you need to "change the conversation" by shifting to a different theme. Change the focus and direction of the case to get the case back on track.
Don Draper: "It's our job. I give you money. You give me ideas."
Peggy Olson: "But you never thank me."
Don Draper: "That's what the money is for!"
Season 4, Episode 7: "The Suitcase"
This interchange between Don and Peggy reflects each one's perspective on work. For Don, it's enough to pay someone. No feedback, no encouragement, no appreciation, no mentoring. Peggy, understandably, wants more. To the extent you manage or supervise others at your firm, whether it's an associate, paralegal or legal assistant,remember that the paycheck is not enough. Just as you look for "thanks," so does everyone else.
"The day you sign a client is the day you start losing them." Don Draper, Season 1, Episode 10: "Long Weekend"
The new client you secured likely came to you because they were not happy with their prior counsel. If you're not careful, they may leave you just like they left your predecessor. Work just as hard to keep a client as you did to secure their relationship in the first place.
"Just think about it deeply, then forget it...then an idea will jump up in your face." Don Draper, Season 1, Episode 11: "Indian Summer"
The epiphany moments we all crave, where everything in a case makes sense and we know exactly what the theme should be, or what avenue to pursue or what questions to ask in a deposition, comes when we least expect it. But it generally comes after we've given the item in question some thought and reflection. Think through a problem. Brainstorm, discuss it with others, take some notes, and then put it away. One Saturday morning when you're standing in line at Starbucks, waiting to order, it'll come to you, out of nowhere.
"People tell you who they are, but we ignore it because we want them to be who we want them to be." Don Draper Season 4, Episode 8: "The Summer Man"
People are who they are. People tell us who they are through their actions and through their words. Even when they try to hide their true natures, it breaks through. But we often have an image of others, and we superimpose that image over their true natures. We often see what we want to see. When handling cases, try to see witnesses for what they are as opposed to whom you perceive them to be.
Read more on Frank Ramos' blog, Tips for Young Lawyers. Francisco "Frank" Ramos, Jr. is the administrative partner at Clarke Silverglate in Miami, Florida, where he practices in the areas of products liability, employment, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, class actions and general liability.
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