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J e s s i ca Faye rman , a s en i o r
employment law attorney at The
Prinz LawFirm, P.C., led theAlliance
for Women’s March 24 lunch
presentation “Sit Down and Shut
Up: HowMindfulness CanMinimize
Stress and Maximize Efficiency”
As lawyers, virtually all of our profes-
sional activities are both analytical (we’re
trying to figure out the best way to help
our clients, win the case, one-up oppos-
ing counsel, etc.) and goal-oriented (we
want to win the case, get the settlement,
help make new law, etc.) Come to think
of it, most of our personal activities are
both analytical and goal-oriented as well.
Since meditation is neither analytical nor
goal-oriented, it’s probably one of the most
counter-intuitive, radical, and refreshing
things we could ever do. It completely
turns our drive on its head. Since lawyers
are notoriously driven people, dropping
that drive for even a few moments can
bring a tremendous sense of relief.
Of course, even though we do not sit
in meditation with any particular goal in
mind, meditation has obvious benefits.
Most people report feeling significantly
relaxed after they first attempt meditation.
There have been numerous scientific stud-
ies detailing its positive effect on the brain.
It helps with concentration, helps teach us
about the inevitable nature of change, and
helps us to see the insubstantial nature of
our thoughts. Lawyers in the midst of a
feud with opposing counsel could particu-
larly benefit from this last one!
I now meditate on a daily basis, work
one-on-one with a Zen teacher, and
practice periodically at a Zen monastery.
Admittedly, I may have taken things a little
overboard. However, we do not need to go
to extremes to benefit frommeditation and
mindfulness.
a partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP…
Oliver A. Khan
was named an associate at
Arnstein & Lehr, LLP…
Matthew L. Wil-
lens
has been admitted into the National
Association of Distinguished Counsel…
Sara A. Weinberg
is a partner at Dins-
more & Shohl LLP…
Lauren A. Morris
is a new associate at Horwood, Marcus &
Berk, Chtd….
Julianne M. Hartzel
has
been named Chair of Marshall, Gerstein
& Borun, LLP’s medical devices group…
Thomas L. Holt
has been named a partner
at Perkins Coie, LLP…
Bradley M. Cos-
grove
has been elected to the American
Board of Trial Advocates…
William J. Cook
has become a partner at Reed, Smith, LLP.
Condolences
Condolences to the Family and Friends of
Richard T. Ryan, Elinor P. Swiger, Law-
rence T. O’Brien, Patrick E. Mahoney,
and Maureen T. McIntyre.
CBA RECORD
53
Sit Down, Shut Up
continued from page 14
Lend A Hand: Remarks of Inauguration by then President Demetrio
continued from page 17
limited opportunities available tomainstreamsociety.
Most often, these targeted youths are living in public
housing complexes that present constant challenges
to their physical and emotional well-being. Mentor-
ing programs link these children with adults who are
positive, supportive role models.
Many finementoring programs exist in Chicago. Some
of the not-for-profit programs with which the CBA
is considering affiliation include CYCLE (Community
YouthCreative Learning Experience),theBoys andGirls
Clubs of Chicago, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and CREW
(Chicago Real Estate ExecutiveWomen).
While each organization has a distinctly structured-
program, their goal is singular: to meet the needs of
children. There is need for career counseling, educa-
tion, self-esteem enhancement, behavior modeling,
and simple companionship. Activities include field
trips to work places and popular downtown loca-
tions, tutoring sessions, school presentations, and
engaging in supportive conversation. The common
characteristic of all these programs is the providing
of constructive and regular contact with youths who
are seeking to grow beyond the isolation and despair
of their neighborhoods.
Like all youths, those living in the projects possess a
tremendous pool of talent, intelligence, and commit-
ment to hard work that will, with guidance, improve
their community as well as their own individual lives.
These youths, who live on the edge of survival, offer
a unique and powerful perspective of life: a strength
and courage required in the face of overwhelming
adversity, and first-hand knowledge of the obstacles
that minorities and the poor encounter in their quest
for inclusion in the American dream. It is a perspective
we cannot afford to ignore. Including it among the
growing diversity of perspectives represented in our
legal community can only enhance our own experi-
ence as we strive to maintain a thriving city—while
preparing it for the next century.
Clearly, the CBA can be a source of light to the youths
who are most vulnerable and most insecure about
their future. Indeed, the legal community, which is
itself symbolic of the rewards of hard work, responsi-
bility, higher education, and a commitment to ideals,
is uniquely qualified to mentor.
It is within our power to help future generations by
helping lead today’s disadvantaged youths. We must
not let these young people continue to be demoralized
and conquered by the negative forces of drugs and
violence that surround them.While there are no guar-
antees of success, we can make every attempt to be
guiding beacons to the youngmen andwomenwhose
own unique gifts have the potential of enriching our
community and brightening the future of Chicago.
Throughout our lives, each of us has received a helping
hand from at least one person who really cared. My
own list is endless. I invite you to join Abe Marovitz,
Tony Valukas, Don Hubert—and many others—in
giving our inner-city youth an opportunity to become
the best they can be. These children need our help. I
sincerely hope that you will lend them your hand—
and your heart.
To find out more about how you can make a
difference, go to lawyerslendahand.org.
Murphys Law
continued from page 24