All lawyers should possess strong legal acumen, which is undeniably essential. The most successful lawyers also have non-legal skills that significantly enhance their practice. That is why it is so important for lawyers to have hobbies outside of work.

Hiking and Camping

Have you heard the expression, “Go outside and touch grass”? You know why it is important to get back to nature? Studies have shown that being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and muscle tension, as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure. In essence, nature provides stress relief. The legal profession can be highly stressful, with long hours and intense pressure. Hiking and camping provides me with a necessary outlet for stress through relaxation, which has led to improved mental health and better focus when handling my cases.

Embroidering

Even though I am a millennial, I skipped the midlife crisis and went straight to “granny hobbies.” Say what you will, but embroidering provides me with a creative outlet. This creative interest allows both the right and the left side of your brain to work. Pursuing creative interests like this outside of the law can stimulate innovative thinking and new problem-solving approaches that can be beneficial in developing legal strategies and solutions for clients and claims adjusters.

Gardening

At first glance, you might wonder how gardening could help in the legal profession. Well, let me tell you: successful gardening involves a lot of problem-solving. For example, gardening involves monitoring plant health, soil conditions, and environmental factors, as well as encountering challenges like pests, diseases or crazy weather conditions. What does this teach us? Well, it puts you in a problem-solving mindset to ensure the best outcome. This is invaluable in the law and navigating unexpected developments to find effective strategies for clients.

Fostering Animals and Volunteering

As an animal lover, I fell into fostering somewhat by accident. Since COVID, I have volunteered with two organizations, Heidi Wrangles Cats and Social Tees. Not only does this allow me to help animals in need, but it also provides me with opportunities to meet new people and expand professional networks. Building relationships outside of the legal field can lead to referrals and collaborations that enhance a lawyer’s practice.

Traveling 

I fell in love with traveling when I was 10 years old. Specifically, when my parents lost me in Istanbul’s airport for about three hours. Terrifying? Sure. But what I remember was trying to adapt to this inconvenient situation and figure out a solution to this problem. Traveling often involves navigating unexpected challenges. These experiences can enhance a lawyer’s adaptability, which can be beneficial in the courtroom and beyond. Being able to come up with a new, successful argument in front of a judge when a new set of facts are thrown at you by the opposing counsel is what distinguishes great attorneys.

Boxing

I will be honest with you, it is not the easiest form of exercise. But it is so much fun! Boxing requires concentration, dedication and memorialization. “Memorizing what?” you might ask. Different sets of combinations, which will help you to anticipate your opponent’s moves. This ability to concentrate and recall can enhance your attention to detail and help with focus on more complex cases. Plus, there are the endorphins. As Elle Woods said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t.”[i]

Engaging in diverse interests fosters personal growth and development. When young attorneys ask me for advice, I always tell them to have interests outside of work and not to let “being an attorney” become their only personality trait. Having hobbies promotes a healthy work-life balance by promoting mental well-being, creativity, and personal development, which contributes to you becoming a more well-rounded and effective attorney. Embracing these transferable skills not only enriches a lawyer’s professional life but also contributes to growth and fulfillment in the legal profession and beyond.

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Sources

[i] Legally Blonde (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Marc Platt Productions, and Type A Films 2001).