Posts tagged lawyer convention
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Goodbye abota.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Goodbye abota.

At first I thought, well Karen - how ridiculous that you would think that you should get award and be mad that you didn’t. As a woman raised in the 60s - we were taught not to be forward, not to expect, to do good work, hope we would be recognized, and not be disappointed when the much louder boys got noticed instead.

But that 60s meek attitude is not how you claw to and survive at the top in the paternalistic world of lawyers. Plus I was raised by parents who believed that if you didn’t fight for yourself and others, then what was the point.

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humanKaren Koehlerwomen, lawyer life, lawyer convention
Why I saw Trainwreck for the third time - recovering from a Mind Meld
Why I saw Trainwreck for the third time - recovering from a Mind Meld

Psychodrama is popular in trial lawyer circles.  This weekend it is taught at our trial lawyer convention.  I do not attend.  Happily.

I don't care for the term psychodrama.  I've heard many good reviews from friends and colleagues.  I know many of the people who teach it.  But honestly, just hearing the word psychodrama causes a bit of a nose wrinkling reaction deep within me.

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Karen Koehlerlawyer convention, lawyer life
A convention speech and run around Gray's Lake, Des Moines Iowa
A convention speech and run around Gray's Lake, Des Moines Iowa

Get up before alarm rings at 6.  This means it is really 4.  Flop back on bed.  Alarm rings at 6:15. 

Search around for hotel phone on night table.  Don’t find it.  Sigh.  It is on the other side of the bed.  Scramble across.  Hit “O”.  Ask for front desk.  It is front desk.  Can I get a late check out.  Yes. 

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Karen Koehlerlawyer convention, public speaking, traveling lawyer, lawyer schedule
AAJ San Francisco - mashup days 1 and 2
AAJ San Francisco - mashup days 1 and 2

Wake up from semi-conscious state just in time to glimpse the wreckage of the Korean jetliner still at the airport.  Shuffle off the plane.  It is 9:30 a.m.

Find limo driver.  Follow him to car.  He wants to talk.  I want to zone out.  Good manners kick in.  We talk the whole way.  He is quite delightful.  If we had more time, I could probably recite his family tree for you.

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Karen Koehleraaj, lawyer convention, lawyer schedule, traveling lawyer
Fargo - Yah
Fargo - Yah

Head jerks forward.  Eyes open.  Where the heck am I.   Are we still in Minneapolis.   Can’t figure out if the plane has taken off.  Or is landing.  It hasn’t taken off.  Thirty minutes later we bounce down in Fargo North Dakota.

Alan the Executive Director of the trial lawyer association has texted me to call him.  I do.  The airport terminal is clean, new and small.  At the landing by the escalator, a big tall blond woman is hugging another big tall blond woman in greeting.  They appear to be sisters.  Talking in a language that is definitely not English.

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Karen Koehlertraveling lawyer, lawyer schedule, lawyer seminar, lawyer convention
The "P"s
The "P"s

I had one night to come up with a speech.  it was our trial lawyer's annual convention.  And I needed to fill in for a sick speaker.  That evening on the treadmill  the speech came together.   Now a decade or so later, here is a blog version of The "P"s.

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Karen Koehlerpublic speaking, lawyer convention
Convention day 2: Party like a rock star
Convention day 2: Party like a rock star

Give the speech.  Go for a run.  Have the spinal cord litigation group meeting.  Smile at the Phoenix Suns wheelchair basketball crew demo.  Go on our field trip.  Gawk at the brand spanking new disability center.  Apparently flirt (according to Cristina) with the very handsome fitness coordinator.  Barrio Queen for dinner with a lively group of 12.  Arrive back at the hotel at 9:30.

But wait.

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Karen Koehleraaj, family, lawyer convention, lawyers have fun, traveling lawyer
Why do people sue?
Why do people sue?

Am in Louisville, Kentucky preparing to give a speech at their annual convention.  Two people have randomly greeted me in passing and said "you have a hard act to follow - all the speakers have been great."   Should have known this would be prophetic.

Do not like to give recycled speeches. Do not like to memorize anything.  Need to FEEL in order for the words to flow well.   Lately have been interested in exploring how to reach jurors regardless of their political or religious leanings.  Accessing shared core human values.  So the topic is a bit obtuse.  Particularly where here, am not teaching how to do something in particular - like give an opening or closing statement.

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Karen Koehlerfamily, lawyer convention, public speaking, traveling lawyer
Escape of the Goblin
Escape of the Goblin

Am being good patient non-wiggling member of audience at the convention.  For several hours.  It is the Luvera Seminar without Luvera (dear Paul please get well).  Another Paul (Stritmatter) my partner, is playing the role of host to a rapid fire panel of speakers.

Paul tells a story to illustrate the point that jurors always like him the best of anyone in the courtroom.  He says he works hard to be professional and nice and liked the best.  And over time whether inside or outside of the courtroom, it is a habit that has stuck.  He is a very pleasant and likeable fellow.

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Karen Koehlerlawyer convention, public speaking, wsaj
On Winging It.

Have to resist rolling eyes when people say: so you're going to wing it.  In mind see chicken flapping wings with feathers flying everywhere.

Have finished lovely run.  Am a bit late so go directly to the seminar registration desk and pick up materials.  Head to elevator on way to room for a bit of a wash and change.

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Karen Koehlerpublic speaking, lawyer convention
Where's my biscotti
Where's my biscotti

Eagerly open the door to the hotel and rush over to the little table in my room.  There's the candle and right next to it should be the chocolate covered biscotti.  Last night found it in the little goodie bag left by one of the convention sponsors.  Didn't eat it then, but was saving it for a moment just like right now.  Except there is no biscotti.

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Karen Koehlerfamily, lawyer convention, traveling lawyer, wsaj
Worst lawyer speeches probably ever

How can trial lawyers be such bad public speakers.

Oh, this is a snarky topic.  Should not be critical of people who volunteer their time and talent to help others .   Is there a benefit in publicly venting in this way.  Tsk tsk.

Am here at the AAJ convention in NYC.  Sitting in seminar and am only not bored, because am engaging in self-indulgent venting.

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Karen Koehleraaj, lawyer convention, public speaking