waging war.

Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous when I have to wage war to get my EA Form?

Nowadays "I don't know" is a good excuse for anything.

Anything, I tell you.

instructions

Did you know that lawyers can't do anything without their client's instructions, no matter how urgent that thing that needs to be done is?

For example, if your client has lost a matter in court, you think the judge's made a really silly decision, and you know your client has a really good chance of winning the case if he appeals... you can't do a thing if he doesn't want to appeal. Of if he's been sitting on the matter even after you told him he needs to appeal within 2 weeks.

I was reading an interesting article in the Praxis law magazine yesterday, about rediscovering the traditions of the Bar by GK Ganesan. 

On the robes we wear in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court:

"The mysterious piece of violin-shaped cloth attached to the left shoulder [of the robes] has obscure origins. One hypothesis is that it represented a moneybag. According to this legend, since barristers would not openly ask for fees, clients placed the cash payment into counsel's pocket, literally behind their back, so as to preserve their dignity. The reasoning was that if barristers could not discern how much they were being paid, then the quality of their advocacy in court could not be compromised."

...how we introduce ourselves in court:

"Once an advocate puts on his or her gown, he or she is of the same rank as any other barrister standing in the well of the court. ...a recent circular by the Chief Justice of Malaysia calls this to mind: it directs counsel not to introduce themselves or refer to judges with certain kinds of designations, and not to use any distinguishing title."

...on being called to the Bar:

"On the day of [the pupil's] Call, the pupil will rise before the judge. He will have in the crook of his arm, the robe, but will not yet be entitled to be robed or to address the court. ... After a short speech by the mover, the judge will then admit and enroll the pupil as an advocate and solicitor. What follows then, is an interesting tradition that is not found anywhere else in the Commonwealth. The pupil master, attired in open court dress, advances to the well of the court, and robes his pupil. ... the Bar Council ... determined that only a pupil master would have that privilege."

Did you know that the legal profession is called the "honourable profession"? (the medical profession is called the "noble profession")

Despite the collapse of public faith in the judiciary (and by an unfortunate co-relation, the legal profession), and despite the many why-am-I-so-underpaid-and-I-don't-want-to-work-anymore moments, I am still proud to be an advocate and solicitor. I still sense my calling as an advocate and solicitor.

I still feel indebted to this society that I am trying to serve. 

I can still hear the words of my clients ringing in my ears - "Thank you, thank you so much..."

And I am still so amazed at how my calling as an advocate and solicitor reflects my calling as a child of God.

As with our clients, we do not move without His instructions. The difference is we can trust that He knows best. Unlike some clients who are just procrastinating, He is waiting. Waiting for the right moment to act.

As with our clients, we serve our God. With service comes both joy and sorrow, satisfaction and frustration. The difference is we can trust that we serve a good, just, and holy God. 

Just as I'm proud to be a member of the Bar, we are proud to be members of His kingdom. The difference is... this kingdom and its works last forever.

It all sounds very wonderful, but it's also very difficult to remember.

Sometimes I wake up at 3 in the morning thinking about the work I haven't done. One time I even had a nightmare about erasing something I scribbled on a client's cause paper (kept erasing, but couldn't get it off). I complain a lot about my pay. I curi tulang sometimes. I've said a number of times that when I've had enough of being a lawyer, I'll go apply to be a clerk. Easy money easy life. Lol.

But these feelings don't make the profession any less what it is.

I know I feel the same way about church sometimes. 

Sometimes I go to bed thinking how terrible this and that person is. One time I even dreamed I was telling someone off for being immature and uncooperative. I complain a lot about the attitudes and the lack of progress in church. I curi tulang sometimes. I've said a number of times that when I've had enough of receiving tai-chi, I'll go do some tai-chi of my own. Easy come easy go.

But these feelings don't make God and His church any less what they are.

Those are my weaknesses. And I'm thankful for second chances. 

What about you?

Have you lost sight of what you do and why you do it?

tai-chi.

Frankly, I was amazed at the amount of tai-chi going on at the meeting. 

Especially since we're all well-acquainted with the fact that we are called to "be good examples to the flock", "lead by example", and "share each other's burdens". 

I think it's really sad to find yourself in a committee just so you can support that one person you think has the potential and the will to grow.

Oh well.

The work must go on.

The challenge is to not fall into the trap of "you do, I also do, you don't do, I also don't do".

It's a great struggle, isn't it, to not become the very thing you despise?

Father, set my heart aright. 

Make it a fitting home for You.