Most of us remember the idealism we felt when we entered Law School. By the time we were in our first years of practice, not only had the idealism faded, but our personal lives suffered as well. The evidence is compelling. The California Bar Association found that 70 percent of that state's lawyers would choose a different career if they had a chance and that 75 percent would not want their children to become lawyers. This goes against a widespread gut feeling that we were "called" to the profession of the law.
This retreat will be a chance to re-visit our original inspiration and find practical ways to incorporate it That inspiration still lives within us, into our current practice. Reconnect with our calling to an honorable profession, explore the changes in our personal lives that the profession imposed, and find ways to restore our original, more blessed, state of being. Bill van Zyverden believes a major cause of lawyers dissatisfaction is that much of their work is "beating people up," and not many people enjoy it. And this image of the lawyer as a bully is in direct conflict with most lawyers' self-image.
As a young lawyer recently out of law school, Bill didn't want to lose his idealism, so he founded the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers (IAHL). In 11 years, the mission of the IAHL has caught fire, attracting over 1200 to its membership roles, with a mailing list of another 4000. The IAHL is dedicated to the evolution of the way conflict is understood, processed, and resolved. It's possible to be an advocate without being an adversary. In van Zyverden's ideal world, the role of the lawyer is that of counselor, guide, and facilitator, looking for the truth and for answers that work for everyone. If all parties can accept responsibility for their part in a given situation, they can collaborate to find a solution that respects the dignity of each person. For one important example, children in a divorce witness much less conflict between their parents. The only people who have the ability to resolve the emotional roots of conflict are the parties themselves, but lawyers (often called counselors), can offer guidance and leadership.
During this retreat, we'll experience a number of things, depending on the wishes of the group may include yoga, relaxation, tai chi, drum and rhythm circles, juggling, massage, meditation, and sensory enhancement. We may also share ideas and visions, non-competitive games, explore Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, play multi-tasking and learn. We hope you will join us for this unusual and important program.
Bill van Zyverden is the founder and president of the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers and works in the Holistic Justice Center. He teaches Tai-Chi, juggles, is a jazz percussionist, and is committed to the notion that the legal profession can shed its dismal image and transform itself into a force for planetary good.
"The first founding principle is the inability and the impossibility of defining what `Wholistic Law' means. To fix a definition merely limits the infinite. The Whole must include all definitions. All who are drawn to the organization must be able to come with their own ideas intact and respected. Respect is a synonym of our overriding principle, that of love."
- Bill van Zyverden