Do one thing every day that scares you

Do one thing every day that scares you.- Eleanor Roosevelt

On April 13-14, 2016 the Montgomery County Bar Association is again sponsoring a two day training called the Rita Rosenkranz family law training. This popular program occurs every year and provides valuable information and voluminous materials to new practitioners and those hoping begin taking Family law cases. I will be speaking to the group as part of the panel, and my topic will be "Litigating Custody Cases."

Every year I attempt to set a personal goal and this year has been the "year of public speaking." My paralegal was amazed when I told her that I don't have much experience speaking to crowds. She assumed that speaking multiple times per week in front of magistrate and judges would be the same as speaking to a group. To me it certainly doesn't feel the same!

When I first started practicing law, any moment that I was in the court room, and addressing the court I was nervous and conscious of every word that came out of my mouth. Now, I am in court so often that it feels like second nature. A few weeks ago I was in court for five different hearings in five days. Yet when I speak to a crowd the old butterflies return, at least for the first few minutes. Fortunately, I'm finding that the more I speak to crowds, the fewer butterflies. 

So far, I'm enjoying my year of public speaking.  It's good to do something a little scary. That's how you grow.  Now I need to decide what to do in 2016.