The Benefits of Setting Professional Boundaries
Lawyer-turned-coach Kiele Linroth Pace explains on the Texas Appellate Law Podcast
Kiele Linroth Pace transitioned from a successful career in criminal law and domestic assault defense to coaching lawyers on "mindset mastery." Her extensive experience as a practicing lawyer informs her coaching approach.
During a recent appearance on the Texas Appellate Law Podcast, Kiele explained the concept of mindset mastery and discussed areas in which lawyers could benefit from setting professional boundaries.
Building Blocks
Kiele outlined four "building blocks" for developing mindset mastery:
Mindfulness: Kiele explained that mindfulness begins with a meditation practice, but the ultimate goal is "incorporating meditative practices into day-to-day activities" to remain present. "Mindfulness brings us almost instantly to the center and allows us to let go of all the negative feelings that are dragging us down," she said.
Acceptance: Also referred to as surrender, Kiele described acceptance as "learning to be okay with the fact that you are where you are." It's the first step in implementing positive changes.
Personal Responsibility/Self-Empowerment: According to Kiele, this is not about blame, but rather "who gets to take responsibility for changing things." She elaborated, "When it comes to our own lives and experiences, no one else is better suited for the task."
Creative Process: Kiele defined this as "learning the basics of how to bring about those changes once we've decided we want to," but in a more intuitive, flow-based manner.
Potential Areas for Boundary-Setting
Kiele emphasized that setting boundaries is crucial for lawyers to flourish in their careers and maintain their mental health. It benefits both the lawyer and others when executed effectively. For instance, she noted that with clients, "We're providing them with a roadmap for how we need to be treated."
Specific areas where lawyers should set better boundaries include:
Court settings: Kiele confessed that she used to accept court dates without considering her own schedule. She later learned to reserve personal time and communicate her availability accordingly.
Clients: Kiele pointed out that clients present the most challenging yet receptive area for boundary setting. "I was the biggest culprit, not the client," in permitting boundary breaches, she said. Tools like written guidelines and scheduled emails/texts are beneficial.
Law firm superiors: Kiele advised associates to be clear about their needs and to carefully evaluate whether their practice environment suits them. If boundary setting fails, they may need to consider leaving.
Kiele emphasized that lawyers should not compromise their ethics and let clients dictate unreasonable positions. She stated that decisions regarding issues like civility and candor to the tribunal lie with the lawyer, not the client, based on ethics and professionalism standards.
Kiele’s Final Tip
As a final tip, Kiele suggested that finding one good quality to appreciate in a challenging opposing counsel can gradually help transform the relationship over time.
Parting Thought
As lawyers, we must take care of ourselves to take care of our clients. I’m grateful to Kiele for sharing her experience and recommendations with us.