Jim Vickaryous

We all need a little grace every now and then. The best way to get grace is to freely give it. Demonstrating kindness, forgiveness, and understanding embodies the essence of grace. Through such action, we not only cultivate a sense of grace within ourselves but also create an environment where grace is more likely to be reciprocated. This reciprocity can lead to a more harmonious and compassionate interaction among individuals and within communities. In the fast-paced and often intense world of law, where arguments and negotiations dominate, the importance of courtesy and class can sometimes be overshadowed by the pursuit of legal victories. However, being a gracious lawyer goes beyond courtroom etiquette, instead it extends into the realm of everyday interactions and personal gestures that can significantly impact professional relationships.

Sometimes a request for grace is so funny that you have to say yes. An opposing counsel sent me this plea, “Jimmy, I lost two associates this month. I’m six feet from the edge and I’m thinking maybe six feet ain’t so far down. I need one more week for the discovery responses.” Even though I had already given several extensions, I couldn’t say no to this cheeky request. Plus, the same guy had already been very graceful to me early in the case.