Anatomy of Peace

I began reading this recently as part of a book club that we started on the CollabLaw listServe. It's a very easy to embrace and to use outline of the very simple shift in how we see other people that can change a situation or a relationship from a source of frustration for all, to one of productivity.
It is not a book of aspirational or inspirational thoughts. It is eminently practical. I recommend it to all.
Be warned, though, you may have trouble not seeing yourself differently as well!

The return of a classic book.

Steven Keeva's book Transforming Practices is back in print!! As President of the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers, www.IAHL.org, I was honored to be able to work with the American Bar Association to bring it back for it's 10th anniversary. It's available from the ABA: ABA Store

In this wonderful work, Steve chronicled the journeys of several lawyers in finding actual Joy and Satisfaction in the practice of Law. The stories talk consistently of the importance of bringing their whole selves to their efforts and of embracing their role as genuine healers of conflict.
It's a great work and has inspired many other attorneys to lives of joyful, productive service....many of whom were on the brink of leaving the Law entirely. I recommend it to all lawyers. And to non-lawyers! The principles it shares are applicable to anyone desiring joy in their work lives.

The original edition is also available on Amazon: Transforming Practices: Finding Joy and Satisfaction in the Legal Life

Do you have a video explaning Collaborative Divorce?

This looks like fun and may actually get me to get my camera out !

VIRGINIA COLLABORATIVE PROFESSIONALS ANNOUNCES CONTEST FOR PUBLIC  EDUCATION VIDEO ON COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Virginia Collaborative Professionals (VaCP) is sponsoring its first video contest. VaCP is seeking online videos that highlight the advantages of using a collaborative process for divorce, rather than the more traditional adversarial court-based procedures.

The video may communicate, among other key features of Collaborative Practice, the value of using a team of financial, mental health and legal professionals who work together to help with clients through their divorce.

Videos can be created by an individual or a team. College or graduate students are particularly encouraged to participate. To compete, entrants must be 18 years or older or have parental permission.

The contest begins December 15, 2009, and runs through February 15, 2010. Prizes will be awarded to the top four videos: $1,000 for first place, $300 for second-place, $200 for third place, and $100 for the "Peoples' Choice" award (based on rankings by online viewers).

For more information about the VaCP Video Contest, see http://www.vacpvideocontest.com .

Free Web Conference on Collaborative Law THIS WEEK !

This looks to be a really interesting introduction to and discussion of Collaborative Law taking place Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20, 2009 at Hofstra Law School: http://fwd4.me/4Xu

Free Web Conference on Collaborative Law THIS WEEK !

This looks to be a really interesting introduction to and discussion of Collaborative Law taking place Thursday and Friday, November 19 and 20, 2009 at Hofstra Law School: http://fwd4.me/4Xu

Another Collaborative Training!

      In advance of the Collaborative Training that we sponsored in connection with the IAHL conference in June, our friends in St. Louis, MO from the Collaborative Family Law Association really stepped up to support and promote that training and the conference.  It's really gratifying now to be able to return that support as they launch their first Interdisciplinary training this November.  Click here for their announcement and registration form. 
      They've made it clear to me that you don't have to be from Missouri to attend the training.  In fact they hope that their friends and colleagues in Southern Illinois, especially, will take advantage of the training.  We've also offered to them that CPChicago Educational Services would be happy to make application for Illinois MCLE credits for the training.  If you're in Illinois and would like to attend, let them know and ask them about IL MCLE credits.  I may be able to arrange for Mental Health CEUs as well.
      One thing I'd suggest to Illinoisans.  If you know others, especially from the other professions, who might like to go, it's really great to go through a basic CP training with others with whom you may be working and looking to grow interest 'back home'.  There's certainly nothing wrong with going alone, in my humble opinion, but that certainly has something to do with my having traveled to Dallas in Jan, 2000 to take my first training when I could find no others in the Chicago area who were doing anything about Collaborative.

Collaborative Training

 

CPChicago Educational Services was proud to be able to act as Illinois MCLE Sponsor for this training which was conducted in conjunction with the 17th Annual conference of the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers.
Suzanne Brunsting, Esq. of Rochester, NY set out the overall concept and context of Collaborative Practice and the attorney's role.
Donna Maier, CDFA, of Pittsford, NY presented the contributions and integrated role of the financial neutral.
carl Michael rossi, MA, LPC, of Chicago, IL interwove the emotional elements of the process and the ways in which the licensed mental health professional coaches the individuals during the process.
Elizabeth Granoff, Esq. of Chicago, IL offered specific insight on the ethical questions raised with respect to attorneys' participation.

This was an exciting group who will be bringing their training and enthusiasm back home to Idaho, California, Indiana, British Colombia...oh yes, and Illinois.

On the eve....

...of the eve. The training begins on Wednesday. Such a long process. :-|


-- Post From My iPhone

Opening efforts

I've been really honored to be able to do my first major efforts at meeting my educational service goals in connection with the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers. www.ProPlannersInc.com/IAHL
I will be the provider for the Illinois MCLE credits for their 17th annual conference. I will also be presenting a Collaborative Practice training in conjunction with that conference. www.ProPlannersInc.com/CollaborativeTraining
I'm very excited. And very tired. I've had the chance to work with a great number of passionate and giving professionals.

Putting the pieces together

I came to Holistic Law and Collaborative Law at the same time, October 1999. Since then I have grown increasingly convinced of the need for continuing professional education. Yes, it's important for skills development. The right type of continuing education is also vital for the professional's personal well being. That's the attitude I've taken into the programs I've offered over the years and now I want to also want to present others who will share their wisdom.