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On <strong>The</strong> RecORd <strong>DRI</strong>—A Supportive, Encouraging Environment Einstein, My Mother, and Balance By Amy L. Miletich, Chair, <strong>DRI</strong> Employment and Labor Law Committee I lost my mother a few months ago. We all have—or will—experience such loss. It is one of the sad inevitabilities in one’s existence where you are compelled to come to grips with what your life is all about—a point where you assess where you have been and where you are going—and how this all-too-short span of being must be treasured. <strong>For</strong> all of us in this extraordinarily busy profession, we are pulled in different directions as our time is carefully allocated between family, friends, and career. Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” <strong>The</strong> challenge each of us faces each day—as we attend to the needs of our families, clients, and practices—is to attempt to achieve the unattainable perfect balance. So as you read this column, I appreciate that you have chosen to do so with the variety of other precious demands on your time. As we all know, we have very challenging jobs as legal service providers. <strong>The</strong> highs are very much so, and the depths of certain lows sometimes seem insurmountable. Relationships with the like-minded and the similarly situated can enhance the joys of your practice and provide guidance and support during times of uncertainty. <strong>DRI</strong> is only one of a host of professional organizations that we attorneys can join. I would strongly argue, however, that it is one that truly stands apart from the rest. I have been a member of <strong>DRI</strong> for many years. An outstanding legal education seminar is what first drew my attention to the organization. Upon attending, I observed the relationships, friendships, and support among the committee members. When I expressed an interest in becoming involved, several committee members took me under their wings and granted my wish. I have recently been given the honor of being appointed the chair of the Employment and Labor Law Committee for this next year. It is my hope and goal to continue the great work of my predecessors and to contribute to the maintenance of a supportive environment for all our committee members. In addition to its excellent substantive law committees, <strong>DRI</strong> should be commended for its efforts at promoting diversity. During the time I have been a member, <strong>DRI</strong> has launched a Diversity Committee, as well as the Women in the Law Committee. Of the 22,000-plus attorney membership of <strong>DRI</strong>, over 6,000 members are women. <strong>DRI</strong>’s new president is the wonderful Mary Massaron Ross. My mother would have relished the opportunities that such an organization now provides to its members. I have been blessed with a 13-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. With respect to my daughter, my husband says she possesses “an old soul”—but one trapped at present in a teenager’s body. I appreciate that my life during this particular year will thus be devoid of boredom and full of surprises. My daughter motivates me to aspire to a higher purpose. I know that her world is and will be different than the one I was raised in—and it is part of my mission to ensure that it is one where her innate abilities will be not just recognized, but embraced and cherished. As a parent, we want to provide lessons to our children. I hope that by observing my commitment to my practice and to <strong>DRI</strong>, my children will learn the benefits of a profession and membership in a professional community, particularly one that encourages its members to step up and contribute their best efforts to advance the organization’s goals. <strong>DRI</strong> provides me with a concrete example of how one can make achievements through cooperative effort. This is not to say we will always agree or that spirited discussions will not occur. As attorneys, however, we should reconsider how we assess different points of view and attempt to view disagreement as a natural and constructive force, rather than just an obstacle in our path—reminding ourselves that “a kite rises against, not with the wind” and that “all polishing is done by friction.” As Joseph Joubert (1754–1824) once stated, “<strong>The</strong> aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.” I used to call my mother daily. Her gentle wisdom and encouragement was a source of comfort to me that seemed to transcend all the difficulties that I encountered. I so miss her advice—often delivered through pregnant pauses of silence. I have learned that what she failed to express was at times more instructive than the advice she offered. But now—as I only have her memory and silence to guide me—I so wish I had access to her frank insights. She helped me maintain my balance. <strong>DRI</strong> is worth your time. It has been my experience that the time that you devote will return a multitude of benefits from both a professional and personal perspective. You will gain friendships and professional acquaintances that will advance your career and will make you appreciate the many aspects of this wonderful profession, despite its tremendous demands. Your membership will assist you in achieving the balance we all seek. <strong>For</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Defense</strong> ■ <strong>December</strong> <strong>2012</strong> ■ 1
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