06
May
2024
|
14:00 PM
America/Chicago

Notes of gratitude: Well-Being Week in Law

As part of the Well-Being Week in Law 2024, Missouri lawyers were challenged to complete work-related gratitude lists to improve their career and intellectual wellness. Below are some example lists from lawyers: 

Kellie Duckering, assistant public defender, Neosho

  • I’m grateful for my coworkers who can make me laugh after a tough day in court. 
  • I liked getting a good result for my client and court going smoothly. 
  • Playing with my dogs after a long day. 
  • Going outside and enjoying the weather. 
  •  Was able to work out a good outcome with a prosecutor.

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Hon. William J. Gust, probate commissioner, Division 66, 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis County

  1. I am grateful to have a job that allows me to interact with intelligent attorneys on challenging legal issues every day.
  2.  I am grateful to work with a staff that is passionate and hardworking. 
  3. I am grateful for the opportunity to preside over restoration trials.

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Kathleen A. Hardee, of counsel, Wallace Saunders

  1. I am grateful to work for a firm that concerns itself with the well-being of its attorneys.
  2. I am grateful to work for a firm that is casual and fun.
  3. I am grateful to work for a firm that allows its attorneys to define how they are going to practice law at each stage of their career.

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Andrew J. Sartorius, chief counsel, Missouri LAGERS

Believing in what I do: I think it is really important to like what you are doing, and feeling like you are doing important and good work is a big part of that. I love that what I do on a daily basis, while seemingly disconnected, supports the bigger mission of ensuring that a retirement is possible for so many Missourians that support us through their work in local government.

The people I work with: There are some really cool people that work at LAGERS and I get to work directly with so many of them in this role. I really love the amazing things that we can achieve together and appreciate the diverse viewpoints that including lots of voices brings to the discussion.

The vast scope of the job: it’s a blessing and a curse to be the only attorney in house, but it can also be a lot of fun. I love that there is never a dull moment and that I have the opportunity to explore so many different areas of law. So often in this profession it seems that people pick one niche that they have to excel at, but I thrive as the generalist.

Flexibility: Remote work, vacation time, sick leave, and the ability to rearrange things if you have a sick child are all amazing benefits of working in a more corporate environment. While I loved trying cases, the flexibility that comes with this role is unbelievable.

Community: Practicing law, in any setting, can be kind of scary. I am very grateful for the amazing attorneys that I get to work with outside of LAGERS. From outside counsel to the lawyers working for the other pension funds around the state, its really nice to know that there are lots of people who can and will help out when you need it.

Responses have been edited for style and clarity.