Raising the Bar

"""As a fledgling lawyer struggles for traction, practical wisdom about the nuts and bolts of success is vital, but often missing. Reading and heeding the good counsel in Raising the Bar will make a significant difference for the better."" W. Taylor Reveley III, Former President, The College of William & Mary and former Dean of the Law School; Former Managing Partner, Hunton & Williams, USA ""JB Burtch has devoted his distinguished 50-year career to modeling the heartful wisdom contained in this essential book…a must-read for any new lawyer. Raising the Bar successfully brings to the printed page JB’s master-level, hands-on mentorship, which helped this lawyer get his professional footing and launch a successful start-up."" Daniel Seaman, Founder, Optimus, USA ""Raising the Bar should be standard reading for new lawyers, no matter the setting in which they practice. Allowing lawyers to find their version of success is JB’s gift – and now his wisdom and guidance are available to everyone launching a legal career."" Henry D. W. Burt, Chief Administrative Officer, Troutman Pepper, USA Through accurate insights and analysis that demonstrate an intimate understanding of the challenges so many committed attorneys face, The Thriving Lawyer offers a helpful roadmap for critical individual and institutional change needed to improve lawyer well-being. This book is a must read for both attorneys and HR professionals across all legal organizations – Claire Coleman, State of Connecticut Consumer Counsel; former Biglaw firm associate, non-profit and government attorney. The interest in wellness and self-care has gained unprecedented momentum among professionals in general and lawyers, in particular. The available resources, however, tend to be repetitive and non-directive. With this book, Dr. Cipriano has filled a critical void through a scientifically based model wellness as a way of life, the basis for decision-making, and the guide for actions. She has seamlessly integrated philosophy, psychological research, and pragmatic interventions within a persuasive narrative about making a commitment to wellbeing. Although this book will be of interest to any professional, Dr. Cipriano incorporates her education and experience as an attorney to address the unique challenges in the practice of law. Practicing attorneys, law students and law schools, and mental health professionals who advise and counsel the legal community will gain insights and strategies for promoting genuine well-being. Dr. Cipriano introduces a model of wellbeing that goes far beyond usual stand-alone recommendations for specific behaviors. After reading her book, I realized that I cannot attain wellbeing through any routine of meditation and yoga or any other add-on activity. True wellness is a state of being that affects all life domains, true wellness encompasses all aspects of professional and personal life. Dr. Cipriano does not stop with her unique theoretical model of wellbeing; she incorporates in an informative, compelling narrative, pathways for translating the concept of wellbeing into pragmatic actions. Lawyers, law students and law schools and those who give counsel and treatment to the legal community will find this book a valued and lasting resource. – Madelon V. Baranoski, PhD, Yale School of Medicine"