Hi folks,
There is the story of what one calls the medical student who graduates with the
lowest marks in the class.
For those who do not know the answer, it is... DOCTOR.
We train and then we work. This goes equally for any profession. I don't seem
to recall a five year moratorium on litigation post graduating. More to the
point, many lawyers would practice under the wing of others and those who hung
out shingles may avail themselves of mentors and consultants. However, once we
graduate, from virtually any profession, we are unleashed onto the public.
I really do not belive, there need be a moratorium on Collaborative Lawyers
requiring them to practice five years in advance of becoming a collaborative
practitioner.
We hear similar fallacious arguments with regard to therapy. Some argue that
the better therapist is the one who has experienced the issue for which one
councils. To others, this is tantamount to the blind leading the blind. Truth
is, it is not prior experience that matters, but a good understanding of the
issues and an ability to separate one's issues from those of the clients, thus
advancing the well being of the client over one's personal agenda.
So the issue then is not whether or not to practice fresh out of law school,
but that the ethical practitioner continue to develop and seek input when
necessary.
To the public, I always recommend checking out the therapist - before therapy.
Similarly the public should be apprised to check out any professional prior to
engaging services. But for me, the answer is not limiting entry to the practice
of Collaborative Law.
Uphold standards of practice, not years of litigation.
What do we call a legal practitioner upon graduation... Lawyer. Carry on.
I hope you forgive a social worker's two cents...
Best,
Gary
Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW
Interaction Consultants and I Promise Program Inc.
20 Suter Crescent,
Dundas, Ontario, Canada
L9H 6R5
(905) 628-4847
gary@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Parenting: www.yoursocialworker.com
Teen safe driving: www.ipromiseprogram.com
Gary Direnfeld is a social worker and expert on matters of family life. He is
in private practice (Interaction Consultants), writes and provides workshops
and is the developer of the "I Promise Program" - teen safe driving initiative.
Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider Gary an expert on child development,
parent-child relations, marital and family therapy, custody and access
recommendations, social work and an expert for the purpose of giving a critique
on a Section 112 (social work) report. His opinion helps resolve child custody
and access matters.
Gary's services include counselling, mediation, assessments, assessment
critiques and workshops. Search his name on GOOGLE.COM to view his many
articles or go directly to his website: www.yoursocialworker.com where you can
view his CV, read his many articles and view video clips of his many television
appearances.
