CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR COWORKERS Don't email the other lawyers in your firm. Walk a few steps over to their offices and take the time to connect with them. Even the most introverted person needs face-to-face human interaction. And a strong peer network - having coworkers to go to for help - can prove crucial when you are in a bind or a crisis. EVALUATE YOUR OWN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES HONESTLY REIGNITE YOUR PASSION mariusFM77/E+/Getty Images FOR THE PROFESSION By Anna Stolley Persky L awyers are known for complaining about their lack of career satisfaction. Over the years, study after study has depicted the majority of lawyers as unhappy in their chosen profession. Nevertheless, the practice of law Search out the cases that best utilize your strengths. When you are working on a case that allows you to use your strengths, you are less likely to experience stress and boredom. TAKE BREAKS Don't spend your whole workday at your desk without looking up from your computer. Go for a walk outside. Go out for lunch. Take a yoga class. Meditate. Do an activity that clears your head and refreshes you. If you don't have time for that, you can, at the very least, break up the boredom and strain of sitting in one position by stretching every hour. IF YOU ARE FEELING LIKE YOUR WORK LACKS IMPORTANCE OR MEANING, TAKE ON A PRO BONO CASE Working for free won't help your bottom line, but it gives you a chance to potentially learn a new area of the law and to help someone in need. Anna Stolley Persky is a regular contributor to Washington Lawyer. doesn't have to be miserable. For some lawyers experiencing dissatisfaction, a few simple changes may make a difference. Here are some tips for increasing job satisfaction: 10 WASHINGTON LAWYER * MAY 2017 * Want to volunteer with the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center? Visit dcbar.org/Pro-Bono.https://www.dcbar.org/pro-bono/volunteer/ http://www.dcbar.org