The Oklahoma Bar Journal February 2024

F rom the E xecutive D irector

Lessons from Lincoln: Make Your Word Your Bond

By Janet Johnson

P RESIDENTS DAY IS cel ebrated in February, and I thought it would be ripe to reflect upon one of the most revered presidents of the United States, who was also a fellow lawyer. As our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln left behind a legacy that extends far beyond politics. There was much more to his leadership than the Civil War and his role as a statesman. In fact, lawyers can draw valuable lessons from Lincoln’s life and career. One of the key lessons law yers can learn from Lincoln is the importance of resilience and deter mination. Lincoln faced numerous setbacks and failures throughout his life, both personally and profes sionally. Despite facing defeats in elections and experiencing personal tragedies, he persevered. Lawyers often encounter challenges in their legal careers, such as losing cases or facing criticism. Lincoln’s ability to bounce back from adversity serves as a testament to the power of resil ience in the face of obstacles. Dare I say he also did so with extreme professionalism and civility. Integrity and honesty were integral to Lincoln’s character, and these virtues remain crucial for lawyers. Known for his honesty and straightforwardness, Lincoln earned the nickname “Honest Abe.” Lawyers, as officers of the

Executive Director Johnson displays in her office artwork honoring President Lincoln .

court, are held to high ethical standards. Lincoln’s commitment to honesty and integrity serves as a guiding principle for legal professionals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and credibility in the legal field. Lincoln’s leadership style is another aspect that can inspire

lawyers. He was known for his ability to bring together indi viduals with differing opinions and unite them toward a com mon goal. Lawyers often find themselves dealing with diverse perspectives, whether working with clients, colleagues or opposing parties. Lincoln’s skill in navigating

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL