June 2001 graduates were urged by commencement speaker Judge Paul Michel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to follow six beacons as they move into the world of lawyering.

"My life as a lawyer has been rich, diverse and satisfying," Michel said as he offered his insights to the graduates June 17 at the McCormick Place ceremony.

The law offers endless options and side roads so attorneys "need to choose carefully." The best approach to happiness, he said, is service. There is no clear definition of success in lawyering, he added, telling graduates to "never give in to the temptation of money. It is a less useful measure of success."

Michel urged graduates to adopt these six beacons: professional development, professional activity, community activity, attention to relationships, physical activity and spiritual development.

Professional development is essential, Michel warned, telling graduates to "keep reading" to stay current with legal decisions. He also suggested that lawyers read non-legal books and periodicals as well, to be well-rounded persons.

Professional activity through bar associations and programs, and pro bono work gives one the opportunity to interact with persons in the legal community and enhance professional standing. Volunteering for activities outside of the law, such as board of directors positions, also can be rewarding, Michel added.

Community activity that has attorneys participating in church, sports, school and other local activities offer the chance to step forward and work for the betterment of those around them, the judge said.

Attention to relationships sounds easy, but Michel said many attorneys become overwhelmed with work and move away from others. Quality time is essential. "You need unhurried time for family and co-workers," he said. Vacations also should be on the calendar.

After a busy school schedule, graduates will find themselves behind a desk and indoors more. Work habits should allow for movement away from the office. Michel suggests an exercise regimen and maybe even walks to meetings when possible. He also believes it is important to have a good night's rest.

Spiritual development can include enjoyment of music and art as well as religious traditions or prayer and meditation, Michel said. He invites graduates to also take time to "goof off" because laughing and playing are important, too.

"In 35 years as a lawyer, I've never had a boring day and I wish you the same," Michel concluded.

Professor Michael L. Closen

Activities

He attended meetings of the Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee on Supreme Court Rules, and the ISBA Legislative Assembly, both of which he is a member, during the annual meeting of the ISBA in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on June 22-23. Professor Closen has just completed his teaching in the professional bar review program of BAR/BRI for the 12th year. This year he taught various subjects in Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Professor Closen has again for the 3rd year been invited to teach as an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University School of Law for the fall 2001 term, teaching a seminar on AIDS Law and Policy.

Publications

His "Is Blood Thicker Than . . . Professional Responsibility," co-authored with John Marshall student and Illinois notary public Trevor Orsinger, has just been published in the National Notary Magazine, July 2001, at page 25 (addressing the actual and apparent conflicts of interests that arise when notaries perform official services for their relatives).

July 10

Law Consortium for Palestinian Legal Education meeting, Room 1203, 4:00 p.m.

July 12

Graduate Program in Real Estate Law Information Session, Room 1203, 3:30 p.m.