After my experiences in Fiji, I spent the following year learning about consumer law and gathering presenters for a continuing legal education program I had outlined. This program (which will be presented online next Fall), entitled First Do No Harm, is aimed at educating lawyers about the social impact of the legal strategies that are currently being utilized in medical malpractice claims against and on behalf of obstetricians, and the overall health consequences of the rapidly increasing cesarean rate. Alternative methods of effectively representing the interests of both plaintiffs and obstetricians will be addressed. The program is also geared towards providing lawyers with a greater understanding of the U.S. maternal health care system and human rights violations in the area of health care choice, particularly as they relate to pregnancy and childbirth. I had convened a fabulous group of lawyers, researchers, and therapists to present, all hesitant about stretching their already busy schedules with additional travel plans.

While negotiating the logistical problems of how to implement plans for a live traveling CLE program, I experienced my first webinar. Being a visual learner, my experience was fabulous. I immediately began researching interactive online learning software systems. I came across WebEx, which is typically used by corporations for in-house training, and saw its potential as a device for highly interactive, online presentations. I literally “dragged” the presenters - approximately 10 of them at the time - to an introductory session. Despite their hesitation, they agreed that this was going to be the best way to get the message across. After three training sessions, many thanked me for “booting [them] into the 21^st Century.”

Suddenly, the circle of presenters expanded and I was being introduced to and contacted by lawyers who represent midwives, activists who are involved in legislation, medical doctors, midwives, chiropractors and others dedicated to making a shift in public perceptions on a number of issues. I also learned about the legal struggles they were facing, and through Jim, began to see systemic patterns inherent in the politics of marginalized groups.Â

My experiences culminated in the establishment of a business to provide online education forums. The two initial forums are Conscious Lawyer, Inc. for lawyers and Conscious Woman, Inc. (www.consciouswoman.org), that services a variety of professions that are concerned with women’s issues.

The initial programming for Conscious Woman on women’s health issues was easy to conceptualize and implement. Creative programming on legal issues is a different story. My knowledge was limited in this arena.

I believe that one of my greatest setbacks as a young attorney was to specialize far too early in my career. I wanted to be able to be extremely proficient in my work, and as a solo practitioner, had been encouraged to find a “niche” and find it quickly. Since I had no desire to be a litigator, I was going to be a transactional attorney. Although I had taken courses in negotiation and mediation in law school, and even volunteered at small claims court for a while, I never saw these as potential “careers” and failed to cognitively recognize their utility in daily practice - although they were skills I utilized on a daily basis. I never sought out other alternatives nor sought additional skills as a lawyer - seeing litigation or transactional work as my only options.

I knew that the vast majority of legal conflict is currently being handled outside the traditional court system, but was unaware of the emerging trends that are manifesting in the profession. The new initiatives and trends that are developing reflect individual and societal needs, as well as the personal needs of legal professionals. I have since found that contrary to common perceptions, the lawyers who are identifying and utilizing these trends effectively are engaging in careers that are profitable and personally fulfilling. Â

Jim suggested we begin Conscious Lawyer, Inc. with the theme: Law as a Healing Profession. It seemed an appropriate place to begin.