Coaching

Coaching is a familiar term in sports but is being used in a new way, to talk about a new profession, addressing life and business issues. A coach is a professional trained in the arts of organization, communication, and interpersonal relationships. The coach is part motivator, part sounding board, and part taskmaster---all with a specific commitment to the individual’s values, goals and circumstances. A Coach may also be called on to work with a lawyer on problems or issues specific to the practice of law: to focus on client relationships or development; to deal with other lawyers, or to address the bench. In any case, coaching can help any lawyer become a more centered and focused person. Sounds nice, right? But coaching for lawyers? How on earth could a coach be of any practical assistance in the tough, competitive, analytical world of law?

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By Judge Michael A. Town

As a trial judge since 1979, I have presided over many cases involving adults and youths who made serious mistakes, were charged with criminal offenses, and needed to improve their lives. At key moments in these cases, including detention, sentencing, and review hearings, the judge must listen carefully to testimony about—and try to understand—the choices a defendant has made.

After processing this information, the judge must provide some clear direction on what the defendant must do to remain in the community or upon release from incarceration. These are teachable or coachable moments in the lives of the defendants and their families. Outcomes can be quite restorative and therapeutic when these directions are positively stated and understood, and defendants are open to change.

People are sometimes surprised when I tell them I am a trainer with Positive Coaching Alliance, a Stanford University-based nonprofit organization dedicated to “transforming youth sports so sports can transform youth.” They wonder what in the world judging has to do with coaching.