Acknowledging Steven Keeva and Transforming Practices
Section:
Comprehensive Law Movement
Cutting Edge Law Categories:
Broad Overview of Multiple Categories
Topics:
Transforming Law
On the Tenth Anniversary of its original publication, Steven Keeva's book, Transforming Practices, Finding Joy and Satisfaction in the Legal Life is being republished by the ABA. One of the seminal books of the movement, it still offers a new perspective on law practice for today's lawyers. We interviewed various leaders of the movement about the impact that Steve Keeva and Transforming Practices had on them. A brief summary of the speakers and their testimonials are below but don't nearly substitute for hearing them for yourself.
PART 1:
Phil Daunt - there are thousands of lawyers who became lawyers because they believed it was a calling to make a difference in people's lives. Transforming Practices encouraged us to reignite our interests and rediscover our passion.
Jill Breslau - an inspiration for years. Steve Keeva's columns were fresh air in the midst of administrative material, talking about the humanity of lawyers and what lawyers need, opening the conversations about the inner needs of lawyers.
Daisy Floyd, Dean of Mercer Law School co-taught a course with Steve Keeva in Texas. Wonderful storyteller of stories of lawyers who have gone through changes in their careers and found ways to make practice meaningful. A text for courses. A gift for lawyers.
Professor Susan Daicoff - an incredible presence and the way he put words together, expressing the thoughts you thought so beautifully. A gifted person with a heart.
Professor Bruce Winick - everyone loves and cherishes Steve Keeva. Transformative. An enormous contribution that paved the way for the transformation of our profession. We owe a tremendous debt to Steve.
PART 2:
Larry Krieger - what a nice guy! He's becoming a believer in mindfulness meditation. What a great gift to lawyers. Mindfulness improves sense of autonomy, helps people in non-supportive environments. Keeva was aware of all this early and was a great contribution.
J. Kim Wright - pivotal time in the movement when Transforming Practices was published, Steve was the glue and legitimized what we were doing. Someone wrote down those things that needed to be said!
Len Riskin - as a meditation teacher in law schools, the book had a big impact in explaining how contemplative practices could help lawyers. His way of writing about these ideas brings great clarity. Terrifically helpful in working with lawyers and students.
PART 3:
Marty Reisig - Steve wrote about a re-emphasis on values, what moves us. He wrote articulately about a new way of practicing law.
Tim Floyd - an inspiration for thinking about how lawyers can do things differently. Make a difference and enjoy doing it. Even the title of the book is inspirational. A great reporter who identified and gave voice to lawyers who have figured out how to be transformative and find joy. A great example, a model for the law school.
Maureen Holland - showed us that lawyers don't have to be constantly aggressive and adversarial. Easier to change into a way that is accepted in the profession.
Stella Rabaut - so impressed and inspired and encouraged by the stories he'd collected. Seeing ourselves as others see us.
Want to make your own testimonial? See the Forum. We'll also consider sharing well-done video testimonials on the site. http://www.cuttingedgelaw.com/forum/honoring-steven-keeva#comment-160
Full interviews of the lawyers and law professors above are also available on CuttingEdgeLaw.com.