Extracurricular activities often make for well-rounded professionals, and for attorneys, it seems no different. Kerry Irwin suggests that her passion for equestrianism provides transcendental skills which are applicable in her legal practice. This particularly holds in the areas of team building, continuing education, and self-recuperation.
In an enlightening piece she penned, Irwin describes how riding offers useful parallels to the practice of law. Aside from the evident opportunities to develop swift decision-making capabilities and manage stressful circumstances, horseback riding cultivates other desirable attributes within her.
She draws attention to the team-building aspect, an integral part of maintaining a successful equestrian routine. It requires harmonious communication between rider and horse, each understanding and adjusting to the other’s cues. This constant discourse holds resemblance to the work done in law firms, where clear, effective communication forms the backbone of most successful cases.
Just as significant is the role of perpetual education. Equestrians continually absorb knowledge about their horses, learn about new care practices, and update their riding techniques. Irwin believes such commitment to continuing learning replicates her role as a lawyer, who must always stay updated on the latest legal developments and precedents – whether in the courtroom or corporate legal departments.
Lastly, equestrianism introduces Irwin to the importance of taking time to reset and recharge – something paramount to law professionals who often work under high stress conditions. Horseback riding provides her a strategic break, helping her return refreshed to her demanding legal tasks.
Irwin’s interesting perspectives stem from her experiences as a practitioner at Moore & Van Allen. For more insights into how this unconventional hobby influences her law practice, visit the original article from where her insights were culled.