Happiness through service
Philosophers of happiness suggest that happiness is found not in self-seeking action, but in action that promotes the well-being of others. As Mother Teresa once said, “A life not lived for others is not a life.”
We are creatures of community. We are meant to be in community, and serving our communities. Law school and legal careers may distract us from serving others. We may seek money or prestige, though neither are definitive in promoting happiness. Giving to others, however, does promote happiness.
One such example involves the value of money in promoting happiness. Scientific studies remain inconclusive as to whether increasing income can increase happiness. If fact, those who have income sufficient to sustain their needs do not experience greater happiness with more income. Interestingly, studies do indicate that how we spend our money matters for happiness. In particular, spending money on others can promote happiness (Science Magazine, 21 March 2008: “Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness”).
The happiness that results from giving is more than just psychological, it’s biological. Health guru Dr. Maoshing Ni discussed this phenomenon in an article he wrote in 2013: “In a 2006 study, researchers from the National Institutes of Health studied the functional MRIs of subjects who gave to charities. They found that giving stimulated the mesolimbic pathway, or reward center of the brain, releasing the endorphins that produce the positive feeling which has come to be known as the “helper’s high.” In essence, when we give, we get back.
But what if serving others is not a post-grad career option?
Many future attorneys enter law school with the hope of accruing tools to help make a positive impact on the lives of others. We dream of becoming a public defender to help the indigent and defenseless. Or perhaps we hope to serve domestic violence victims by helping them free themselves from their abusers. Or maybe we want to serve those who have experienced civil rights abuses at home or abroad. This is noble work. But many things may stand in our way of obtaining such careers.
Perhaps it is because our law school training teaches us to believe that success is personal achievement. We are taught how to increase our earnings and how to launch ourselves into positions of power and prestige. Much less energy may be geared towards teaching us about and encouraging us to make positive change in the world.
In law school, we often find that the most reliable post-grad job option involves employment at a private law firm. Our schools may encourage us in this direction by making such employment readily available and thus appealing. Many schools host these private firms on campus, and make accommodations for on-campus interviewing. These jobs are handed to us on a silver platter, so to speak. Not to mention that the starting income is highly enticing. Many of us have important reasons to seek out immediate financial security, perhaps due to familial obligations or large law school ldebt.
Anyone who attempts down the public interest track will come to understand the challenges. It can be very difficult to arrange a paying post-grad public interest position right after graduation. Non-profits often have a limited budget, and hiring a new attorney may not be an option. Similarly, with the recent economic downturn, hiring for government positions may be limited, if not frozen. Fellowships are available for these public interest positions, but they are highly competitive and the application process is demanding.
Many of us who once hoped to use our law degrees to directly serve people in need of legal assistance may find limited opportunities to do so directly after graduation. Perhaps with more experience and more networking in the post-grad years, we can find our dream jobs. But whether or not our career opportunities and choices involve using our legal career directly to work for others, we can always choose to serve others.
How to give back to get happy
Happiness is found in giving back to others. As mentioned, a career in public interest may not be desirable or available for many recent law school grads. But there are many ways that we can give back to our communities. Some opportunities allow us to utilize our law degrees and other opportunities just require us to utilize our good will towards others!
(1) BECOME A VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR
If you believe in the power of guided conversation as an alternative to traditional litigation, becoming a volunteer mediator may be a great option for you to give back to your community. Check with your local court system and inquire as to whether there is a volunteer mediation program or panel. If not, consider organizing one of your own! For an example of a community mediation program, and to learn more, check out SEEDS at www.seedscrc.org.
by: Brandy DeOrnellas, Harvard Law School
GIVE TO OTHERS...