I added a new category of posts to my blog for occasionally called Words of Wisdom. After doing daily tips since the pandemic began in March 2020, it’s time to focus on  longer blog posts and directing readers to some longer essays in 2021. The first one was Clio CEO Jack Newton’s essay on The Future of Law: A New Vision for Legal. Now I’m directing readers to an essay on building trust written by George P. Shultz on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Lawyers are in the trust business. If our clients do not trust our judgment, will they take our advice about the critical decisions that must be made on legal matters?.

Today I submit for your enjoyment and enlightenment an essay on trust written by a 100 year old man. George P. Shultz served our country as a former U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Treasury. His reflections contained in The 10 most important things I’ve learned about trust over my 100 years contain lessons for anyone, but especially for lawyers who are in the trust-building business. Whether it is a client, a judge or opposing counsel, having the trust of others is critical for lawyers. If the paywall blocks you because you have already read too many free Washington Post articles this month, it is worth putting a note on the calendar to revisit this link.