1. Set your intention to let go of all resentment toward the person with whom one is dealing. (You may have to admit you are powerless to do this on your own, and ask for help from whatever Higher Power you recognize.)

   a. This includes all involved persons, be they client, another lawyer, other parties, the judge, court personnel or staff members-- or those from your history who may have failed or hurt you in any way..

2. Do not attempt to use the law to seek revenge or "be right" about a personal judgment one has made about another person.

   a. Phrased differently--do not be blinded by personal opinions, take a fixed position, or hold out to be "right"- attempt not to judge others any more harshly than you wish to be judged. (Which is to say, with think of them as well as yourself with compassion!) Aim to seek justice-- but not your own shortsighted ends.

3. Never use one's legal rights or skills to attack another or to seek vengeance for personal aims or ends unless it is just to do so.
4. Strive to make all decisions that have legal or moral implications for oneself or for others while in a state of peace.

   a. Do not make decisions or take actions based on or while in a state of anger or fear.

5. Trust that the process will reveal opportunities for oneself and for others to make choices that (ultimately if not immediately) will bring inner healing.

   a. This trust is easier to manifest if decisions and actions are based on peace and made while in as loving frame of mind as possible. Anger is human and often justified, but it is corrosive and destructive if held for very long.

6. Seek only the justice that includes a desire for the gift of healing for all involved in a legal proceedings.
7. Be aware that one is resistant (to varying degrees in different circumstances and at different times) to the application of the foregoing six principles to one's day-to-day life, practice-and difficulties!

   a. Do not blame-oneself or others-for failures to adhere perfectly to these principles. Merely re-commit to living the guidelines.
   b. Examine your emotional reactions and see how they might distort or fall short of the fullest and highest truth of who you are and the nature of your function in the world and in your profession.
   c. Choose to see yourself and others differently than you might, based upon past experience. (That is, cultivate the "beginner's mind".)
   d. Try to see the biggest possible picture-- where you might be or wish to be in your life in 10, 20 or 30 years and where you want your children to be in that same time frame. (Especially applicable in divorce!)

Adapted from "Seeing Law Differently"

By Alan Reid, pp. 195-197, Borderland Publishing, 1992: Available on Amazon.com
(This was written by a lawyer, and serves to show that the profession is and has been groping toward peace for some time!)