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June 24 2010

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Do you argue like this?

posted by Allie

I am reading a great new book called "Life After Yes" by Aidan Donnelley Rowley. I found out the author is a Columbia law grad, so I was instantly intrigued.  Now, I don't want to get sucked into a world of only reading books about lawyers, for lawyers, or by lawyers, but for some reason I love reading fiction about lawyers' professional and personal lives.  I've of course always loved John Grisham, and now I love Aidan Donnelley Rowley. 

One of my favorite parts of the book describes an argument between the main character, a Manhattan lawyer, and her fiance.  I had to laugh because not only can I relate to this little argument tactic, but I myself am guilty of playing the same game.  In this section, the main character is trying to convince her fiance that they need a cleaning lady.  Of course, she realizes that her argument is weak and that if she would just pick up after herself there would be no need for a cleaning lady, but she does not relent, "Predictably, I went lawyer on him as I've been known to do, wielding arguments that weren't necessarily as sound as they were dramatic.  While shyness overtakes me at the office, I fancy myself a gifted negotiator at home."

I actually read this section to my husband who replied, "Hmm, that sounds familiar."  Ha!  Do you ever find yourself arguing like this?  Honestly for me, as #2 of 4 daughters, this style comes rather naturally, but I don't credit it to law school.  Oh no, I credit this "God-given ability" (my husband would say curse) to the fact that growing up in my house whoever was the loudest and most dramatic usually got the ear of the parent, who then always managed to see "your" side of the story.  I guess I'll give law school a little credit with helping me deliver my arguments a tad more eloquently than, "But Moooooooommmm....," but the drive to win the argument at all costs comes from my childhood. 

Have you ever argued like this?  Have you ever "gone lawyer" on someone during an argument without even realizing it?  I'm sure we all can relate, and I appreciate this author's portrayal of the "quirks" we are guilty of.  If you're interested about the author or book, you can check out her blog at: http://www.ivyleagueinsecurities.com/.


Happy Friday everybody!

 

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Allie

About the Author: Allie
allie@thelawstreetjournal.com

Allie is a third year law student. She graduated from a small liberal arts college in 2008, married that same summer, and started law school in the fall. Talk about transitions! When she’s not studying, she loves to be with her hubby, Dustin. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, cooking, crocheting, gardening, and decorating her home. Her favorite shows are Friends, Fringe, 30 Rock, Modern Family, Project Runway, and Top Chef. She has no idea what area of law she wants to practice in but is most drawn to areas involving torts- she is fluent in Spanish and hopes to incorporate that into her legal career.

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