Uncommon times, naturally, got me thinking about our uncommon calling. I would argue that none of us are called to be average. We members of the legal community are meant to be extraordinary, to be the outliers, to be the uncommon. It would be nice if we had a Heisman trophy or if we were awarded for our cooking skills. Maybe that is not in the cards for us, but we can be uncommon in other more important ways.

     We can be uncommonly gracious. We can be the person who welcomes the stranger, puts a visitor at ease, and who is always there to include the outsider, or to comfort the sorrowful. We can make charity and compassion our most important business.

     We can be uncommonly peaceful and professional. We can work to foster cooperation and to resolve conflict. We can be the person that others turn to when a fight is brewing. We can be the peacemakers.

     We can be uncommonly positive. When others are down, when it is easy to complain, when the groupthink is trending negative, we can be the voice of hope.

     The opportunities for the types of exceptionalism that really matter are endless. Let us all continue to nurture the extraordinary capacity for good in each of us. Here is wishing each of you uncommon happiness and blessings!

     God bless,

Lisa Grimaldi

FWPA President 2022