Our Professionalism Spotlight series highlights Illinois legal professionals who demonstrate the ideals of professionalism in their careers.
In this Professionalism Spotlight, we spoke to Nathan Henderson, an Associate at Saul Ewing LLP in Chicago where he is a commercial litigator. He previously clerked with Federal Magistrate Judge Eric Long in the Central District of Illinois. Nathan received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.
Nathan has been honored with a Pro Bono Luminary Award from the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and an Excellence in Pro Bono Service award from the Northern District of Illinois.
How do you remain civil in tense situations?
I try to focus on genuinely listening to the other person. I have often found that I can disarm a situation by accurately repeating an argument or position back to someone, whether they are an attorney or otherwise.
Demonstrating a baseline level of sincere understanding can immediately inject civility.
How can attorneys further public confidence in the rule of law?
I think the average person interacts with lawyers regarding almost exclusively unfavorable personal circumstances: being wronged, being injured, being sued, being accused of a crime, death, or divorce.
These are inherently memorable and emotional circumstances. So, when lawyers take disingenuous positions or push the boundaries of ethical tactics, it leaves a lasting impact on the psyche of those involved. Over time, that may erode some confidence in the rule of law.
I don’t believe that the average person (fairly, might I add) would separate an emotional impression rooted in their actual legal experiences from some larger theory about how the legal system operates.
For this reason, attorneys play a fundamental role in not just explaining the legal system but actively operating it in just manner.
What is the biggest challenge impacting lawyers today?
I am, of course, biased to my own experiences, but I think it’s stress. There’s the acute stress of handling an important event like a trial, but perhaps more impactful is the chronic stress of many minor issues over an indefinite period of time. I think it changes the culture and decision-making abilities of lawyers.
In the legal profession, I think there can be a culture of taking pride in one’s stress level. While it is necessary to cope with stress at times, I think the profession loses talented and capable people because of it.
I am hopeful that over time, a system supporting better-rested lawyers who make better decisions will win out.
How can the legal profession address workplace bullying?
I think there’s a consensus that bullying is cyclical and generational. That is to say, bullies were bullied.
The solution probably involves having empathy for those who were bullied in the past, while clearly drawing a boundary that bullying is not acceptable.
What do you do for fun?
Weekly trivia, cooking, lifting, and golf.
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Professionalism Spotlight: Amrith Kaur Aakre, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
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