BY SHAYNA FREYMAN
Buddha said that “Right perspective is no perspective or all perspectives.” If we have no point of view, we are in a state of neutrality; and if we try to hold all perspectives, we view things holistically, empathetically, and infinitely. While these may seem like differing or opposing concepts, I think they’re related. The former allows things to be as they are, unquestioning, while the latter lends to considering all possible angles and scenarios. There’s a balance and an openness in both instances. I think Buddha was really on to something, so I’ve been thinking about how this relates to my own journey as a parent, and even as a lawyer.
As a working mom with two toddlers, sometimes I need to have no perspective (a special hello to all the parents out there). I need to meditate which, for me, ideally means taking a jog through my neighborhood on one of those perfect breezy South Florida days; or even chopping endless piles of vegetables for a pot of something comforting. Cooking clears my mind; jogging opens it. In each task’s own way, whether I find myself oscillating between the repetitive nature of something like readying the mise en place for dinner or expending my body physically to shake the junk out, I find myself in a state of contemplation, with no need for an exacted ending. This mindfulness allows me to check in with myself.
As a litigator on the other hand, I need to have all the perspectives, considered and ready at all times. Whether it’s negotiating a challenging settlement, arguing a hotly contested motion, or developing short- or long-term strategies and tactics for our clients, the perspective must be comprehensive. And when you look at situations from so many angles, it opens the mind to new solutions (even if you think your angle is the right one—keep looking!). There are many ways to achieve one’s goals, and success is not linear. Neither are results. In the growingly complex and intersecting worlds of business, technology, commerce, and art, this 360-degree perspective is absolutely essential. And it’s crucial for our clients, who are important players in each of those industries.
At Jayaram, we believe strongly in cultivating a culture of caring, health and wellness. We want our people at their best. Afterall, when we are at our optimal, we serve our clients better than ever. We serve our families, and our communities from the best place possible. Whether it’s providing access to wellness initiatives, cooking classes with amazing local chefs, treating the team to our city’s favorite restaurants (big foodie group, here), meditative apps or perhaps, most importantly, the firm’s successful and permanent hybrid work model, Jayaram is giving its teammates (and especially us working parents) more flexibility than ever before and an added peace of mind. It’s giving us all a fighting chance at achieving that elusive “balance” we all seek so heartily, in whatever shape that takes from your perspective.
This is also why, consistent with our culture of innovation and leadership, we are always looking for ways to thoughtfully expand the breadth of services and platforms we offer our clients and community so we can deliver an even more 360 degree scope of service. From widening our range of legal products and services in the coming months, to adding more non-legal consulting expertise in the areas of business building and governance guidance, Web3 tech strategizing and implementation, fundraising and venture building, and innovator-brand collaboration… if there’s a burgeoning area affecting our client’s goals, we want to be invested. Bottom line: we aim to see all perspectives so we can achieve success for the most important “bottom line” to us: our clients.
It’s not as easy as it sounds, but we’re putting in the work to get there and learning along the way how to be better at it every day. I think Buddha would be pretty proud of our team for striving like we do, and I know it shows in the great successes we achieve with our collaborators, clients, and community.