The Wisdom of a Tomato

January 2025

By Betty Williams
CLA President

To illustrate the difference between knowledge and wisdom, consider the tomato: knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.

Lawyers are often revered for the knowledge they have obtained through rigorous coursework, and the understanding that lawyers can make differences in the lives of individuals. Our brains are packed full when we complete our education, but how we use that information can be so much more than simply serving our clients in our daily practice areas.

Wisdom, by comparison, appears to be a gift some possess, often the quietest person in the room who makes a sage remark when the room grows still. But wisdom doesn’t come naturally from time in the seat, experiencing life and observing the interaction of others, it can be learned. Even if you are not naturally highly observant, or particularly subdued, there is value in developing wisdom, while expanding your knowledge base over your career.

As members of CLA, we receive great value from our professional organization that goes far beyond the knowledge we acquire through the stellar educational programs presented by our 18 Sections. As new attorneys, we can network with other lawyers when we need guidance, not only in our practice areas, but also in our careers.

Some may meet their first employer, future business partner, or even significant other, through associating with CLA. I didn’t realize it early in my career when my boss required that I become involved in our statewide bar organization, that so much of my success as a lawyer would come from the opportunities I would have, and the people I would meet, by being part of our organization. She was wise while I was not.

Over the years, I have heard this same phenomenon from countless members of CLA who attribute finding the right practice area, business partner, boss, or career path through our association. Opportunities for litigators to appear in courts across our nation with members throughout the state willing to offer advice or support. Joining in a Section working to change or make laws or policies with government agencies, and writing articles for esteemed publications, to name a few.

One-third of California lawyers are solo and small firm practitioners, but regardless of law firm size, we all benefit by getting to know other lawyers and legal professionals in our association who practice in areas different from our own, because we create a body of contacts when we have questions outside our own practice specialty. We can use CLA’s new community platform being launched next month, The Docket, to connect with our membership, which is a significant value to me, knowing that I have access to over 45,000 CLA attorneys at my fingertips.

The importance of a lawyer’s membership with CLA continues throughout their career, even toward the end when considering retirement, what to do with your practice or clients, and how to stay relevant when you are no longer serving as counsel. If you have developed wisdom, the chances are good that you will always be in demand.

According to sources, including the Chicago Center for Practical Wisdom and Forbes Senior Contributor Dr. Tracy Brower, there are five steps to gaining wisdom. First, be open to new experiences. This allows you to grow as an individual by getting out of your comfort zone. Overcoming challenges can provide a new perspective, and uncomfortable experiences teach humility and honesty with oneself. Consistency here is a must.

Step two involves compassion and empathy, learning to really listen to understand other peoples’ points of view. This creates a more open mind and can be impactful in your own decisions.

Third, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This is important because you can’t learn from mistakes if you never make any. If you live a risk-free life, you miss out on the opportunities to fail and learn from your failures.

Fourth, know when to ask for help. Wise people use the resources around them to get the answers to their own questions.

Finally, set a good example. We often think of a wise person as someone who has lived a long time and accumulated many experiences. There is truth in this sentiment, but you don’t have to be old to be wise. Developing wisdom can be circular. Throughout your career, you can mentor others and with those experiences, share what you have learned and give back to others, to ultimately gain wisdom.

We should all think about opportunities to gain both knowledge and wisdom. They are everywhere in CLA. Look for the tomato, but focus on the fruit salad!