Patrick Murphy, the head coach of the University of Alabama women's softball team, recently spoke to the Tuscaloosa County Bar Association. He explained that one of the biggest struggles in developing a solid team is the development of “mudita”. Mudita is the concept of taking pleasure and delight in the well-being and success of others. For example, if two players compete for the position of catcher, only one will get it. So, what happens when the second-string catcher sees the first-string catcher make good plays and hit home runs? If there is mudita then the second-stringer will experience genuine joy. If not, there is jealousy. Mudita is good for the team. Jealousy is not.

While Mudita is a Buddhist term, the concept is also rooted in ancient Judaism. In the Old Testament the people are urged to love their neighbor and even strangers as much as themselves (Leviticus 19:18 and 34). The Proverbs note that a friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). Two are better than one, actually producing more and standing stronger (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). The concept continues in the New Testament, where it says that Jesus told his followers that they should love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39), and that they should do for others as they wish done for them (Luke 6:31). The Apostle Paul noted in his letter to the Philippians that they should not just look out for their own interests but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).

Why is this ancient team concept not more prevalent in law firms? Why don't we see “mudita” more often?

Many law firms are simply a collection of individual lawyers looking out for their own interests. They lack mudita. Others emphasize a team concept and strive for mudita. That is our business model. Every case in our firm is staffed by two attorneys, and in some instances three. Any unique issue within a case is brought before all of our attorneys for a round table discussion. In addition, every case has its own case manager and a back-up case manager. Our team also includes an intake and client relations manager who ensures our clients are kept abreast of all material developments, a bookkeeper who is dedicated to overseeing and handling all monies that come in and out of the firm, and an office manager who enables everyone else to focus on their specific client-focused tasks. Every team member is involved in assuring that every case and every client gets the best experience and the best results. It's a team effort. And, it works.

At the Martin Law Group, our attorneys are rewarded based on their individual performance AND the success of the team as a whole. Not only are our attorneys glad to see the other attorneys in the firm succeed, but they are rewarded for that success as well. We all help each other. Our staff receives bonuses when the team and thus the firm does well. But what matters most to our team is seeing justice prevail for our clients. That is the real motivator at the Martin Law Group. That is the focus of our team. While no team can guarantee a win, we can guarantee a team with unbridled motivation, years of focused experience, and a proven track record of success. Go team!

Our experienced Alabama ERISA disability attorneys are dedicated to providing trusted legal advice to ensure that our long term disability clients in Alabama, Mississippi, and around the country, receive the benefits they deserve. Contact attorney David Martin at 800-284-9309 or [email protected].