J.Kim Wright is an extraordinary thought leader, mentor, and changemaker in the emerging field of conscious lawyering. Kim’s talks, articles, and books have been constant sources of inspiration, contemplation, and new ideas for me. Kim’ has an amazing ability to bring together people from different walks of life, professional backgrounds, and even generations to create space for growth, connection, and dialogue. Henry Yampolsky, J.D. , President and CEO, Living Peace Institute; Host, Living Peace Podcast, Philadelphia
I recently attended a conference on Teal Law where J Kim Wright facilitated a powerful, inspirational workshop on the evolution of the legal profession and Its future. I have also experienced Kim’s counsel as a Personal Executive Coach, and have received instruction from her in the legal field of Conscious Contracts. In every capacity she serves—as an lawyer, an educator, a transformative change agent, or as a mentor to others lawyers searching for direction in their respective practices, Kim has excelled, and without a doubt has emerged as a premier thought leader in defining the holistic, integrative and worldwide vision for our profession. – Debra Chaves Norwood, attorney, writer, public speaker and World Laughter Tour certified laughter leader. She is currently a Family Law, and Juvenile Court attorney in Lexington Tennessee, USA.
As an Australian Lawyer, I have had the pleasure of being positively impacted by Kim’s tireless work as a legal peacemaker and change maker from a distance. Her work is far-reaching and without her as inspiration, I would not be doing the work I’m called to do now. Thank-you for your continual efforts Kim, in this most challenging of spaces. – Virginia Warren, Partner at Stidston Warren, Lawyers, Collaborative Lawyer, Registered Yoga Teacher.
Kim Wright is one of the most powerful legal educators and network builders I know. Her breadth of knowledge in the emerging field of Integrative Law, combined with a seemingly limitless international following and a passion for building productive relationships, make her a uniquely valuable ally and teacher. —Dan Kahn, Executive Director, Florida Restorative Justice Association, National Field Coordinator, The Peace Alliance, Case Manager, Community Connections Program, Facilitator, RJnet
Kim was been a leader of lawyer transformation since I met her 20 years ago. She’s a natural networker and connector and has made lawyer friends around the globe. She’s got an eye for change and brings public attention to successful alternative forms of legal practice. Some lawyers are evolving their legal practice. She hears about it early and spreads the news in her ABA books, lectures and private coaching of lawyers. – Stefani Quane, founder of Lawlady.com, Washington State, USA.
Several years ago, I was a burned-out, frustrated family lawyer. I was disillusioned with the court system and the damage it does to families that are already in distress. Fortunately, I met Kim and some time after that, Kim became my professional coach. Now, my family law practice is almost exclusively focused on collaborative law and mediation. I have not had a custody or divorce trial in years. I have become a collaborative law trainer and have made presentations about collaborative law internationally. I have a thriving solo practice and my personal ethics and values are perfectly aligned with my professional work. My life is in balance in a way that seemed impossible before I started working with Kim.
How did all this happen? Kim led me to the answers by her unwavering support, inspiration and a lot of humor. My inclination towards self-doubt disappeared as Kim first helped me dream and then helped me, step by step, to start living the dream. I still call on Kim from time to time for a “tune-up” when I need direction and inspiration.
If you want to undertake a transformational journey with the best possible guide, Kim is the person you are looking for. –Mariette Geldenhuys, Ithaca, New York. Founder, Ithaca Area Collaborative Law Professionals
This past year, after 10 years in the field, I sincerely began to question whether the practice of law was really for me. I felt disheartened, angry, helpless, and so deeply heartbroken at witnessing the way in which our immigration system harms our communities. I wondered whether my talents and spirit would be of better use in another profession or venue altogether. Through a series of fortunate events, I was connected to the coaching work of peacemaker, transformative lawyer, and fabulously warm, loving, and joyful Kim Wright. Best decision ever. Over six months, Kim helped me give new life and shape to the values and vision I had always held onto as my purpose in life and in the practice of law.
Here’s one thing that came out of our work together…My very own living document or touchstone statement that I have already come back to time and time again to stay true to my values and vision for how and who I want to be in the world.
“I envision a world where love and the wholeness of spirit are principles that inform how we walk and speak and act in our world. This vision includes a legal system that acknowledges and is in fact charged with dismantling systems that have oppressed, and acknowledges the wounds we collectively and individually hold as a result of oppression. I envision a world where each of us has meaningful access to healing and wholeness where individuals, organizations, and communities act in alignment with values of love, wholeness of spirit, respect, dignity, and compassion.
Mission : My life’s purpose and mission is to facilitate healing and wholeness by being a welcoming and loving presence in the world committed to 1) honoring and holding sacred people’s experiences with a focus on survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other oppression-based violence 2) drawing out and reflecting back individual and collective strengths and resilience 3) challenging oppression of our bodies and spirits by bringing voices of those that would otherwise remain unheard or ignored into the light in a loving but unapologetic demand to be heard and seen and 4) utilizing my knowledge and wisdom to offer individuals some measure of comfort or relief as they heal. – Hema Sarang-Sieminski, Boston
J. Kim Wright is a name that is passed around when you need her most; get connected and whatever brought you to her will be expanded, illuminated, and inspired as she introduces you to people and projects that would fill a year, within an hour. Wright’s role as a conduit of lawyers seeking and practicing law in an innovative and integrative way reaches across the world and it is in this role that she has helped to build the growing wave of compassion and creativity in the cutting edge of law. Her published books should be required reading for law students, and those considering or re-considering a career in law, as they help to share the stories of those that compose the integrative law movement, what is possible, and what is happening for the legal system and legal practice. – Jacqueline Horani, New York
About Lawyers as Peacemakers About Lawyers as ChangemakersA: So what do you do? (politely interested)
Ruth: I work in legal organisations, I am not a lawyer, … (clearly embarrassed)
A: Oh really where? (little confused)
Ruth: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Constitutional Court and the Asset Forfeiture Unit in South Africa… (rushing now, how to get out of this awkward spot?)
A: Oh so you are a lawyer.
Ruth: No, I’m passionate about peacebuilding, mediating conflict, working collaboratively ….ah uh I studied law and didn’t make a career out of it…
Then I engaged with Kim – aha moment – lawyers can be peacebuilders and mediators and conscious collaborators! After more than 10 years of these awkward exchanges Kim helped me to a clear, confident place!
A light went on, all these hats were available to me. Kim’s teaching. coaching and example represent a path that is available to many of us, an integrated, healthy, life affirming expression of our energy and skills. (Phew!) –Ruth Faragher, New South Wales, Australia