Editor's Letter: How to live

With all the struggles facing law firms these days, it’s ever more important to focus on what’s important.

In The Bridge on the River Kwai, there’s a scene where Major Shears says to his commanding officer:

“With you it’s just one thing or the other: destroy a bridge or destroy yourself. This is just a game, this war! You and Colonel Nicholson, you’re two of a kind, crazy with courage. For what? How to die like a gentleman, how to die by the rules – when the only important thing is how to live like a human being.”

Unfortunately, many law firms are at risk of collapsing if they do not let go of traditional concepts of what they should do to remain in business, to survive. Whether looking at new markets, greater efficiencies or other priorities, it all seems to boil down to this question: how far are you prepared to go to get what you want?

Some try to find a middle ground to satisfy dissenters – and to feel that they are holding onto their traditions and values. This can be enough to ensure short-term survival, but often it is only half a solution to a problem which is going to get bigger over time.

The 1957 film teaches many important lessons, such as how actions taken today can affect long-term prospects. It’s also a reminder to take a step back and refocus before charging ahead with radical decisions you may come to regret.

Enjoy the coming holidays,

Manju Manglani, Editor

– mmanglani@wilmington.co.uk