Dear Colleagues,
Training Updates are designed to be short, concise, easy-to-read judicial tips that every judge and attorney should know. Because the majority of our 3500+ subscriber base consists of attorneys and judges, these training updates will continue to focus on key areas of litigation, particularly Criminal and Family Law, Rules of Evidence and Procedure, and Trial Advocacy.
However, from time to time, it is important to focus on topics that speak to the personal side of legal practice — especially the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That is the focus of this week’s update.
In the high-stress world of criminal and family law, we are constantly surrounded by conflict, urgency, and emotional strain. Whether you’re in the courtroom, the office, or supporting attorneys behind the scenes, the pressure never lets up — and the toll it takes is real. Burnout, fatigue, and compassion depletion are not just risks — they are common outcomes in our profession.
This Martine Law Training Update focuses on a concept that is often overlooked in legal circles but backed by solid science: gratitude. Far from being a soft or sentimental idea, gratitude is one of the most effective, research-supported tools we have to reduce stress, improve resilience, and restore a sense of balance in both our personal and professional lives.
Gratitude literally rewires the brain. It sharpens your thinking, strengthens your relationships, and helps you respond to stress with more clarity and control. For attorneys, judges, paralegals, and legal staff, practicing gratitude is not just beneficial — it’s essential for long-term sustainability in a high-stakes practice environment.
This update offers a fresh, science-backed approach to managing the emotional toll of litigation, something every criminal and family law professional can benefit from.
You can read or download the full update here:
📄 Click here for Training Update 25-8 – The Power of Gratitude
If you find this update helpful, please consider forwarding it to colleagues or staff who may benefit from it. And if you haven’t already, visit the Minnesota Judicial Training and Education Website to subscribe and receive future updates directly.
Special thanks to Martine Law Paralegals Autumn Amick and Brian Louis for generously contributing their insight and expertise to this update.
Martine Law Training Updates will continue to focus on key areas of litigation, including Criminal and Family Law, Evidence and Procedure, and Trial Advocacy. With a subscriber base exceeding 3,500 attorneys, judges, and legal professionals, these updates reflect our firm’s commitment to the belief that legal education is the soul of the judiciary.
Warm regards,
Alan F. Pendleton
Of Counsel, Martine Law Firm
Director of Mentorship and Education
Former District Court Judge
alan@xmartinelaw.com
MINNESOTA JUDICIAL TRAINING & EDUCATION BLOG 