In this thoughtful and moving Guest Post, Solicitor Diane explores the presence of God in her personal, and particularly her professional life.
I am often surprised by the perceived separation of the secular world and Christian world when talking with my Christian friends, particularly in relation to my job. I experience God in both settings. I have been so aware of God in my work, the Holy Spirit’s counsel and God’s intervention and assistance in many of my clients’ matters. I am so grateful for God’s help, presence and sense of humour.
I became a Christian in my early thirties and had been qualified as a Solicitor for 6 years at the time. My conversion was very clear and certain. God was very gracious in showing me that he did indeed exist. From that moment, I had no doubt and my life certainly turned around. There was a period of absolute awareness of God in every moment, answered prayer and his love. It was life changing.
I changed jobs at the time, and returned to private practice as a Conveyancing Solicitor. When I was offered the job, I said I would like to think about it and would phone the owner of the practice back. I went into a local church that lunchtime to pray and felt peace about accepting the job and phoned the owner of the practice back to say so. Before I could say anything, he said he would offer me £1,000 a year more if I would accept. I was quite surprised at the time and said “yes” thinking “Gosh God thank you for your care for me and this was a surprise.” I am sure He chuckled. This does not happen every time I change employment, I have to say.
I spent the next 2 or 3 years working for his practice. Everyone in the firm knew I was a Christian. I was so aware of being observed by the staff and particularly the girls who worked for me as they also witnessed seemingly difficult deadlines being achieved and problems being unexpectedly solved. I remember my secretary saying one day “Him up there again” when documents from across the world arrived and funds were received in time. I pray silently over all my clients’ files and their lives and other professionals who I deal with and everyone I work with. My clients are a mixture of Christian clients from my church, wider afield and existing clients of the firm, family and friends and have remained so.
Later, I left this firm to go to another local firm where I stayed for about 11 years and where I was a partner as well. In this firm there were a number of us who were Christians and we held a “prayer meeting” every Tuesday lunchtime, just half an hour, to pray for our clients and staff. Some staff were rather sceptical but occasionally I would receive a little note or request to pray for a “Granny who was in hospital”, which we did. Even if that member of staff would not be seen dead in a prayer meeting they did appreciate somehow that perhaps this “prayer thing” was a “good thing” and they felt they could approach me or others in the group to pray. They also noted answered prayer. My colleagues and I gained strength in praying together and seeing resolutions across the departments from such prayer times.
The other dynamic for acting for Christians is that I am so aware at times of the battle that is going on in their lives and this can also affect their house moves. For me at times, what should have been a straightforward sale or purchase, results in unexpected complications. I can only equate it with a quiet irritation that grows or perhaps walking through treacle. Do any other lawyers reading this experience this? I acted for one pastor and his wife and after a rather tortuous time, exchange of contracts took place. On completion I was phoned by the Seller’s Solicitor who said not to send any funds as they had had a fraud carried out on their Client Account. The purchase did complete but not after a lot of checks.
Other times, I feel a prompting from the Holy Spirit that something is not quite right, an “emphasised commonsense feeling” if you like. One young couple I was acting for were buying a flat in a building in London containing three flats. One of the flats was occupied by the Freeholders and they gave rather unusual replies in relation to the management of the building. I suggested that the husband of the couple visited the property again and meet the Freeholders again as they would be living in the same building. He did so, to find that the Freeholders would report him and his wife to the local authority if they had a baby in the flat. His wife was expecting their first baby very shortly at the time. Needless to say, they did not proceed despite the fact that the Freeholders had no legal rights to pursue their course of action. The couple did find an alternative property and this proceeded smoothly.
Prayer is so important and I just see it as an ongoing conversation with God. I am also still amazed that I have access to God who benignly responds even to my small requests. As time has passed, I also trust God more. I thank him and acknowledge answered prayer which builds my trust. Even with so many major issues in the world, He is still interested in my day to day work life, my clients and the people I work with. A friend who was in partnership with her sister said to me once that she was worried about the turndown in the market. I said I would pray for her practice and she later said to me that she had unexpectedly received new clients and had mentioned to her sister that I had prayed for them. People notice even if they are not Christians but have friends who are and who pray.
Not all of my clients are Christians, of course, but I still pray for them and for the legal work. I am so aware that we do not know all that is going on in peoples’ lives and to serve as best we are able. I am also aware of the stress that builds within my profession which has its toll on our health and personal lives. But God knows and His love does not change.
The Lawyers Christian Fellowship charity’s vision is based on Micah 6:8 “To seek Justice, love Mercy, to walk Humbly with your God”. I try to do this and to communicate and be a witness of God’s love for all of us. It is not always easy when the pressure and stress are at times unbearable, but I stand with my feet upon the rock, and know that God never fails me or abandons me.
About the Author
Diane is an experienced Solicitor who has worked in private practice for over two decades, specialising in conveyancing. Since becoming a Christian in her early thirties, her faith has been the guiding force in both her personal and professional life. Known for her integrity, discernment, and prayerful approach to legal work, Diane seamlessly integrates her faith with her practice, often praying over client matters and supporting colleagues with quiet compassion. She believes deeply in God’s presence in everyday work, and her life reflects a commitment to justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God.