BRIDGE BUILDERS
Since law school, Simon Trautmann has made community engagement a priority, and now as a city councilmember, Trautmann has continued that commitment and regularly meets with members of the Richfield community. Photo one by Jennifer Trautmann, Gratitude Photography. Photos two and three by Simon Trautmann.
on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” St. Thomas taught Steinle that when it comes to voicing differing viewpoints effectively, “it is all about relationships.” She recalled a time when one student made political statements during class
When asked how lawyers can encourage civility, Trautmann said, “Effective lawyers are masters of framing and context. And they are also tough. Better than most, I think lawyers can hold space for people and causes in ways that are passionate but not bitter. We can advocate without personally destroying people.” Trautmann credits his St. Thomas Law training for “grounding passion in reason, and advocacy in morality and social justice. We can peaceably, but firmly, engage in conversations (especially around justice issues) with patience, diligence and firmness. I am grateful for so many St. Thomas lawyers who can and are doing this work.” Trautmann encourages law students to engage in their communities right away. “Don’t wait. Get involved now. Life will not slow down after law school. There is a temptation in law school to focus on academics to the exclusion of nearly all else. But as demanding as law school is,
practice can be more demanding still. The demands of real clients take more time and energy than exams. Family commitments often grow as you get older. If you haven’t cultivated a habit of community engagement in law school, it may be hard to do it as a new lawyer.”
INTENTIONALLY INVEST YOURSELF Pamela Steinle ’11 J.D.
opened Steinle Law PLLC in her hometown of St. James, Minnesota, where she also serves as the co-president of the St. James Rotary Club, a service organization, and oversees children’s ministries at her church. To Steinle, servant leadership means intentionally donating resources – time, talent and treasure – to the community. Her philosophy of servant leadership is inspired by Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it
Pamela Steinle
Page 16 St. Thomas Lawyer
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