This book serves as a roadmap for leadership and personal growth applicable to all audiences. Interviews by Melanie Bragg revealed that each lawyer has a "LEAD Line," or success principle, that he or she has lived by on their road to success. This unique compilation is organized into Bragg's own leadership model consisting of L–Legacy, E–Excellence, A–Authenticity, and D–Determination. Touching upon every aspect of our lives, the LEAD Lines are practical and inspiring principles that can take any aspiring person from where they are to where they want to be in life. The stories are told by a wide range of lawyers - past ABA presidents, judges, big firm lawyers, small firm lawyers, non-practicing lawyers - what they all have in common is their ultimate success was driven by their defining moments. Advance praise: "Inspirational! At every turn, Melanie Bragg meaningfully touches the reader. Lawyers and non-lawyers who read this book will be changed for the better."- Randall O. Sorrels, Partner, Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz, President, State Bar of Texas, 2019-2020 "Melanie Bragg's Defining Moments: Insights into the Lawyer's Soul is an incredible collection of stories by lawyers about lawyers. The stories strip away the law, the education, the role of the attorney and rather uncover the real person underneath the lawyer. The reader gets the insight of what motivated or compelled each individual to study and practice law. The stories display the historical angst around gender, race, and age from a very personal level. I was swept up in each one, wanting them to last longer and then refreshingly engaged with a brand new one. I'll be a customer and keep it on my bookshelf for years to come." - Elizabeth Pudwill, Assistant to the Editor, Houston Chronicle "With her book Defining Moments: Insights into the Lawyer's Soul, Melanie Bragg masterfully proves that attorneys do their work in a heartfelt and empathetic way. Bragg gives us living proof that the law and love go hand in hand to serve our people."- John Koehler, publisher at Koehler Books, author of seven books "Prepare to take a journey of self-awareness and enlightenment. Melanie shows us how to embrace adversity and to use it as a springboard for personal growth and resilience. How we rebound through seemingly impossible waves will define us and help propel us forward. Defining Moments presents a deeply personal and candid anthology of lessons learned over several lifetimes. It instructs us on how to find our own points on the horizon to guide us through anything life throws our way. Each inspirational chapter teaches us how to look beyond our near-term challenges, to embrace the experience and grace of others, and see the uplifting and lasting effect of caring for and helping others--which is, after all, the touchstone of our great profession." -Arvin Maskin, Attorney, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, New York, New York "Defining Moments is a magnificent book that shares inspiring stories from numerous legal luminaries. Melanie Bragg's love of the law shines through on every page and her wisdom serves as a beacon of bright light for lawyers and non-lawyers alike. This is a must read for everyone in search of practical insights on how to put passion, possibility, and purpose to work." -Kathleen Welton, Producer, aka Associates, Chicago, Illinois "Melanie Bragg serves up a big bowl of nourishing chicken soup for the soul of all lawyers, from those starting out to those nearing retirement. In Defining Moments: Insights into the Lawyer's Soul, lawyers of all stripes share personal experiences and life tips in short essays that will delight and nurture everyone, all wrapped up delightfully with Melanie's own brand of optimism and can-do spirit. A must!" -Robert C. Paul, Attorney, East Hampton, NY "Melanie Bragg's Defining Moments: Insights into the Lawyer's Soul is a chorus of unique voices singing in harmony with inspirational, uplifting, and empowering stories reminding us that the practice of law is truly a service profession. In keeping with this truth, Bragg serves her fellow lawyers by presenting their wisdom and insights in a two- to three-page format that is perfect for use in a five-minute daily mindfulness routine." -Kellye C. More, Partner, Walker Hulbert Gray & Moore, LLP, Perry, Georgia "In Defining Moments, Melanie Bragg explores the human side of the lawyer's psyche. As she breaks through the stereotypes associated with attorneys and their attitudes toward the world, she exposes the experiences that shaped each of those interviewed. The stories reveal moments in each lawyer's past that led them to what Bragg calls LEAD: Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, and Determination. This book should be added to every law library in the country so that new barristers can aspire to the greatness of each of these attorneys and realize the sense of balance that is possible in their budding careers. It can also serve an