Lawyers spend a lot of time discussing complex cross-border matters, legislative updates and business development. But what lies beyond the lawyer? What are their passions, hobbies and interests?

This month, we get to know Mickee Hennessy, a Partner at Westerman Ball, who has a passion for music and the violin, having started playing at a young age. Mickee shares the similarities between practicing law and learning an instrument, the most challenging part of learning the electronic violin, and her advice for lawyers trying to find time for hobbies outside of work.

♫ When did you develop your passion for playing music and the violin?

I started playing in elementary school when I was 10 years old.  I became so engaged with it that I initially went to Potsdam College, Crane School of Music, to become a music teacher.   I later took a pivot and went to Fordham Law School, a decision I do not regret! However, I never lost my love for music.

♫ What is the difference between the classic violin and the electronic violin?

Not unlike the difference between an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar, the classic violin creates its own sound directly, while the electric violin relies on a “pickup,” that connects to an amplifier; the volume and tone can be adjusted on the amplifier.  I have found the electric violin much easier to work with when playing in a band, competing with drums, electric guitars, etc.

♫ Do you see any similarities between practicing law and learning an instrument?

Absolutely.  Both require patience and diligence to be your best.  Both also require you to work with others and collaborate.  And, as you noted, both require “practice”!

♫ What is the most challenging part of learning the electronic violin?

I believe it helps to have the fundamentals of playing a classic violin, so you can translate that to electric violin.  Violins do not have frets like a guitar, so it is easy to play out of tune!  That’s one of the challenges at least.

♫ Do you have any advice for lawyers trying to find time for hobbies outside of work?

Have Fun!  These days, YouTube and the Internet are full of tutorials on basically any hobby.  One start might be to look at a few of those in your spare time.  Then, if you can find a little time every day or so – even if it is only 5 minutes – to touch on your hobby, there will be growth!

Finding others that share your interests helps create another community outside of work as well.  I put down the violin for several years because of work and family.  Now that my kids are grown, I am pleased to be back into playing music!

I have played in as a guest with a group on Long Island called the “Song Island Band” and will be playing this Summer with a group that calls themselves the “Mad Cowboys” (they formed in the late 1980s, when Mad Cow Disease was constantly in the news; I am a newer member to this band!).

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