The Art of Communication: My Mission to Keep it Alive
The gentle rustle of paper, the deliberate stroke of a pen, the thoughtful pause between sentences – these are the sounds of a tradition that’s rapidly fading from our modern world. According to a CBS News poll, most Americans haven’t written a personal letter in over five years, and 15% have never written one at all. In a time when communication has been reduced to emoji and abbreviated text messages, the art of letter writing stands as a testament to more meaningful human connection.
The power of letter writing extends beyond simple communication. Letters provide an outlet for things left unsaid, making emotions tangible in a way that digital messages cannot. They convey intention and deliberate action, creating a private space for authentic expression that’s increasingly rare in our social media-dominated world. Moreover, letters create lasting memories – physical tokens of care and consideration that can be treasured for years to come.
For me, these benefits of letter writing aren’t just nostalgic observations – they’re the foundation of my legal practice. While most of us can’t remember the last time we sat down to pen or type a heartfelt letter, I’ve made it my mission to keep the cherished tradition alive, one client at a time.
A telephone call is great, but a letter is better,” I often say, reflecting on my practice of sending detailed letters to every client who walks through my door. I spend hours on the phone like many other attorneys do – but I like following up on conversations and giving directives via written communication.
I’ve seen firsthand how our rush to digital communication is affecting both personal relationships and legal outcomes. “If you have to document every time you have a good cup of coffee or go Facebook official, then you need a new hobby,” I’ve observed, pointing to the ways social media has transformed – and often damaged – how we connect with others.
A Louisiana Legacy
Born in Colorado but drawn to the rich culture and warmth of Louisiana, my journey to building my firm and practice set is a testament to the power of personal determination. As a first-generation attorney who put himself through law school at Louisiana State University (LSU), I understand the value of hard work and clear communication.
I was fortunate to be exposed to the profession before going to law school,” I recall. My early experiences working as a law clerk during my undergraduate years at Ole Miss shaped my understanding of what being an attorney truly meant – building relationships and trust with clients.
After graduating from LSU Law School, where I studied under professors whose names graced the textbooks they taught from, I could have chosen any path. Instead, I decided to build my practice in North Louisiana, seeing opportunities where others saw limitation.
When Letters Meant Something
Remember the anticipation of receiving a hand-written or typed letter? The weight of the envelope, the personal touch of someone’s handwriting, or thoughts, the time that went into each carefully chosen word? These weren’t just communications – they were artifacts of caring, tangible proof that someone took the time to sit down and think about you.
I’ve sent letters since I was a child old enough to write and appreciate the letters and notes that have been sent to me. One letter in particular, from my granddad, is framed in my office. Other letters are kept, and I’ll periodically read a few in appreciation of that attorney or client or friend that took the time to send that to me.
Building Real Connections
My commitment to excellence extends beyond my dedication to clear communication. I recently earned my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Complex Litigation from Baylor Law School, making me part of an elite group – fewer than 20% of attorneys nationwide hold an LL.M. degree.
In contrast to my first law degree, my second was about as different as day from night. One of Baylor Law’s tenets is that of clear communication through careful thought and preparation.
I enjoy a large variety of activities and intermingles them with my practice. One day I may be at a sporting clays competition, and on another, I may be catching redfish in south Louisiana. Another day may have me working out with my boxing coach or hiking in a national park.
“I’m not afraid to put myself in situations where I am not the best so I can learn,” I said. “With all of my activities, I find connections and the ability to talk to anyone about what they are interested in.”
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
From my established office in Monroe’s midtown area, I’ve built a practice that honors Louisiana’s rich traditions while embracing modern innovation.
“I want to get better each and every day I practice,” I said. “One of my mentor’s favorite sayings is to be the best lawyer you can today. I’ve been fortunate to work with many lawyers who have taught me various skill sets, and I find that the best ones continue to learn and keep up with innovation and the latest in technology.”
Now, as I expand to serve clients in Ruston – just a 35-minute drive down Interstate 20 – I’m bringing this blend of old-world values and contemporary legal expertise to an even broader community.
“North Louisiana deserves the same quality of legal representation you’d find in bigger cities,” I reflect, “but with the personal touch that makes our region special.”
In my mind, Ruston is a special place because they truly know the definition of community. My roots in Ruston reach back to 1931 when my grandmother graduated with her bachelors from Tech and then my twin brother continued that legacy by graduating with both undergraduate and MBA degrees in 2000/2008.
“I went to LSU in a time where the students were encouraged to compete against each other, and a third or more students were failing out each year,” I said. “I appreciate the attorneys that I’ve dealt with in Ruston and find that they have the opposite view of competition. I appreciate Kyle Green and Rebekah Wade for their inclusion and encouragement and for providing my firm an office space to work from.”
The Written Promise
“Every letter I write is a promise to my clients,” I reflect. “It says their case deserves more than a quick email or hasty phone call – it deserves careful thought and deliberate attention. When you take the time to put words on paper, you’re showing that the message – and the person receiving it – truly matters.”
“That’s the philosophy I’m bringing to our new Ruston office. While other firms chase efficiency through automation and quick fixes, I’m building a practice that still believes in the lasting power of the written word and genuine personal connection.”
To discover what genuine personal attention and clear communication can mean for your legal matters, visit my new Ruston office at 111 Kilgore Road, or call (318) 323-2213 to schedule your consultation. Learn more at Knight Law.
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