The next post I had planned was going to be about transitioning to retirement. Something that is not easy for most lawyers. But suddenly life is different and things are slowing down for all of us. The question is how do attorneys adjust from working 60+ hours a week in their office to a life where you do not meet with clients in person, there are no court hearings to attend and most of our deadlines are put on hold.
As I have stated repeatedly, the stress levels for most attorneys is extremely high. I recently heard about another young attorney in Central Kentucky who ended his own life. I did not know him personally but from what I read he was well respected and well liked.
Now we have added stress, particularly for the sole practitioner or members of small firms who depend on their District Court or Family Court practice to keep them afloat. There are lot of attorneys who depend on those weekly cash payments not monthly billable hours or large contingent fees. Like so many other small business owners we have virtually been shut down. How do you pay your staff? How do you pay your office expenses? How do you feed your family? How long will this last? Over the past 25 years I have filed around 8 bankruptcies for attorneys. We as attorneys are not immune from financial crisis.
Right now Kentucky and federal courts have cancelled court hearings and the date of re-opening to business as usual is up in the air. There is an expectation that some hearings will be conducted telephonically. Are we equipped for that? Are you prepared to use Zoom and do you know what it is?
These are problems but there are more, like how do I spend my time. I ventured to the Post Office this week to get my mail. Standing inside was an attorney for whom I have a great deal of respect, Bill Kirkland. Mr. Kirkland was standing near the window dressed smartly in a black suit, as always. I do not believe I have ever seen him dressed otherwise. Practicing social distancing he asked me about my recent merger with Atkinson, Simms and Kermode. I told him that I had already cut back to working 2-3 days a week, even before our present crisis. Even though he has “several years” on me he said he did not have retirement plans. He said he does not fish or play golf. I told him I didn’t either but I had plenty of things I enjoy doing. But alas many of those things are now on hold.
So what do I do? So what do the rest of these workaholics turn to when there is little work to do? I doubt that they are searching amazon Prime for Tai Chi videos like me. Whatever we face and for however long it is important that we put the health of our selves (especially us old guys), our loved ones and our clients first. So find your escape within your home, whether reading for fun rather than research, exercising, trying your hand at some form of art or just listening to your favorite music. Not only will you feel better for now but it will give you an idea what retirement can be for you.
The Trials of Luke 