General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Division
Solo
Fall 2002 vol. 9 Number 1
I'll Do It My Way
By Larry Ramirez
Ever hear the expression "I've got to get a life"? Being a
lawyer often presents conflicting lifestyle choices. It's
ingrained in us that success means long hours at the office, but
that runs counter to the idea that being happy means spending
time with family and friends.
Any married lawyer has felt the pressures of work versus family.
After 25 years of practice-18 years with a firm and seven as a
solo practitioner-I know the guilt and anxiety of missing family
outings, soccer games, and vacations because of conflicts with my
work schedule. I truly regret those missed opportunities and the
fact that I lost out on a significant part of my two sons' early
years. Frankly, in hindsight, my professional success does not
outweigh my sense of loss. I can't go back and change the past,
and for that I have only myself to blame.
Fortunately, I finally realized what I was missing, but not until
my oldest was 13 and my youngest was 10. I came to understand
that I did, indeed, have choices, and that my professional life
did not have to control my personal life.
In 1995 I faced the dissolution of the firm where I had practiced
for 15 years. I had to choose: Continue to work in a firm or go
solo. There's a certain security with a firm, and the prospect of
being solely responsible for such things as overhead was not all
that attractive. But the flexibility and independence of a solo
practice was appealing. I could choose the cases, the clients,
and how hard I'd work. No partners would decide what's best for
me and not every choice would be based on business
considerations. After much soul searching, I went solo.
I couldn't have been happier. Now I could leave the office and
attend my sons' activities without worrying about returning later
to make up my billable hours. If I wanted to work until 10 p.m.,
that was my choice. I could plan vacations around my schedule and
not have to coordinate with others. It was great!
And finances? Any lawyer can make a good living if you pay
attention to the bottom line, and you don't have to sacrifice
yourself or your family. Besides, money alone should never be the
definition of success. I know I'm more "successful" now that I'm
a part of my sons' lives. I'm healthier and happier as well, and
I enjoy the practice of law more because I don't resent the time
I spend in the office.
If you want to do it "your way" remember:
o Economic success does not mean personal success
o Personal success is not inconsistent with being a successful
lawyer
o Find the balance between work and personal life.
And don't wait too long. The life you save may be your own.
Larry Ramirez recently left solo
practice to become a children's court judge with the Third
Judicial Circuit Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After 25 years
as a lawyer, he says he looks forward to the opportunity to work
with juveniles and the challenge of judicial work. He can be
reached at lcrdflr@nmcourts.com.
