The Second Half

The average life expectancy in the United States is just about 82 years. You need to shake things up a bit to keep life interesting.

My life has been measured in years. 24 years in school. 17 years in practice, 16 of which have been either self-employed or running my own firm. I’ve done bankruptcy, consumer protection, real estate transactions, foreclosure defense, divorce, medical malpractice, personal injury, and even a touch of small business law.

In addition to being a lawyer, over the past five years I’ve been able to build a fairly significant “side hustle” as a legal marketing consultant. It’s been terrific in being able to meet so many solos and small firm attorneys from around the country, most of whom are in practices similar to my own. It’s given me the chance to learn about how the practice of law is conducted in different parts of the country.

I used to think that bankruptcy and consumer protection, being fields of law that are national in scope, are practiced similarly whether you’re in New York or Wichita, Seattle or Miami.  Now I realize that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

It’s time for my second half.

After 17 years of being a lawyer, I am about to become a new lawyer again. New state, new city, new home base.  It feels a little bit like the movie Groundhog Day, where you’ve got the opportunity to use all of your experiences while still being able to start all over again. That includes office management, technology, marketing, and all of the technical aspects of beginning a practice.

I’m keeping my New York practice, of course. I’ve got too much time and energy invested here. Plus, in many respects this is still home. I’ve got 42 years worth of roots here, after all.

Technology will be carrying me most of the way, but I’ll also be logging a significant number of air miles each month. I’m sure that will present a brand-new set of challenges for me, my family, and my firm. We’re all looking forward to it.

I’ve got about five months worth of planning to put in before I grab my laptop and hit the road, so you’ll be able to watch events as they unfold in a way that wouldn’t be possible if I were merely recounting them in the past tense.

I’ve told a bunch of people in my inner circle, and lots of them think it’s awesome. Maybe some are hoping to watch me fail spectacularly. There’s a reason why rubbernecking exists – everyone loves a good wreck by the side of the road.

I just saw this video from Gary Vaynerchuk, and thought it was appropriate of my mindset. If you’re getting this by email, click here to watch it.

Whatever happens, I’m excited about this adventure that will comprise my second half. I’m sure that I’ll learn a lot along the way. Stick with me, and you’ll pick up some tips as well.

Image credit:  WasabiDoobie