That’s a Wrap: Saying Farewell to the Practice of Law

I won’t bury the lede – I’m retiring. This will be my last AWR blog post.

Since I made the decision to bid farewell to my legal career, I’ve been wondering what I might say in my final blog post. Would it be just another post about this new regulation or that new case? Nah—that’s too much work. Would I just say nothing? Also nah—I shouldn’t just vanish from this space. So here are a few thoughts about leaving the practice of law.

Recently, I told a friend I’d be retiring soon. He asked what I’d do after I retire. I startled myself when I reflexively (and gleefully) answered “not practice law.” Was this reflecting a dislike or even hatred for the profession to which I’ve devoted the bulk of my working life? No. I have always taken great pride in being the best lawyer I can be and in being a trusted counselor and advocate. I have a deep love for the law and the task of analyzing how the law applies (or should apply) to a given problem. Indeed, the love for the law is a calling that is part of who I am. Many of my friends in the legal profession share this sense of calling.

That’s why so many, myself included, fear retirement will require them to abandon something that defines who they are. I have come to realize that a “calling” to the law doesn’t require my permanent devotion to the work of representing or counseling individual clients. Indeed, one could say that the practice of law is a subset of the calling. In that sense, the “work” of practicing law is just that—work. It’s a job that I now realize I can leave without abandoning a part of who I am. Hence, it turns out that the gut reaction to my friend’s question was spot on. I won’t miss the job of practicing law. I have no regrets. My career has put me in a position where I could retire early while I have plenty of time to embrace new opportunities and travel the world—all the while remaining faithful to my love for the law.

In closing, I am indebted to the many friends and colleagues with whom I’ve worked over the years. I am especially, deeply grateful to Dan Abrahams who has been my most valued professional mentor and colleague for the past twenty-seven years. I would not be here were it not for his friendship and support. Second, thanks are due to the many clients I have had the privilege to serve all these years. Your trust has been humbling. Third, I thank all my friends and colleagues in the ABA Section of Public Contract Law—I have found (and will continue to find) great satisfaction in the Section’s work and fellowship.

Finally, the ultimate thanks go to my beautiful and brilliant wife Julie and our wonderful daughter Katie. After all these years and the ups and downs of my career, you still seem to like me. We’ll see how that works out now that I’ll have more time to irritate you.

Well, that’s a wrap. Bye y’all.