by Daniel DeWoskin
Trial Attorney
www.atlantatrial.com

As we roll into 2010, I thought it might be worth exploring how some of our members view New Year’s Resolutions. For me, the beginning of a new calendar year rarely feels like the perfect moment for a fresh start or the time to make a specific change. After all, the majority of my cases did not terminate arbitrarily at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, so any fundamental practice changes do not seem well-timed simply by virtue of the fact that I need to remember what calendar year to write on checks.

We all know folks who see January 1 as the perfect day to quit smoking, start exercising, or to otherwise better themselves. I wondered if such resolutions might apply to lawyers and how they conduct their business. I am always intrigued to hear about new developments and practices that other lawyers have explored and used to better their efficiency and the quality of their work. I may even try to incorporate some of these things into my own practice on a trial-and-error basis, but I find that very few may ultimately go the distance.

by Daniel DeWoskin
Trial Attorney
www.atlantatrial.com

I have noticed this year that it is more and more difficult for me to watch the evening news when I get home. There are stories and updates about the wars, about flu epidemics, health care reform, and sobering reports about the economy. Each of these topics affects all of us in one way or another, yet together they seem to overwhelm us. It is quite simple to become numb or succumb to a feeling of helplessness. For me, it is as though the problem is so colossal that it is difficult to envision a solution.

As lawyers, we are problem solvers. We practice in all different areas and represent all sorts of clients. Some of us spend our time anticipating and preventing problems for our clients. When I look at things from this perspective, I find the helplessness and hopelessness I feel to be unreasonable and irresponsible. I think we owe it to our community to acknowledge its needs and contribute, to take part in critical thinking and action that will inspire hope in others.

by Daniel DeWoskin
Trial Attorney
www.atlantatrial.com

This month, I had the pleasure of meeting with former DeKalb Bar Association President Mike Hawkins of the Hawkins Law Firm. Mike works exclusively in the area of DUI defense and has done so for many years now. For 10 years, Mike practiced as a named partner at his former firm, but ventured out in July 2008 to establish his own practice. Mike and his former partner dissolved their partnership on good terms, and the impetus behind the change was largely Mike’s preference to design his professional life in a manner that complemented his personal life. If you have been reading this article for the past few months, you have likely found that this rationale is a common theme for the lawyers I have interviewed and who have made significant changes to their practices.

by Daniel DeWoskin
Trial Attorney
www.atlantatrial.com

Recently, I have been involved in countless conversations with colleagues about starting up new law practices and joining existing practices. The economy is perhaps the most significant reason for this topic coming up so much more now than in years past, but many attorneys are using what might normally be considered adverse changes to their career path as an incentive to achieve better, more satisfying employment.