A few years ago, the Senior Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan surveyed its members. We received a good response. Many shared their thoughts on years practicing law.

 Some were aware that a decision made when they were young was not the same choice they would make 20 or 30 years down the road. While most stayed with the law, others offered words of wisdom to help with a possible change such as:        

•  Be open to new experiences and alternative paths. Do something you love.

•  Find a way to use your law degree without practicing law.

•  Learn everything you can. You may end up in a field different from your original plan.

• A law degree offers options beyond traditional legal careers.

•  There is nothing worse than spending your life, of which you have one, doing what you don’t enjoy.

 Now we find ourselves forced to “stay home to stay safe” from a little, lethal virus that is causing worldwide pain and suffering. Because the law business is slow, lawyers are writing books, painting furniture, creating art, woodworking, learning to knit, crochet or embroider, rebuilding a car or its engine, taking college courses on-line and thinking.

 And just maybe those thoughts are about taking your career down a different path. There is nothing wrong with new ideas. As one of our members advised:  If practicing law doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to explore other possibilities.

 I stopped practicing some years ago, returning to my writing roots. I have spent the downtime working on a time travel novel where my protagonist female lawyer is dressing like a man and defending a friend in the 18th century. Ask me how they met.

 When you are up and running, remember I edit newsletters, articles and write blogs and articles. You can reach me at roberta@robertamgubbins.com.