LPAC's Bibliography of Related Articles on:

Aging and Retirement

Lawyer Retirement Survey (2006) - Zoomerang
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Lawyers at Midlife: Laying the Groundwork for the Road Ahead
The OAAP is pleased to announce the recent release of a personal and financial retirement planner for lawyers, authored by OAAP Attorney Counselor Mike Long and financial pro­fessionals John Clyde and Pat Funk. (2008)

Anthony Notaras, Age Against the Machine, LegalBusiness .17 (Partnership special)

Kenneth J. Hagreen and Cindy S. Reigle, Growing Old Is Not for the Fainthearted American Bar Association: GPSOLO “Bumps in the Road” Vol. 18 Number 5 July/August 2001
As we age, we lose our youthful vitality, including eyesight, hearing, stamina, and mobility. Our memories fade and our critical thinking skills slow down. Most of us will suffer from at least one major illness, and many of us will endure several chronic conditions. We will be treated by multiple doctors, be prescribed multiple medications, and take numerous over-the-counter medications in the never-ending search to feel and function better.

Cohen, Gene, “Purpose, Potential and Productivity in Later Life”

ABA Senior Lawyers’ Division, “The Voice of Experience” Volume 21, Number 3, Fall 2009
  
19th National Conference Highlights: Assisting Lawyers Plan for Retirement, Presentation at National COLAP(Highlights Fall 2006/Winter 2007)
Mike Long, of the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program gave an excellent presentation and overview of what I believe will become in increasing issue for LAP’s in the coming years. As ‘leading edge’ baby boom lawyers reach 60, there are going to be significant requests for assistance-as they ‘exit right’ or look for ‘act two’ after practicing law for 25-35 years.

Mike explained how the OAAP is leading the way in dealing with this critical issue, already having a successful schedule of networking, educational, and support groups for lawyers in Oregon making that job or career transition.

In a study by the OAAP they noted 71% of the lawyers envisioned retirement as a time to begin a new chapter in their life with new activities and goals.

I have found in my private practice, counseling lawyers for over 20 years, that the reality is many, many lawyers, even those financially secure; do not really have an active and concise plan of action for the next 20-30 years of life. This is in part because many are working so hard to close out their book of business or turn it over to another lawyer, that they don’t always have time to plan for the future.

The OAAP study noted that “50% of lawyers surveyed feel very optimistic about retiring while almost 40% feel somewhat optimistic’ and 15% not feeling optimistic about moving into post retirement.”

Because the practice of law requires so much of ones self, both personally and professionally, I am quite certain with increasing number of lawyers in the 55-65 age range, many may well approach your LAP for assistance-either as part of their on going recovery process or as an issue on its own. That is what I am beginning to see in my own practice with some LAP referrals. Be prepared, and don’t say I did not warn you!

–David Behrend, M.Ed., Director, Career Planning Services For Lawyers