I was having a conversation with a good friend I went to law school with. We both have been in private practice for 30+ years. We were discussing how so much energy was putting into getting into a good law school, setting up our own practices, building our law firms etc. but little to none in how to wind up our own careers and retire.I was wondering if anybody on this forum has actually retired and how life looks like after the rigorous practice of law. Do you feel a loss of purpose? Identity?Does doing volunteer work fill that void?

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I don’t have anything to offer. Still 20 years from retirement (I’m an older associate who joined a big law firm after years in DOJ). But wanted to jump in and say thanks for a great question! I think this is an important thing for attorneys to plan/consider.

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Agree curious what folks will come back with!

I’m guess folks who retired don’t have time or interest to be on this app! Or at least that would be me. Once I’m out I’m not looking back 😂

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I’ve always been told that lawyers don’t retire.

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The perception of legal practitioners (along with some other professions) is that it’s not just a job but an identity. Retirement for a lot of attorneys would mean giving up a piece of their identity so it’s virtually unthinkable.

My mother’s cousin retired after 25 years of practicing law. It was in the early 2000’s. He never had kids so I think he was able to save/invest really well and retire young (early 50’s). To be honest I have no idea if he has regrets or what he does during the day other than hang out with his husband. I think pre Covid they would travel a bit. He was a partner at a state wide law firm when he retired.

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