Going independent changes the lawyer lifestyle
Lawyers have a reputation for working long hours, and the lawyer lifestyle that accompanies that schedule often means stress, limited time and burnout. Independent lawyers, in contrast, have much more autonomy that enables them to create a more balanced schedule.
Hours, billable and otherwise
As reported by Clio, most lawyers work longer hours than intended:
“…the average lawyer aims to spend 46.8 hours per week working but, in actuality, usually works an extra 2.8 hours a week, making a total of 49.7 hours per week.”
That adds up to an extra 3.5 weeks working per year — and that’s likely on the low end for many in the legal profession. The same report shows that the average lawyer bills about 2.5 hours per day, so the majority of their time falls as non-billable work.
In contrast, independent attorneys can set their own schedules. While some cases might require the occasional long week, an independent lawyer can generally choose their hours and create a firm culture centered around balance. As Solo Practice University reports:
“When you start a firm, you enjoy greater flexibility to set your hours, decide which cases to accept, or whether to work remotely. Being your own boss allows you to set the course and the pace, whether you intend on remaining a solo practitioner or bringing on additional lawyers.”
That reality applies to new and seasoned attorneys alike. While building a book of business, you might log more hours. Once your firm has an established reputation, however, you will earn more word-of-mouth clients.
What does balance mean?
The phrase “self care” has taken a critical beating lately because people have realized that genuine self care involves much more than the occasional massage or indulgent lunch. While no individual ever achieves perfect balance in their personal and professional lives, it helps to understand:
- Your own motivations
- How you refuel and recharge
- The work that holds the most meaning and impact for you
- Why you want to work as an independent lawyer
- What creates unnecessary stress and/or burnout for you
The answers to these questions will help you create a vision of your preferred lifestyle, and it will help you develop your law firm in a way that supports it.
Bill4Time offers some helpful guidelines for prioritizing self care within your law firm:
“Making time for self-care can minimize the effects of lawyer burnout. Self-care looks different for everyone, but the general needs include activity, good nutrition, and adequate sleep – all the elements of taking care of yourself.
For this to happen, staff may need some time away from work as needed. Give your staff time off to travel or engage in hobbies or family events. While they may be out of the office, they will come back with new perspectives and renewed focus.”
As highlighted in that last sentence, self care and balance results in individuals who work better. Whether it’s you or your staff, you want everyone arriving at work refreshed, thinking clearly and applying their creativity and expertise to every task. Burned out professionals can’t show up effectively in any of those areas.
Where you work
One important piece of the balanced lawyer lifestyle puzzle is where you work best. Showing up to an office 8 to 5 every day doesn’t leave much time for personal pursuits. Nor does it always translate into the best work.
For independent lawyers and big law firms alike, hybrid schedules have become the norm. Working in a dedicated office part time and working from home or the road part time offers the best of both worlds. This hybrid model allows lawyers to travel, go to kids’ school events, join a gym near their homes or make time for other personal priorities.
Working in the office some days also helps lawyers maintain their professional network and avoid the feelings of isolation that can come with remote work. A shared office environment can give independent lawyers the flexibility they need to create the right hybrid schedule for their needs.
Ready to embrace a healthier and more balance lawyer lifestyle? Reach out to us to learn how LawBank’s shared office locations can support your goals for your independent law firm.
