Small Law Firms

The Lonely Solo On Christmas

How does a solo celebrate the holidays in December?

By  
on

As a solo practitioner you learn to chug through law life alone. There are no colleagues’ office doors to knock on to ask an urgent question. There is no business department to deal with ministerial items that always arise at the most inconvenient moments (e.g., the printer is not working or the WIFI is down). There is no partner to high-five when things go really well, or collapse onto when they do not.

Loneliness is perhaps the most heightened for a solo during the holiday season. Firms host dinners, parties, or maybe enjoy a holiday show. There are Secret Santas, Hanukah Harries, and strange uses of Xerox machines. Firm offices have Christmas trees and menorahs, lit long past the end of Hanukkah.  Candy canes, bonuses and gift cards, while the norm for bigger firms, do not abound for the solo.

The end of December marks a time when law firms and courts generally go quiet. This is not the case for the solo who is always working. In fact, the end of December is a great time for a solo to catch up on the business areas of a law practice.

How does a solo celebrate the holidays in December? Do I take myself out for dinner? Do I write myself a card of appreciation with a check and attach it to a box of chocolates?  Do I tag along at another firm’s party?

I have found that part of success as a solo practitioner is being comfortable with the fact that I work alone. I often force myself to say, repeatedly and proudly, that I work alone and for myself. This is a choice, and a good one for me. As such it is something to celebrate.

I, for one, have made a commitment to not deprive myself of holiday cheer and the fun perks that are often associated with working at a larger firm.  As such, I insist on hosting a holiday party, cheekily referred to as “Drinks, Depositions, and Discovery!”  I do not invite associates or partners or administrators, for they do not exist. Instead I choose to surround myself with all the individuals who are supportive of my career and me and express gratefulness to them and the firm that I have created.

As a solo, I rely on friends, families, and other professionals, who are often solos themselves, for support and assistance. Basically, my squad has become my office. Friends help with technology. Adversaries become referral sources. Teenage sons intern. Former clients  turn into friends.  Family members pick up the slack. It is a modern office of sorts, with me, the boss, at the top.

Sponsored

It is often said that the holiday season is a time of reflection. Looking back over the past year, I can unequivocally state that I am not alone. I am very much surrounded and supported. I could not be successful without the support of my “modern office,” and as such I celebrate with them at my very small, but very spirited and well-deserved holiday party.

Cori A. Robinson is a solo practitioner having founded Cori A. Robinson PLLC, a New York and New Jersey law firm, in 2017. For more than a decade Cori has focused her law practice on trusts and estates and elder law including estate and Medicaid planning, probate and administration, estate litigation, and guardianships. She can be reached at cori@robinsonestatelaw.com. 

Sponsored

Topics

, , ,