Things You Learn the Hard Way, Pt. 2

The Law and Your Family
By Ralph Wrobley, Esq.

The practice of law is as demanding as any career you could choose. This is particularly true of large law firms. You make a huge mistake if you fail to deal with its impact on your family.

* If you’re married, your spouse needs to have her or his own life, preferably one of substance, so that there is balance. The key is that neither of you feel cheated.

* Both of you need to understand and act on shared responsibilities in the home and, if there are children, to be responsible parents. There will time for recreation, bonding time, and vacations if they are part of a serious plan.

* If your goal is to be an equity partner, or even a non-equity partner, there is no choice: It is a demanding career and attempting to adopt a so-called balance which attempts a partial compromise of both your professional efforts and personal needs, means that neither you nor your spouse will be satisfied. There will always be a tug and pull between worlds.

– Ralph Wrobley, Esq., who recently retired after 45 years in law, was an equity partner in three AmLaw 200 firms. Mr. Wrobley is now of counsel with Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP.