Futurelawyer

Earliest Photo Of Rio And The FutureLawyer

Many years ago, an ABA photo crew came down from Chicago to shoot a cover on lawyers who took their pets to work. Apparently, the FutureLawyer was the only one who had parrots, in all of the U.S.A. I still haven't heard of another lawyer who takes her parrots to work. The cover was Rio's first foray into the public eye, and he was a trooper.

#WhyIAmASolo - I Never Have To Make Assumptions...I Live Them.

The Assumptions. I suppose, in a big organization, assumptions can be made, as Execupundit states, about all sorts of things. He mentions a few: resources, training, office space, timing, goals, recruitment, evaluations, surveys, publicity, facilities, legal opinions, competitors, rewards, diversity, markets, finances, cash flow, regulations, technology, legislative reports, predictions, strategies, and tactics. In solo practice, I have a singular luxury: I don't have to assume anything. I get to work and do whatever it takes to survive the day. I scuffle and fight and claw until there is enough money to pay the bills. I don't attend meetings, I don't make assumptions, and I don't worry about anything except how I am going to make it until the end of the month. I work until I want to stop, and I quit work when I feel like it. Always remember what has been said about making assumptions. "Assume" means making an ass out of u and me.

The Football Team Formerly Known As The Redskins Gets New Helmets.

Washington Football Team Reveals New Helmets Without Logos. The saga of the Redskins' name change reminds me of an attorney asking an obviously objectionable question on cross, and the opposing attorney objects; but, after the jury has heard the objectionable question. Then, the Judge instructs the jury to disregard the question and answer. Psychologists tell us that this merely enforces the information in the minds of the jury and ensures they will never forget it. So, I challenge anyone reading this post to look as the new Washington helmet with a number instead of a logo and think of anything other than the Redskins. Go ahead. Give it a whirl. In fact, count how many news stories will be published this year that don't use the Redskin name; but talk about the Washington Football Team. Listen carefully to the game announcers as they attempt to call the game without calling attention to the name change; without, of course, saying the name. In fact, I haven't heard the Redskins name mentioned more often in the last decade. Even when it isn't written in an article, I still hear it in my head. Doesn't everyone? But, hey, we are signalling that we are more virtuous than the people who have callously used the Redskin name for years. Your intention is irrelevant. It is what you signal to the other virtue signallers that matters. Have we gone collectively insane? I have a simple, serious question. How is this making the world a kinder, safer, less dangerous place? What has changed? If you really care about Native American culture, vote with your money and not your mouth. Donate to the Dakota Indians.  Jeez.

#WhyIAmASolo - Low Overhead Comes With The Job

Reinventing The Law Business - Low Overhead. I almost gagged when I read this six year old article about a firm that is bragging about its "low" overhead, at $160,000 per lawyer. I don't really have much overhead. I didn't like rent, so many years ago I bought an old house, and converted it to office space. Been there ever since. My premises overhead consists of annual property taxes, utilities like electricity, water, sewer etc., insurance, and parrot food. Office supplies and equipment I consider lawyer specific. At any rate, the low overhead allows me the freedom to choose my hours and the extent of my case involvement. The lack of secretary is offset by free wife labor, and Diane is learning about filing and other secretarial tasks. If you don't have the wife or husband option, you will spend some time doing tasks that don't require a lot of lawyer power; but, I find them calming. So, before you sign up for that expensive furniture, or expensive legal research product, or expensive software, ask yourself whether you are doing it for office benefit, or to show off to prospective clients.

#TBT - FutureLawyer's First Crush

Cultsirens. In 1958 I was in love with an actress. Her name was Allison Hayes, and she was the sexiest, most beautiful woman in the Fifties. Why she spent her career doing B movies has more to do with the times than anything else. But, I was smitten before I understood what that meant. Who was your first crush? Not talking real people here. Fantasy people on the big screen.

 

Gray Hair Or Highlights?

For this Throwback Thursday, I am posting a current photo of my graying hair. Or, are those just highlights from the overhead lights? I report. You decide. Hey, at least I still have hair.

#WhyIAmASolo - I Don't Have To Wear A Mask At Work

Law Firm Guidance About Wearing Masks. One of the big benefits of solo practice these days is that I am the only one in the office. So, I don't have to walk single file down hallways, and I don't have to wear a mask unless clients come in, and I don't have to take attendance or temperatures of everyone in the place. I don't mind wearing masks in public places, stores, or other venues. However, I have a tough time breathing with masks after a time, and need to take breaks. Working on law stuff at my desk requires fewer distractions, not more. Are BigLaw firms requiring employees to wear masks at all times?

Hypocrisy In Seattle

Hypocrisy In Seattle. This radio host tweeted about the over reaction to "peaceful protest" in Seattle; but, it all depends on whose ox is being gored, doesn't it? Now, he is an advocate of fighting back. It took burning down the Starbucks under his office to do it. Sweet irony.

It's Monday - Do You Know Where The FutureLawyer Is?

I recommend that, going forth, Monday mornings have the burden of proof, beyond, and to the exclusion of, a reasonable doubt. They must prove they are worthy of our attention and participation. This rule shall be effective, as of today. No vote is necessary, as it is an Executive Order. Carry on.

Okay, DisneyWorld, You Don't Want Me To Walk And Eat At The Same Time?

Disney World...Do Not Walk With Mask Off While Eating Or Drinking. Okay, let's see. DisneyWorld wants back the $5,000 to $10,000 a year that I used to spend on Disney World parks, hotels, food, drink and merchandise. So, rather than keep the parks closed until it is safe, the company is opening again. In addition to 95 degree Florida heat, during which I have to wear a cloth mask all day long, and, if I need a break, find one of the few "relaxation stations" in the parks, I get to stand in line for an hour to get into the DisneyWorld flagship Mickey Mouse store to buy expensive, overpriced stuff. If I want an ice cream cone for $5.00, I can't eat it while walking. I must stand aside in the heat, and maintain 6 feet of separation, in order to do it. Oh, and the mask requirement is that the mask have at least two layers of cloth. My impervious face shield won't work, under Disney rules. Tell you what, DisneyWorld. I think I will take my entertainment dollars and spend them on local restaurants, parks and attractions. We have a new Pier in St. Pete, and my marriage venue, at Sunken Gardens, which is a lot cheaper. I bought a Disney+ subscription, and I now have access to the whole world of Disney entertainment. In some ways, the new normal is way better than the old normal.