Trimble: Retirement planning: It is never too early to start
The overwhelming conclusion has been that lawyers, as a group, do a terrible job of retirement planning.
Eye on the Profession: John Trimble
Articles
Trimble: Understanding the difference between ‘have to’ and ‘get to’
At a recent bar association meeting in Philadelphia, a very wise bar leader asked his audience, “How many of you understand the difference between ‘have to’ and ‘get to’?” None of us raised our hands.
Trimble: A few things on the minds of lawyers everywhere
The issue of remote work remains an issue, but after more than a year of remote work, some answers have materialized, and now a number of other concerns have surfaced about the future of our profession.
Trimble: Is your firm ready for cyberattacks? If not, you should be
Everyone must accept the fact that all businesses, and particularly law firms, are under constant assault from attackers.
Trimble: Solo, small firm management: Ideas to become more profitable
I recently sat down with Cory and Mitch Sprunger to learn more about the business model they have created in SprungerPEO.
Trimble: To be a better lawyer, think and practice like a solo
Small and solo law firm attorneys face many challenges, including competition, incorporating new technology, marketing and business development, professional development, overhead and cost control succession planning and retirement and work-life balance.
Trimble: Spring cleaning your law practice: Now is the right time!
This time of year, I like to bring a little spring cleaning to my law practice, and I want to urge you to do the same.
Trimble: Plaintiff v. defendant: What does the ‘v.’ mean to you?
I have friends and acquaintances in the bar and the judiciary who have expressed concern that the polarization of our society has begun to spill over into how lawyers and their clients behave in litigation.
Trimble: As year-end approaches, a time for reflection
So how was your year? Did you help anyone in a meaningful way? Did you advance the reputation of our profession? Did you serve a role in a bar association? Did you renew any friendships or make any new ones? Did you mentor a new lawyer? Were you a good partner, co-worker, boss, friend, spouse, companion, parent or child?
Trimble: Lawyers experience joy as in-person bar events return
During 2022, I have had the pleasure of attending several in-person bar association meetings, and one word can describe the mood of myself and those in attendance. That word is joy.
Trimble: Advice from a justice: ‘Do a little bit more for other people’
On Aug. 31, Justice Steven David, a genuine friend of the legal profession and our system of justice, retired from the Indiana Supreme Court. As he departed, he encouraged everyone to “do a little bit more for other people.”
Trimble: The pros and cons of remote work for lawyers after COVID
At the end of this month, I will be speaking on the topic of “A Virtual Quagmire: Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Remote Work in a Post-COVID World” at the annual meeting of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel. My research and investigation into that topic prompted me to share some of what I have learned in this column.
Trimble: Judicial independence is suffering: Lawyers need to take notice
As I write this column, there are multiple signs of trouble brewing in our judicial system.
Trimble: Suggestions for a better life for lawyers … revisited
Indianapolis lawyer John Trimble revisits a 1993 article about improving lawyers’ lives to determined what has changed — and what hasn’t.
Trimble: Some suggestions to plot your pathway for 2022 and beyond
In recent years I have published some New Year’s resolutions in my first column of the year, and many of you have contacted me to share feedback about my suggestions. In light of the positive responses, I am going to do the same this year. However, instead of calling them “resolutions,” let’s call them “aspirational goals.”
Trimble: Repeat business: Lifeblood of successful lawyers, law practices
As 2021 draws to a close, lawyers and law firm managers everywhere are planning for the year ahead. Smart firms are preparing budgets and income projections for 2022, and they are assessing their client relationships in the hopes of maintaining those relationships next year.
Trimble: COVID shows firms need to engage in succession planning
As the pandemic forced attorneys to work from remote locations, they have seen how well they could do it. They and their spouses have had a glimpse of a different, slower lifestyle, and it has appealed to them. For many, retirement, which was previously just a distant concept, has grown more realistic. At a minimum, a significant number of my lawyer friends have decided to work fewer hours, and they are confident that they are ready to slow down.
Trimble: New Year’s resolutions after a tumultuous 2020
Indianapolis lawyer John Trimble exhorts members of the legal profession to shake off the malaise and resolve to charge ahead into 2021 with the renewed vigor to get through the mountain of challenges and to do what we can to make things better.
Trimble: Are legal services a basic human need?
As we approach the end of 2020, many of us are contemplating our personal and business charitable contributions. The ravages of the pandemic have left many with no paycheck, no home and living in a state of hopelessness. Imagine what it has been like for people who were already in chronic need before COVID arrived. There has rarely been a time when the need for public generosity has been as great as it is this year.
Trimble: 10 tips for new lawyers: Get your career off to a good start
On Sept. 21, 2020, a whole new cohort of lawyers took the oath to practice law in Indiana. You have joined our profession in the strangest and least predictable year that any of us has seen. We welcome you into the bar with enthusiasm, high expectations and hope that our profession will soon return to a semblance of normal. This year more than ever you will need our support, guidance and patience as you get started.