Much to Be Thankful For: Thanksgiving Reflections by a Law Firm Leader

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. I think it is my favorite holiday and not just because I like to eat and drink. There is an expression I once heard that has stuck with me: Gratitude sanctifies life. How true. Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude – or it should be anyway. This holiday is a celebration, but it is also a time of reflection.

There are many things for which I am personally grateful and much time could be spent describing those people and things. My personal blessings are many. However, this message is not about me. It is about my law firm and to some extent law practice in general.  

First and foremost, as lawyers we should all be thankful for our clients. For our firm, those are veterans and military families, people injured by vaccines and healthcare providers we help. They are not always easy, but these people make it all possible. It is a privilege to be a lawyer and represent our clients. The trust that clients place in lawyers is humbling and something that should never be treated lightly.   

Let’s be grateful for our colleagues. My firm is a smaller one than we were a year ago. We are a better one, however, and a happier one too. What a great crew. Every morning when I come into the office I am glad to see my co-workers. We work hard and everyone cares about our clients and our mission. It’s a team effort and it has to be if we are going to get the best outcomes for our clients.

This last year has not been easy at my firm. Several lawyers departed and we have successfully refocused our practice. I am thankful for that.  Our FTCA practice representing veterans and military families is doing great. Not to brag, but it will be the best year we have ever had and by a significant margin. With a new team, we have renewed our vaccine practice and we are far ahead of where we were a year ago.  Our healthcare practice is strong and growing. We are now out of the low margin practice areas that consumed huge resources while generating at best scant returns.  We are about to develop and then implement a long term strategic plan to ensure the future health of our practice. 

All is not perfect and we have much work to do, but we can do it – and we will. I have been at this over 30 years and have seen a lot, both good and bad. However, I don’t think I have ever been as optimistic as I am right now. Practicing law is as much fun now as it has ever been – and that is something for which I am really thankful. 

Have a great and safe Thanksgiving. There is much to be thankful for, but let’s not forget those less fortunate. Help them when you can and keep them in your thoughts.