Putting the Day in Perspective

It was quite a busy day: some traveling, some work, preparing dinner for the family, etc. Once I arrived home and began to prepare dinner, Grace asked me to play with her. I quickly told her that I was busy and that I would play with her later. Her response was "But Daddy, you my best friend." You could hear my heart melting. Nonetheless, we had to eat, so I finished dinner (but I sure did dote on her for the rest of the evening).

Your Documents

I occasionally review documents at home (when the kids are occupied). My five month old daughter has developed an obsession for paper and she began to lunge for my work and was able to even grab a page. My three year old came bounding into the room shouting, "Daddy, Daddy, she trying to get your documents!"

On a similar note, Grace occasionally brings me a page from one of her coloring books and tells me that she needs me to sign some documents. I guess that is what I get when I take her to Will signings.

Happy Easter

I had an opportunity to spend the Easter weekend participating in a variety of family activities, including, but not limited to: church, two Easter egg hunts and a meal at Cracker Barrel. I also had an opportunity to conduct a Will signing. Some of my clients (who reside in my parents' hometown) decided that the Easter holiday would be a great time to get together and sign updated estate planning documents. One couple and two of their children all signed documents (all at the same time). We had a great time and I felt like a member of their own holiday table (there was the exchange of lots of family stories and memories). I was also impressed that a family would use their holiday time together to address such an important aspect of their lives. It was truly a testament about how they felt about one another.

The Risks of Meeting at Home

Last week I met with a new estate planning client in our home. I usually do not invite clients to our home, but this particular person could be considered a close friend (and she wanted to see both girls), so I gladly bent the rules.

Kate sat with us for a few minutes and was as sweet as she could be. She cooed and smiled and did everything that a cute 4 month old should do for a guest. Her sister on the other hand was another story. Grace was experiencing (for no apparent reason, other than the fact that she was three) what her mother and I fondly call a nuclear meltdown. Typically, these are of the relatively harmless "Three Mile Island" variety. On this particular day, she earned a full-blown "Chernobyl" rating. While I was meeting with my client, she was in her room screaming. When I tried to get her to come out, she proceeded to scream "I no like your client, I no like anyone." I of course closed her door and left her in her room.

I was most surprised when Grace showed up in the hallway. She had opened her door and came to find me (and my client) to once again scream that she did not like my clients. The only plus side to her coming out of her room is that my client did get to see her (albeit a tear stained, angry variety of Grace). Before things got worse, the cavalry arrived (Michelle came home) and whisked Grace back to her room for a good talking to and a much needed nap!

Scenes from the Home Office

My New Legal Assistant

I had a week full of meetings and was fortunate to be able to take my new legal assistant with me to two of them (my 3 month old Kate!).

I have actually developed a grade system for Kate's behavior at client meetings. I am happy to say that this week she scored a solid A (which is so much better that the F she earned last week). During one meeting with a family, I had Kate strategically positioned behind my desk. However, she is quite the socialite and made a fuss until I held her in my lap so she could see everyone. Apparently she spent the time smiling at my clients because during our discussion they would randomly crack a smile. Kate was a great addition to what could have been a very somber meeting.

The Lawyer Dad

Welcome to my new blog! Over two years ago I decided to open my own law practice for two reasons. First, I enjoyed the practice of law and I wanted to have an opportunity to work with families to address important legal issues. More importantly, I wanted to have the opportunity to set my own schedule so that I could spend more time with my family (especially the two little girls you see below).

My family has become an integral part of my law practice, as you will soon see if you continue to read this blog. The overall theme of this blog will be to explore whether it is possible to have both a fulfilling family life and a successful professional career. I believe it is not only possible, but a attainable goal for individuals in any professional field.