At some point, every lawyer faces a difficult reality: careers evolve, and, eventually, they transition.
For many attorneys, this is not an easy subject to discuss. Lawyers spend decades building reputations, relationships and professional identities closely tied to their practices. Stepping away from that role — even gradually — can feel deeply personal.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Businesshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngBusiness2026-06-02 09:05:492026-06-02 09:05:49Transitioning a Practice With Intention
Editor’s note: This is the first blog post in a two-part series written by Douglas Wood. The series focuses on key approaches for two stages in an attorney’s career: developing a law practice and transitioning from an attorney career to retirement.
Law school teaches attorneys how to analyze problems, interpret precedent and advocate effectively. What it often does not teach is how to build a sustainable practice.
Many lawyers begin their careers believing strong legal work alone will naturally lead to opportunity. Skill certainly matters. But over time, most attorneys discover that professional growth also depends on visibility, relationships, consistency and planning.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Businesshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngBusiness2026-05-19 10:02:012026-06-02 10:06:02Building a Practice With Intention
While out running with my pastor one morning, he asked me how I would best describe my law practice. The easy and most relatable way to explain at least one part of my practice was to walk him through my consultations.
In addition to representing employers, a significant part of my practice has become roughly one-hour consultations, where I meet with an executive to discuss a new employment agreement, a noncompete agreement or a severance agreement. This starts with me reviewing the relevant agreement, meeting with the client and then following up.
As I explained it to my pastor, my hour conversation with the person seeking my help is usually broken into three generally equal parts: listening to the client tell be about the background and how he or she thinks we should approach the matter; me kindly and gently explaining why I think that might not be the most appropriate approach; and providing what I think is the best path forward.
Transitioning a Practice With Intention
Featured PostsBy Douglas J. Wood
Editor’s note: This is the second blog post in a two-part series written by Douglas Wood. The first post is on how to build your practice with intention.
At some point, every lawyer faces a difficult reality: careers evolve, and, eventually, they transition.
For many attorneys, this is not an easy subject to discuss. Lawyers spend decades building reputations, relationships and professional identities closely tied to their practices. Stepping away from that role — even gradually — can feel deeply personal.
Read more
Building a Practice With Intention
Featured PostsBy Douglas J. Wood
Editor’s note: This is the first blog post in a two-part series written by Douglas Wood. The series focuses on key approaches for two stages in an attorney’s career: developing a law practice and transitioning from an attorney career to retirement.
Law school teaches attorneys how to analyze problems, interpret precedent and advocate effectively. What it often does not teach is how to build a sustainable practice.
Many lawyers begin their careers believing strong legal work alone will naturally lead to opportunity. Skill certainly matters. But over time, most attorneys discover that professional growth also depends on visibility, relationships, consistency and planning.
Read more
The Middle Third
Featured PostsWhile out running with my pastor one morning, he asked me how I would best describe my law practice. The easy and most relatable way to explain at least one part of my practice was to walk him through my consultations.
In addition to representing employers, a significant part of my practice has become roughly one-hour consultations, where I meet with an executive to discuss a new employment agreement, a noncompete agreement or a severance agreement. This starts with me reviewing the relevant agreement, meeting with the client and then following up.
As I explained it to my pastor, my hour conversation with the person seeking my help is usually broken into three generally equal parts: listening to the client tell be about the background and how he or she thinks we should approach the matter; me kindly and gently explaining why I think that might not be the most appropriate approach; and providing what I think is the best path forward.
Read more