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So I found out today......

“Dad, sit down, there’s something you need to know. We’ve heard your firm wants a book written about the history of the firm and its landmark cases over the decades. The complexities and challenges of the biggest cases. They appreciate that you’re busy with your caseload, so are wondering if you’re okay with that junior partner, Mr. Levin, authoring the history? He would still have an office he came to every day, as this will end up being a lengthy book. He would also need access to you, assuming he’s interested in accurately portraying your significant contributions to the firms history. They’re not sure Levin has the work ethic to see this project through, but need your blessing, nonetheless.”
I like it. I’m really not sure what he will want for himself. This will take some time to sink in. He’s pretty resourceful and has a lot of friends so I know some type of opportunity will present itself. I just don’t know what he’s capable of in the short and long term.
 
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Eat what you kill “partnership” ?
They essentially already operate as an eat what you kill office.
He has a case load that is very specialized. Probably not more than a few in the country can take over his open cases. He specializes in wine litigation cases that represent both wineries and consumers. Here’s a quick little synopsis of his landmark case that went to the Supreme Court:

On June 26, 2019, by 7-2, the Supreme Court made it clear that states cannot prohibit interstate shipping direct to consumers by a business licensed to sell wine solely to protect in-state licensed businesses.

He’s been active in these cases for a good 20 years. It’s possible he could serve as an expert witness after retirement.
 
They essentially already operate as an eat what you kill office.
He has a case load that is very specialized. Probably not more than a few in the country can take over his open cases. He specializes in wine litigation cases that represent both wineries and consumers. Here’s a quick little synopsis of his landmark case that went to the Supreme Court:

On June 26, 2019, by 7-2, the Supreme Court made it clear that states cannot prohibit interstate shipping direct to consumers by a business licensed to sell wine solely to protect in-state licensed businesses.

He’s been active in these cases for a good 20 years. It’s possible he could serve as an expert witness after retirement.
Holy shit. That’s awesome. I bet his holidays are amazing
 
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They essentially already operate as an eat what you kill office.
He has a case load that is very specialized. Probably not more than a few in the country can take over his open cases. He specializes in wine litigation cases that represent both wineries and consumers. Here’s a quick little synopsis of his landmark case that went to the Supreme Court:

On June 26, 2019, by 7-2, the Supreme Court made it clear that states cannot prohibit interstate shipping direct to consumers by a business licensed to sell wine solely to protect in-state licensed businesses.

He’s been active in these cases for a good 20 years. It’s possible he could serve as an expert witness after retirement.
Truthfully I have no idea how many attorney have similar cases or could take over counsel. I like to think he’s a rare bird.

Sometimes he takes payment in wine. He’s got quite the wine cellar.
 
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So I found out today (yesterday now) my 81 year old dad is being forced to retire next Thursday. I received a text from two of his partners that they needed to speak with my brother and I immediately. My dad is a successful attorney who has practiced law "his" way. In a time when I"m told there aren't many General Practioners, he's one of the good ones left. He and his orignail parter who has now since passed built a small independent practice and played the game on their own terms. My dad loves his work! I mean it's really a labor of love. The man goes into the office 7 days a week. The man refuses to get anesthesia when he has a colonscopy just so he can go back to the office. You'd think someone like that is married to his work and might just be neglectful to this kids. While he wasn't exactly the greatest dad, it wasn't because he was absent. In fact unless he had a trial in another city, he made it home for dinner every night of the week. But he loves going to the office. He has routinely said I will retire the day they put me in the ground. Being that my dad is also a horses ass, we've always been happy he has a labor of love to keep himself busy. The idea of retirment and my dad don't go along. The man has traveled the world, he goes out of his way to meet pepole of other cultures and learn their culture and food. I can't tell you how many clients he's made just by talking to strangers. He's taught law classes in other countries including Iraq, Mongolia and Poland. He's met the Dalai Lama and represented his brother for years. We've hiked to Everest Base Camp together. This was his third trip. He was one of the original founders of the Sci-fi channel and worked alongside Leonary Nemoy in it's earliest interation. He's had mulitple cases go to the Supreme Court. The man has lived his life by his own rules professionally and personally. My dad is also very, very private. He doesn't like to talk about his own health. It's actually been an issue my brother and I have pushed him about. We feel he has a repsonsibilty to share his health history if anything would be relevant to our own well being. My dad has always had terrible eye sight. For years he's needed cataract surgery on both eyes. I didn't quite understand until this year why he's put it off. Apparently my dad since he's been a kid has almost been legally blind in one of his eyes. He had surgery on one of his cataracts earlier this year. For some reason he had refused to get the other one done. The fear was there might be complications with this eye that has failed him for so long. It's incredible to me the amount of reading professionally and personally he's pushed himself through. He reads 2-3 books a week for enjoyment. HIs fear with getting surgery is if there's a complication he wouldn't be able to practice law.

So fast forward to today. My brother and I spoke with his current partners. When we heard he would be forced out next week we were left with a lot of questions. Apparently for the last couple of years he's been making LOTS of mistakes. The kind of mistakes that could cause his small firm to lose their malpractice insurance. Nobody wants this job of sitting down with him next week but it's happening and there's nothing I can do about it and he was heading towards a path of losing his license. He began forgetting details, forgetting to send exhibits and relying on his associated to carry the load. He may be somewhat aware of his situation, but if so he's certainly in denail. It seems his cognitive skills are now failing him or he's just starting to act 81.

Thanks for allowing me to use this as a place to process my thoughts and journal. Has anyone experienced something similar with a parent? I’d welcome your comments/suggestons.
I’d love to have a beer or three with your dad. . We are the same vintage, but he packed a lot more into his weeks than I did. I hung ‘em up at 77. It was a helluva part.y.
 
Eat what you kill “partnership” ?
That’s how we operated as a corporation. If you don’t work, you might eat spam- depending on rainmaking.. Compensation and equity was by a very complicated formula that drove our bookkeepers crazy.
 
Construction right? AAA AIA construction rules and all that?
I did construction contract and litigation work for two large public entities. My special conditions to the standard AIA stuff were a gem. We had a lot of leverage because no fear of nonpayment. I took full advantage.
 
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That’s how we operated as a corporation. If you don’t work, you might eat spam- depending on rainmaking.. Compensation and equity was by a very complicated formula that drove our bookkeepers crazy.
That’s not easy. When I started a firm with one of my best buds I was doing pie in the sky stuff. He was third in billing nationwide at a firm called Bryan cave here. He brought business and was doing contract business shit while I was doing again pie in the sky shit and we split everything 50/50.

My hey dude. I need a check. I’m cutting out for happy hour and I might be judging a bikini contest at hooters tomorrow got old I’m sure

Has to be a good fit or just eat what you kill and split expenses
 
That’s not easy. When I started a firm with one of my best buds I was doing pie in the sky stuff. He was third in billing nationwide at a firm called Bryan cave here. He brought business and was doing contract business shit while I was doing again pie in the sky shit and we split everything 50/50.

My hey dude. I need a check. I’m cutting out for happy hour and I might be judging a bikini contest at hooters tomorrow got old I’m sure
I refused to sign the original shareholders agreement that was offered me. It took 5 well-educated lawyers several years to reach agreement on a new agreement. Many knock-down-drag -outs, but we stuck together because we deserved each other. :)
 
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I refused to sign the original shareholders agreement that was offered me. It took 5 well-educated lawyers several years to reach agreement on a new agreement. Many knock-down-drag -outs, but we stuck together because we deserved each other. :)
I love it 🤣.
 
I refused to sign the original shareholders agreement that was offered me. It took 5 well-educated lawyers several years to reach agreement on a new agreement. Many knock-down-drag -outs, but we stuck together because we deserved each other. :)
I thereafter got offered a gig running a dept. old small firm. About 35-40 lawyers. 8 partners. Head guy and I were very close. Was horrible. All 8 of us on constantly changing deals, percentages, endless fights. Associates who were old and getting pieces of shit. Some had their own secret truck patches. Every day was a fight. Made it miserable. On top of horrible clients
 
My late father-in-law was of a similar constitution. He was an accountant for the Hunt family businesses in Texas (big oil tycoons, patriarch Lamar Hunt, original owner of the KC Chiefs nee Dallas Texans). My FIL worked into his early 80s but some cognitive decline was becoming apparent and he was asked to retire. He had said he'd never retire and was of a similar mindset.

He did find some post-retirement activities he enjoyed, mostly church related, and lived to 93. Around 90 we had to take away the car keys. It was becoming a Mr. Magoo situation and some innocent person was going to get hurt. It was tough getting through to him.

Good luck with your Dad.
 
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My late father-in-law was of a similar constitution. He was an accountant for the Hunt family businesses in Texas (big oil tycoons, patriarch Lamar Hunt, original owner of the KC Chiefs nee Dallas Texans). My FIL worked into his early 80s but some cognitive decline was becoming apparent and he was asked to retire. He had said he'd never retire and was of a similar mindset.

He did find some post-retirement activities he enjoyed, mostly church related, and lived to 93. Around 90 we had to take away the car keys. It was becoming a Mr. Magoo situation and some innocent person was going to get hurt. It was tough getting through to him.

Good luck with your Dad.
Thank you for your story. Your dad seems like a great guy that was asset to his company. Did you have to tell him to retire or did the company?
 
Thank you for your story. Your dad seems like a great guy that was asset to his company. Did you have to tell him to retire or did the company?
My father-in-law. I think the company nudged him hard, but with some help from the family side also. They were fairly tactful, giving him a timeframe (a year or so, or maybe 6 mo.??) to coach up others to take over all of his duties. Sounds like your Dad isn't getting any such runway, unfortunately. Or maybe your Dad's firm first tried a gentler / more subtle approach and he wasn't having any of it.
 
My father-in-law. I think the company nudged him hard, but with some help from the family side also. They were fairly tactful, giving him a timeframe (a year or so, or maybe 6 mo.??) to coach up others to take over all of his duties. Sounds like your Dad isn't getting any such runway, unfortunately. Or maybe your Dad's firm first tried a gentler / more subtle approach and he wasn't having any of it.
Well, he’s sort of the boss or at least the last remaining founder. The issue is if he commits malpractice it puts the rest of the attorneys in jeopardy or losing there malpractice insurance. He has been getting some hints over the last 2 years to slow down or not take any new cases. Hes pretty hard headed.

We’re planning to break the news Wednesday. My brother and I discussed the possible outcomes of emotions. He’s either going to be pissed, in denial, sad, or worried. We’ve already eliminated happy.

He’s someone that likes to be in control so this will be completely new for him.
 
He’s either going to be pissed, in denial, sad, or worried. We’ve already eliminated happy.
My mother-in-law tried to set up a retirement party and my FIL would have none of it. She did talk up the idea of now finally being able to travel more to see grandkids, visit national parks, etc. and that he can plan this trips. That may have warmed him up at least a little.
 
Having the big dinner/conversation with my parents tonight. Gotta admit I haven’t been this anxious in a long long time. My brother and I were talking about how we’re not sure if we can do this without tears.
 
Having the big dinner/conversation with my parents tonight. Gotta admit I haven’t been this anxious in a long long time. My brother and I were talking about how we’re not sure if we can do this without tears.
Tears are appropriate.
 
Having the big dinner/conversation with my parents tonight. Gotta admit I haven’t been this anxious in a long long time. My brother and I were talking about how we’re not sure if we can do this without tears.
You got this dude. Have a cup of coffee and a Pall Mall--relax and know you are doing the right thing.
 
AAA is a rip off.
You don't know my wife. They lose money on us. Every time she goes to Florida, she has them hook up the battery on the car she had disconnected last time she was there.

Then runs out of gas. Then runs the battery down. Then calls them when she has a low tire. Then calls them to unlock the car when she's locked the keys in the car.

I can't believe they don't throw on additional charges.
 
So I found out today (yesterday now) my 81 year old dad is being forced to retire next Thursday. I received a text from two of his partners that they needed to speak with my brother and I immediately. My dad is a successful attorney who has practiced law "his" way. In a time when I"m told there aren't many General Practioners, he's one of the good ones left. He and his orignail parter who has now since passed built a small independent practice and played the game on their own terms. My dad loves his work! I mean it's really a labor of love. The man goes into the office 7 days a week. The man refuses to get anesthesia when he has a colonscopy just so he can go back to the office. You'd think someone like that is married to his work and might just be neglectful to this kids. While he wasn't exactly the greatest dad, it wasn't because he was absent. In fact unless he had a trial in another city, he made it home for dinner every night of the week. But he loves going to the office. He has routinely said I will retire the day they put me in the ground. Being that my dad is also a horses ass, we've always been happy he has a labor of love to keep himself busy. The idea of retirment and my dad don't go along. The man has traveled the world, he goes out of his way to meet pepole of other cultures and learn their culture and food. I can't tell you how many clients he's made just by talking to strangers. He's taught law classes in other countries including Iraq, Mongolia and Poland. He's met the Dalai Lama and represented his brother for years. We've hiked to Everest Base Camp together. This was his third trip. He was one of the original founders of the Sci-fi channel and worked alongside Leonary Nemoy in it's earliest interation. He's had mulitple cases go to the Supreme Court. The man has lived his life by his own rules professionally and personally. My dad is also very, very private. He doesn't like to talk about his own health. It's actually been an issue my brother and I have pushed him about. We feel he has a repsonsibilty to share his health history if anything would be relevant to our own well being. My dad has always had terrible eye sight. For years he's needed cataract surgery on both eyes. I didn't quite understand until this year why he's put it off. Apparently my dad since he's been a kid has almost been legally blind in one of his eyes. He had surgery on one of his cataracts earlier this year. For some reason he had refused to get the other one done. The fear was there might be complications with this eye that has failed him for so long. It's incredible to me the amount of reading professionally and personally he's pushed himself through. He reads 2-3 books a week for enjoyment. HIs fear with getting surgery is if there's a complication he wouldn't be able to practice law.

So fast forward to today. My brother and I spoke with his current partners. When we heard he would be forced out next week we were left with a lot of questions. Apparently for the last couple of years he's been making LOTS of mistakes. The kind of mistakes that could cause his small firm to lose their malpractice insurance. Nobody wants this job of sitting down with him next week but it's happening and there's nothing I can do about it and he was heading towards a path of losing his license. He began forgetting details, forgetting to send exhibits and relying on his associated to carry the load. He may be somewhat aware of his situation, but if so he's certainly in denail. It seems his cognitive skills are now failing him or he's just starting to act 81.

Thanks for allowing me to use this as a place to process my thoughts and journal. Has anyone experienced something similar with a parent? I’d welcome your comments/suggestons.
Tell your dad I retired from lawing and it was the best thing I ever did. No worrying about other peoples problems is awesome.
 
They essentially already operate as an eat what you kill office.
He has a case load that is very specialized. Probably not more than a few in the country can take over his open cases. He specializes in wine litigation cases that represent both wineries and consumers. Here’s a quick little synopsis of his landmark case that went to the Supreme Court:

On June 26, 2019, by 7-2, the Supreme Court made it clear that states cannot prohibit interstate shipping direct to consumers by a business licensed to sell wine solely to protect in-state licensed businesses.

He’s been active in these cases for a good 20 years. It’s possible he could serve as an expert witness after retirement.
@mcmurtry66 I see a life changing opportunity for you here. Since Eppy's dad is one of the few in the country who can litigate this area, you volunteer to be his understudy. Eppy's dad mentors you and you do the legal work at his direction for a year or two.

Trips to Italy and Frence are mandatory for your 'training'. You impress their legal communities with your futbol skilz. You are the toast of Paris and Rome!

This is gold, I"m telling you.
 
I thereafter got offered a gig running a dept. old small firm. About 35-40 lawyers. 8 partners. Head guy and I were very close. Was horrible. All 8 of us on constantly changing deals, percentages, endless fights. Associates who were old and getting pieces of shit. Some had their own secret truck patches. Every day was a fight. Made it miserable. On top of horrible clients
35-40 lawyers is a small firm?
 
@mcmurtry66 I see a life changing opportunity for you here. Since Eppy's dad is one of the few in the country who can litigate this area, you volunteer to be his understudy. Eppy's dad mentors you and you do the legal work at his direction for a year or two.

Trips to Italy and Frence are mandatory for your 'training'. You impress their legal communities with your futbol skilz. You are the toast of Paris and Rome!

This is gold, I"m telling you.
35-40 lawyers is a small firm?
depends where you are but on the smaller side for sure
 
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Well….the man is pretty much in denial. We told him a couple of his partners called us with some concerns. He stopped us to say he knew exactly what we were talking about. He assured us everything is fine and just had a big win in court.

I then told him you’re walking into a meeting tomorrow and they’re going to ask you to retire. He said fine, take my name off the door and I’ll join another firm or set up my own shop.

I told him they have concerns about cognitive decline or if you’re just now acting your age. I told him he has a responsibility to himself, his family and his clients to get a clean bill of health.

He certainly didn’t show any anger. He said he’s not worried and he’s a big boy and can handle this. I guess his reaction made it much easier to pass along the message. No tears. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall in that room.

I’ll keep you all posted.
 
Well….the man is pretty much in denial. We told him a couple of his partners called us with some concerns. He stopped us to say he knew exactly what we were talking about. He assured us everything is fine and just had a big win in court.

I then told him you’re walking into a meeting tomorrow and they’re going to ask you to retire. He said fine, take my name off the door and I’ll join another firm or set up my own shop.

I told him they have concerns about cognitive decline or if you’re just now acting your age. I told him he has a responsibility to himself, his family and his clients to get a clean bill of health.

He certainly didn’t show any anger. He said he’s not worried and he’s a big boy and can handle this. I guess his reaction made it much easier to pass along the message. No tears. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall in that room.

I’ll keep you all posted.
Maybe it's a power play at his firm? He sounds pretty calm and in control.
 
Well….the man is pretty much in denial. We told him a couple of his partners called us with some concerns. He stopped us to say he knew exactly what we were talking about. He assured us everything is fine and just had a big win in court.

I then told him you’re walking into a meeting tomorrow and they’re going to ask you to retire. He said fine, take my name off the door and I’ll join another firm or set up my own shop.

I told him they have concerns about cognitive decline or if you’re just now acting your age. I told him he has a responsibility to himself, his family and his clients to get a clean bill of health.

He certainly didn’t show any anger. He said he’s not worried and he’s a big boy and can handle this. I guess his reaction made it much easier to pass along the message. No tears. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall in that room.

I’ll keep you all posted.
We’ll message him for the Auburn annual. I’m sorry it didn’t go as you wished eppy but you’re dealing with a cocksman. Is what it is
 
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Maybe it's a power play at his firm? He sounds pretty calm and in control

Maybe it's a power play at his firm? He sounds pretty calm and in control.
I don’t think it’s a power play. Everyone wants him to have a soft landing. They seem to think he may have committed malpractice and could put the rest in jeopardy. He doesn’t see it that way.
 
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Funny, he tried giving my oldest daughter a copy of Moby Dick. None of my kids want to read it. It’s kind of a running joke in our family but my girls often try and repackage it as a gift to eachother. Sort of rickrolling of books. They all say it's incredible boring. He drops books off to our house all the damn time.
Moby Dick is an impossible read. I had to read it in high school English. Brutal. Entire passages with detailed descriptions of ropes and knots on sailing ships.
 
Moby Dick is an impossible read. I had to read it in high school English. Brutal. Entire passages with detailed descriptions of ropes and knots on sailing ships.
Well, there are some real life uses there. Could have just bought them a book on sailing knots and ties.
 
So how did the meeting at the office go?
Thanks for checking in….i don’t want to make this a long post so I’ll just say it went enough. Assuming he medically clears he may opt to just take his name off the door and get malpractice insurance for himself. He’s def not interested in hanging it up. He was never angry when we told him, he said he was a big boy and could handle this meeting. So that’s what he did. This will continue to be a fluid situation.
 
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