Litigation burn-out - part-time solution in 50's?

[Anonymous]

I know this is not a unique gripe. I'm 51, 24 years into my litigation career, non-equity partner at a mid-size firm and pretty respected and successful, and I simply cannot do it anymore. The hours, the stress, the ruined weekends and vacations and the sleepless nights. I know it's perimenopause too but my job is making me ill. I don't need to make this level of salary anymore and am considering a negotiation of an of-counsel, part-time role where I take on discrete tasks/briefs/consults - but this seems unheard of. I do think my practice group wouldn't want me to walk away and I'm not really interested in finding another job elsewhere, I just cannot do this litigation grind anymore. Anyone tried this or heard of a serious ramp-down at this stage of practice?

[Anonymous]

Ha! I could have written this word for word though I have a hybrid litigation/corporate practice. Thinking the same thing but doubt PT would work. Who is going to handle my matters for me? I have a significant book of my own and going PT is just not viable. Instead, I have a hard stop end-date in mind for retirement that is not too far off and that is keeping me going. So instead of PT, I am doing (semi) early retirement. Also trying to care less about the job.

Not that I have all the answers. I would go PT in a heartbeat if it was viable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha! I could have written this word for word though I have a hybrid litigation/corporate practice. Thinking the same thing but doubt PT would work. Who is going to handle my matters for me? I have a significant book of my own and going PT is just not viable. Instead, I have a hard stop end-date in mind for retirement that is not too far off and that is keeping me going. So instead of PT, I am doing (semi) early retirement. Also trying to care less about the job.

Not that I have all the answers. I would go PT in a heartbeat if it was viable.

OP - thanks... yes the alternative is early retirement. Which is not exactly what I want! I do think the firm would rather have half of me than all of me for a variety of reasons (and I'd rather have half the salary than none to be honest). Good luck with your journey - I'm definitely with you in caring less about the job!

[Anonymous]

** half of me than none of me

[Anonymous]

What about an e-discovery firm instead.

[Anonymous]

Doesn’t hurt to ask! Design your offer and make it. Either way you should be thinking about mentoring and transitioning your clients.

I gave up litigation after 5 years and went to government. I am at same age and stage and I love my job and coworkers but am so over it and just want to work part time too! Good luck!!