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It’s a mystery why so many lawyers assume part-time practice is only for new moms and dads. The reality is that part-time work can be a smart and strategic move for senior attorneys who want to step back without stepping away. For solo and small firm lawyers, it provides a gradual transition that maintains strong client relationships, ensures steady income, and allows time to plan for a full retirement.
The Benefits of Working Part-Time
Part-time practice is an excellent fit for senior lawyers who still enjoy the work but are ready for a slower pace. It’s also a smart option for those unsure of what retirement will actually look like.
If you’re a solo or small firm owner considering retirement, shifting to part-time can be a meaningful and manageable first step. And it’s easier than you think. This post outlines everything you need to do.
The Emotional Upside of Part-Time Practice
For many attorneys, the idea of retirement brings up more than just financial concerns. It stirs questions about identity, purpose, and what comes next. After decades of building a reputation and serving clients, walking away completely can feel jarring.
Working part-time allows you to stay connected to the legal community and keep using the skills you’ve spent years refining. You’re still a lawyer, just on your terms.
Keeping a hand in the game also keeps your mind sharp. Practicing law is intellectually demanding, and many attorneys find the mental challenge rewarding. Part-time work allows you to continue engaging in meaningful problem-solving without the constant stress of a full-time workload.
Finally, part-time work adds structure. Full retirement can feel disorienting without the rhythm of client meetings, deadlines, or professional interactions. Even a few hours of work per week can provide a sense of stability, keeping your days purposeful and your weeks balanced.
Once you’ve decided that part-time practice makes sense, the next step is making it work in real life. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can go a long way.
Adjustment #1: Be More Selective With Your Client-Base
One of the key advantages of part-time practice is the ability to be more intentional about who you work with. When you are not trying to fill a full calendar, you have the space to evaluate each potential client more carefully. You can screen for red flags during the initial consultation and trust your instincts if something feels off.
If you sense it is not a good fit, you can politely decline. You are not the only lawyer available, and it is perfectly fine to refer them elsewhere.
This selective approach helps you protect your time, energy, and professional satisfaction. It also allows you to build a smaller, more aligned client base that reflects the kind of work and relationships you want in this next chapter of your career.
Adjustment #2: Raise Your Fees
In addition to saying “no” more often, increasing your fees can be one of the most effective ways to transition to a part-time workload. This is especially true when many of your prospective clients are referred to your practice. These clients are often more focused on trust and results than on price. As long as your rates are within a reasonable range, most will not push back.
You might be thinking, “What if I lose some clients by raising my rates?” That is actually part of the strategy. In fact, if you don’t lose clients, you should keep raising your rates until you do!
Fewer clients means fewer demands on your time. And those who choose to work with you will contribute more to your bottom line. In many cases, you may earn the same—or even more—while doing less.
Practical Considerations of Shifting To Part-Time
Shifting to part-time practice comes with certain practical responsibilities. First, consider how to communicate your new availability to clients. While you don’t need to make a formal announcement, it’s wise to clarify expectations, especially around response times and scheduling. Transparency builds trust and helps prevent misunderstandings.
You’ll also want to revisit your malpractice insurance. If your workload and risk exposure are decreasing, a lower-premium policy may be appropriate—but don’t make cuts without speaking to your carrier. Even part-time work still carries liability.
Lastly, be careful not to overextend yourself. It’s easy to say yes out of habit, only to find your part-time schedule filling up fast. Protect your time and energy by clearly defining your workload limits and sticking to them.
Common Misconceptions About Part-Time Lawyering
Many seasoned attorneys are reluctant to transition to part-time practice, often due to persistent misconceptions about the benefits of part-time practice. Let’s set the record straight.
Myth #1: “Clients won’t work with a part-time lawyer.”
Clients care more about responsiveness and trust than how many hours you work. If you set expectations clearly, most will gladly work with you—especially in non-urgent practice areas like estate planning or business advising.
Myth #2: “You can’t deliver the same quality of service with reduced hours.”
A smaller caseload often means more focus. With fewer matters on your desk, your work may actually improve. Many part-time attorneys find that they have more energy and attention to devote to each client.
Myth #3: “It’s not financially viable.”
With higher rates, smarter case selection, and, if feasible, lower overhead, part-time work can still provide a steady income. Many lawyers discover they can earn nearly the same while working fewer hours and enjoying a more balanced life. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Bottom line: Part-time lawyering isn’t a compromise. It’s a strategic choice that offers more control and better work-life balance.
But Won’t Downsizing Affect a Possible Future Sale?
As a lawyer, you’ll appreciate this answer: It depends. But I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it.
Depending on your practice area and how much you downsize, the firm’s overall numbers may not suffer all that much if you work part-time. Even if they do suffer, you’ll still likely come out ahead. That’s because the extra money you will have earned by working part-time will usually exceed any loss in the firm’s value when selling.
The alternative is to keep working full-time to preserve the firm’s top value. However, this comes with increased stress, reduced flexibility, and often a delayed transition. Even after the sale, you’ll likely need to stay involved for a significant amount of time to help the buyer take over smoothly.
Easing into part-time work gives you more control over your schedule. You can earn income while scaling back, reduce the likelihood of burnout, and, in many cases, still leave behind a valuable, sellable practice.
Is It Time to Slow Down Without Stepping Away?
Take a moment to reflect:
- What parts of your practice still feel meaningful?
- Who are your special clients or client types?
- What would an ideal week look like to you, both in and out of the office?
- What do you want more of in your life—time, travel, health, freedom, money?
There’s no single blueprint for winding down a legal career. Some attorneys are ready for full retirement, while others seek a more balanced life without abandoning the profession entirely. If you’re unsure about retirement, but certain that something needs to change, part-time practice may be the right next step.
For expert guidance on how part-time practice fits into your long-term succession plan, schedule a confidential consultation with Roy Ginsburg. With over two decades of experience helping attorneys transition their practices, Roy can help you create a strategy that protects your clients, secures your financial future, and gives you peace of mind.
