Attorney Rich Levine of Evergreen, Colorado shared the following about his job.
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| Attorney Rich Levine |
What's your typical work day look like?
I am fortunate to office in an open, spacious, sunny and airy
office in Evergreen. I arrive early, most days, along with my dog,
Abraham Lincoln. I try to focus quickly on the priorities for the day,
and to be ready when the staff arrives. I often have court appearances,
assignments to write court briefs, and many types of matters for clients
outside the courtroom. I’m fortunate to see clients every day, so I am
not isolated, but rather engaged with my clients. I serve on several
boards, and teach, so, often I am in meetings, classrooms or board rooms
several times a week. Today, for example, we are carrying some 80 active
matters, and we set weekly progress for them. The range of issues
involves litigation (business and personal injuries), real estate transactions,
estate planning, intellectual property, contract negotiations, and so on.
It’s very important to be organized, and to have reliable and talented people
supporting the work, and to trust those who are engaged in the work.
Best thing about the job
I’m not certain. Perhaps it is the chance to be connected with my community, so many of whom are friends. I try to see the work as the chance to be genuinely helpful to people who may face challenges, or sometimes who are pursuing their own ambitions in business, or in family life. I appreciate the trust of my clients and colleagues.
Worst thing about the job
I would prefer that I did not have to bill my time. I enjoy the work very much, however, I try to be aware and respectful of the investment of the clients in our services. Often my clients are friends, and I care about my clients as people. Billing a friend, or someone I care about ~ that can make me feel crummy.
I would prefer that I did not have to bill my time. I enjoy the work very much, however, I try to be aware and respectful of the investment of the clients in our services. Often my clients are friends, and I care about my clients as people. Billing a friend, or someone I care about ~ that can make me feel crummy.
Career Duration
I’ve been an attorney since 1986 and do not feel like I’m within a retirement window yet. I have litigated in Federal and State Courts, served as General Counsel for the 1994 World Cup, run sports teams and events, worked in major cities, traveled professionally to Europe, South America, and many States in the US. So, it has been over 30 years, and I remain excited to practice law, teach, and serve on Boards.
Stress Level (high, med, low)
I am aware of how many colleagues report this profession as very stressful. Certainly there are moments when it seems very charged and challenging, especially in courtroom related settings. In general, it has not seem overwhelming to me. I wake up eager and optimistic, and usually end my day nearly as eager and optimistic. I think working for myself is something of a blessing in that regard. I know I am accountable to myself and the clients – and that feels right. Sometimes in settings where I have had a “boss”, the metrics seem bureaucratic and arbitrary ~ those environments feel stressful to me. I try to reduce stress by having certain things around me ~ natural light/windows, art work that speaks to me, good colleagues who care about me and vice versa, clean water, fresh air, and mostly healthy food (not junk food). If I stick to that, the days feel fine. Hours Sitting I won’t dare say. Too many. OK ~ more than 8
Hours Moving
Very few – it is a sedentary profession.
Weekend Hours
I work every weekend. Often it is school work (lecture prep and grading),
or office administration, running down emails.
Best Personality Type for the job
I think optimists are good lawyers. The caricature of the angry, argumentative and overbearing types abound. None of these personalities seem particularly effective to me, as lawyers. When I meet colleagues who are optimists who take ideas seriously and care about people, then I know we are headed for a good result.
I think optimists are good lawyers. The caricature of the angry, argumentative and overbearing types abound. None of these personalities seem particularly effective to me, as lawyers. When I meet colleagues who are optimists who take ideas seriously and care about people, then I know we are headed for a good result.
Daily Hours
I’m confident I put in about eleven hours a day. My family would say more.
I’m confident I put in about eleven hours a day. My family would say more.
Shift
7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and then a few hours late night.
7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and then a few hours late night.
Need a License?
Yes – lawyers must be licensed in any State in which they practice. I am admitted in Colorado, California and Washington, DC.
Yes – lawyers must be licensed in any State in which they practice. I am admitted in Colorado, California and Washington, DC.
Minimum Education
A Juris doctorate (so, graduate of law school). I have a JD from
University of California at Berkeley
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