May 2021
Focus
D al l as Bar A ssoci ati on l Headnotes 23
Solo & Small Firm and Mergers & Acquisitions
A Solo Practioner’s Reflections and Gratitude BY JILL TANANBAUM
None of us is thinking that a global pandemic is a positive event, but COVID-19 positively changed my perception of the DBA. I joined the Dallas Bar Association 25 years ago upon moving from Coudert Brothers in New York City to Jones Day in Dallas. After my first son Kyle was born, I decided to leave big firm life and take a break, which turned out to be short-lived. Almost by accident, I started a solo advisory and litigation practice, and then my second son Jason was born. Caring for my family, advising and representing my clients, pro bono work, and serving on non-profit boards was my universe. Learning more about the DBA’s offerings was always in the back of my mind, but it was a time challenge to leave the office, drive to the DBA, find a parking spot, grab a salad, and find a spot at a table where I felt comfortable. The intimidation factor definitely exists— most solo practitioners attend DBA programs alone as they do not have work colleagues in the office with whom they can attend. The DBA was quick to pivot (a word we no longer associate only with Ross directing Rachel and Chandler in the stairwell as they moved a sofa) by offering all-inclusive online programming and excellent CLE content. While all lawyers and firms were scrambling to figure out how to practice law after March 13, 2020, for solo practitioners this process was particularly overwhelming. The early pandemic presentations were invaluable for solos to learn the nuances of force majeure as it applies to helping our cli-
ents get out of, or enforce, contractual obligations, how to help clients obtain PPP funding, what level of PPE protection medical providers should provide to medical staff, and how some parents were interpreting their possession schedules in light of school closures following spring break. The programming also touched on new technology and equipment to make our now-virtual practices run smoothly. With online presentations, I saw faces up close and learned about the personalities of many local legal legends, young attorneys, judges, and other professionals with whom I normally do not interact. The first months of mandatory quarantine were isolating and scary. Restaurants, social clubs, gyms, theaters, and stores were closed. These shutdowns uniquely affected the solo practitioners’ work and social dynamics. I looked forward to the DBA Zoom CLEs and presentations as a way to connect with others in my profession while the way we practiced law was turned upside down or shut down. We were socially distanced, yet social. I remember one district court judge revealing to us that she held hearings between teaching her child and walking around the neighborhood, which is why she wore running shoes with her judicial robe. Another judge showed us the free weights she used because she could no longer work out at the gym. Several lawyers showed us their informal personas by sitting outside in their backyard retreats. Judges revealed what series they were watching and which books they were reading. I liked viewing the personal art collections on the walls behind the presenters. I was moved by one criminal defense attorney’s experience with
suicide in her family and the incredible advocate she is for mental health awareness and treatment. I was able to share common stories with previously unfamiliar opposing counsel following the 2020 virtual Bench Bar Conference, when it was revealed that my name was at the top of the leader board for the Bench Bar’s Gamification app. As a solo practitioner, we are often invisible at big conferences. Suddenly, with online presentations and the chat feature to ask questions, each person became more relatable to me. I became more familiar (albeit virtually) with many DBA members through the online CLEs, the mental health programming, the important race discussions, celebrating 100 years of women’s right to vote, the DBA President’s videos with the catchy jingle, and Amy Stewart’s “Rona Talks.” It took a quarter of a century and a pandemic, but I now feel comfortable “cold calling” other DBA members, elected officials, and federal appointees, no matter their level or stature in the legal profession. I have hired and recommended several legal specialists for my clients during the past 12 months specifically because of their online presentations and how they connected with the Zoom audience. Each displayed an impressive level of expertise, but also exceptional humanity, care, and concern for the DBA membership and our community. I feel more connected to the DBA today because we share common cares and concerns. There is so much good in the DBA. I have made a mental note of who I will want as part of my dream team of lawyers if I ever return to big firm practice. My yearlong virtual DBA experi-
ence greatly helped me and other solo practitioners. When the world reopens, I believe the DBA will implement many of the positives from our collective yearlong COVID-19 odyssey and continue to make its programming accessible to members all over the world. When my son Jason told me he had been randomly assigned as the on-campus student council representative to escort an attorney who came to speak about mental health and awareness, I knew right away who she was. He was surprised and said he now understands the benefits of “all those online DBA programs” I watched. Whether we are jurists, newly admitted attorneys, big firm lawyers, small firm lawyers, solo practitioners, or retired practitioners, the DBA proved important for all of us, and has helped to educate us about the evolving laws and new rules (who decided to implement new discovery rules during a pandemic?). Moreover, the DBA has educated us and engaged us in conversation about many significant issues and topics that have come to the forefront of our daily conversations over the past year. I am grateful for all the DBA has done since March 2020 to help members, particularly solo practitioners, stay connected and informed throughout the pandemic. When the DBA asks for donations for various causes, I am now quick to support them. To the Dallas Bar Association: Thank you for informing, educating, engaging, and entertaining us, and keeping us mentally healthy during a global pandemic. HN Jill Tananbaum is solo practitioner and may be reached at jill. tananbaum@gmail.com.
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