Attorney Robert Simon, the founder of the Simon Law Group and Justice HQ, has always thought outside of the box when it comes to being a lawyer. He's a legal innovator working hard to change the way law firms are structured, how lawyers are viewed, and how lawyers live. 

What is the new lawyer lifestyle? 

Robert Simon: The new lawyer lifestyle changes the way the legal industry traditionally works to create a more balanced life for attorneys. It means having equity in all of the cases you work on. Having complete control of your time and using your own time to make your own dime. 

The new lawyer lifestyle is working virtually, working hours in the morning, getting in a workout in the morning before the kids get up. It's doing as many meetings virtually as possible. It's working from home or a virtual workspace. It's community-driven like Justice HQ. The new lawyer lifestyle is having everything set up virtually so you can take a deposition from the South of France or meet a client with an attorney who's co-counseling with you. It's whatever you want it to be.

What's the difference between the new versus the traditional lawyer lifestyle? 

Robert Simon: The traditional lawyer lifestyle is like Dolly Parton working 9 to 5 song. With the new lawyer lifestyle, you're not working 9 to 5 anymore, but you own your time. You can take breaks when you want, spend time with your kids, take vacations, and your calendar isn't dictated by the 830am-6pm timing where you must physically be in an office, sitting behind a desk and wearing a suit.

How can lawyers embrace this new lifestyle? 

Robert Simon: When COVID hit, it was almost like the Great Pause. It let people see what values they hold and how their lives fit into them. It also allowed us to create new values. For instance, many lawyers couldn't see how it was possible to integrate technology into their practice in the legal industry. The Simon Law Group which is the firm I started with my twin brother Brad, was using technology in our practice every day for years. COVID starting to open people's eyes. 

I still think many people don't realize that there's such a unique ability now with free platforms and social media out there, things like Tik Tok, Clubhouse, and LinkedIn where you can get your message out directly to consumers and other advocates. These opportunities never existed before, and now you can do it all from home wearing just your underwear, or you could be in a suit Downtown in the Justice HQ office if you want the comradery and connection. But that's the beauty of the new lawyer lifestyle!