I, for one, am still in denial.  It can’t possibly be later than March or so.

But our summer associates have started, the kids are almost done with school for the year and it’s supposed to hit 90 degrees over the weekend.

I guess it must be summer.

When you don’t have kids, you plan fabulous vacations for yourself.  I remember those relaxing trips to the beach. But when you’re a parent, summer takes on a whole new meaning. When you’re a parent, you plan an entire summer’s worth of “vacations.” By that, I mean a patchwork of summer camps, summer programs, play dates, family vacations, and trips to the local ice cream shop.

And that trip to the beach? We tried using the MSBA’s Annual Meeting last year as a catalyst for our first family beach vacation.

It was a great idea, but It was also anything but relaxing. (I will spare you the gory details.)

What it was, though, was memorable. The kids remember it, despite the fact that they were only 2 and 3 1/2 when they went. They have asked repeatedly if we can go back to the beach again. And, yes, they also fondly remember the goody bags from the annual meeting exhibitors.

So, we will be taking the same trip again this year. I’m sure that it will still be a challenge. I’m sure that we will still come home exhausted. And I’m sure that it will be different now that the kids are a year older.

But I also suspect that it will be equally memorable this year.

And, as a parent (lawyer or not), what more could you ask for than to have a family vacation that both you and your kids remember for years to come?

(As an aside, I would not consider myself “rich.” I am part of the 99 percent, constantly concerned about the financial state of the Siri household, but the term “rich-people problems” has a much better ring that “upper-middle-class problems” or “hoping to eventually be part of the 1 percent but not there yet problems.”)

My personal problems  include: suffering Achilles tendonitis because of over-training for my spring marathon, debating between refinancing to a 20 year or 30 year mortgage, deciding whether to hold our oldest son back one year before kindergarten so he will be the oldest in his class (see Outliers) and figuring out how to balance the additional (non-billable) responsibilities of partnership at my law firm.

Obviously, these are all things very important to me but nothing earth shattering for others. Recently, however, I experienced a situation that put all of my problems in perspective.

This year, I have decided to dedicate all of my pro bono hours to the Homeless Persons Representation Project’s criminal expungement program. The law on criminal expungement in Maryland is straightforward and you can help a number of individuals without an extensive time commitment per case. Each case takes between an hour or two, which includes research, filling out the forms, meeting with clients and filing the requests.

During my second round of client interviews, I met a man who had never been convicted of a crime (and he also shared the same birthday of one of my children, which made him more notable to me). A very nice guy with a couple of charges on his record, but again, no convictions.  He went back to school and got a technical degree but was having a difficult time finding a job because of the results of a criminal background check. We had a nice talk and filled out most of the paperwork, but I needed to draft another motion in which he would have to sign. I got his email address and told him that I would email him in the next day or two.

A couple of days later, I sent him an email: “Attached is the draft of the Petition. Please review and contact me if you have any questions. If the facts are accurate, can you please sign at the bottom and mail to my attention.” No response.  One week later, I sent a follow-up email: “I wanted to follow up to see if you have had a chance to sign the verification and mail it back to me.  As soon as we get it, we will file with the Court.” No response. Somewhat frustrated, I sent another email and leave a voicemail message.

I eventually received a voicemail message from my client: “Mr. Siri, we met a few week ago. I’m the one with the same birthday as your son. I have gotten your emails and I want to sign it, but I don’t know how to sign it on the computer. Can you give me a call back? Thanks for your help.”

BAM! In my somewhat sheltered existence, where I have decided to go paperless by using my iPad and grown accustomed to having technology at my disposal, I did not even realize that he did not have access to a printer. I did not realize that some people’s problems are things that I take for granted when I walk into my office each day.

My client’s problem is he doesn’t have resources at his disposal. My client’s problem is he doesn’t understand how the legal system works and need me to help him. My client’s problem is he wants to get a job that pays him a living wage so he can help support his children. As his attorney, my client’s problems are now my problems. I quickly returned his call and told him that I would sent a hard copy by mail with a self addressed stamped envelope. Everything has been filed and we are awaiting word from the court.

In retrospect, this is one of the reasons why I do pro bono work. It centers me and shows me that, relative to others, I need to appreciate what I have. It also makes me want to work harder for my clients, so they can have a fair shot.

I often wonder why I put myself through such torture during my endless training periods before a race and am always reminded of the answer when I finish: I run because I am in control and no one else is dependent on me for a “win.”

I have logged over 800 miles this past year and only 130 of those miles are race miles. I’ve been running for about two-and-a-half years and when I signed up for my first race, the Marine Corps Historic Half marathon, I had no clue that I would love it so much. As a matter of fact, it was supposed to be my only race that year. But I felt such a sense of accomplishment so shortly after the race that I registered for a 5K and another half-marathon that year.

Working as a family law attorney, I am often faced with addressing my clients’ emotional issues as well as their legal issues. While at the office, I have to multitask and can’t focus on one case at a time. I’m also unable to leave my clients’ issues at the office, and I think it’s safe to say I am not the only attorney. I think I would be doing my clients a disservice if I considered my job as an 8-to-5. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, but sometimes it can be mentally exhausting and I need a chance to decompress.

That’s where running comes in. I enjoy it because I have a chance to drift into my own world with my thoughts. There are no distractions of phone calls, text messages, emails or television. I have time to process things and my thoughts seem to become clearer. My mind is consistently spinning and it’s hard to shut it off.

During a run, I have an opportunity to step back, isolate my thoughts and contemplate all sorts of stuff. I’ve come up with some great case strategies, such as how to proceed procedurally or how to present my case at trial. I’ve also made personal decisions, such as where to go for vacation or how to make Mother’s Day special for my mom and sisters.

The only distractions during a run tend to be the occasional biker that says “on your left” or the runner that laps me. (I don’t consider myself competitive but I hate to get lapped.) Running has become my outlet; I know that for at least one hour, four-to-five times a week, I will have some Mahasin time. I’m in the driver’s seat and someone else doesn’t dictate my time. I can go at my own pace wherever I want and think about whatever I want. If I start off a run frustrated or overwhelmed, absent an injury, I usually always finish feeling accomplished a rejuvenated.

If the town is remote (population 97), the property on which we camp is even more so. It is surrounded on three sides by state game land and is primarily wooded. There is a dirt road through the woods that leads to a clearing, on which we pitch our tents, build our fire and spend most of our time.

There are certain traditions that have evolved — pizza grilled cheeses, a circle of chairs around the campfire, games during the day and a creepy, late-night hike through the woods to an abandoned house that sits on the property.

But my favorite part of these trips is disconnecting from the “real world.” Phone reception is limited, there is no running water and there is no electricity. Unless you drive into town, you will not see anyone other than the camping group for the entire weekend. The nearest store is about a 25-minute drive away.

I give myself permission to put the “out-of-office assistant” on my email and to leave my cell in the car for this trip. I give myself permission to leave my real life and all of the obligations, responsibilities and stress in Baltimore. For this weekend, my purpose is to enjoy the scenery and the company.

Aside from cooking and games (Frisbee, wiffle ball, boccie ball, etc.), there is no agenda on this trip. There is nowhere else to be and nothing else to be doing.

Time in Shade Gap seems to stand still; the hours stretch to the point that any concept of time is eventually lost. At noon on Saturday, for example, I was certain that it was nearly dinnertime.

On Saturday afternoon, a group of us ventured into the woods for a hike that I had not done before. We followed a trail for about 30 minutes that led to a clearing with breathtaking views. Blue skies painted a beautiful backdrop for rolling hills and and a picturesque tree line. I took a deep breath; this is exactly what the doctor had ordered.

Later that night, I looked up at a sky blanketed by stars. It is not a scene that I can adequately describe. It is not a view you could ever see in the city, not even on the clearest of nights. On that mountain, away from the lights of civilization, the night sky was incredible.

I kept the top off of my tent and fell asleep looking out into that starry abyss. I could hear the sounds of the woods around me and the laughter of campers who were still awake coming from the campfire. I could not help but smile as I fell into a deep sleep.

On Sunday morning, we had our coffee, sat around the fire for one last, relaxing moment and then began the unfortunate task of packing up and heading back to reality.

We stopped at a little mom-and-pop shop on our way out of Shade Gap for the kind of delicious home-cooking that you can only get in a sleepy little town. Everything was farm-to-table, nothing came out of a bag or a freezer, and not one bit of it was good for me.

The store was an all-in-one gas station/grocery/convenience/apparel/hardware/auto store and restaurant. The employees made fun of each other and of their customers, who they of course knew by name, and, by the time we had finished our meal, they were poking fun at us as well.

When I arrived home in Baltimore and finally showered, did laundry and cleaned my gear, I felt like a new person. I was ready to start the week with a recharged attitude.

Particularly for busy professionals, it is vital that from time-to-time we slow down, limit distractions and decompress. It is important to disconnect from the outside world, to take a deep breath and truly to just be in the moment. Smartphones, the Internet, email — it all makes slowing down and truly being in the moment nearly impossible.

Even if you only can retreat into your backyard for a few hours or go for a short walk, make the time to break away when you can. Put the phone away, walk away from your computer and enjoy this beautiful world around you.

When he walks through the room for the first time after his mission statement has been distributed, his colleagues all start clapping. While Jerry basks in his colleagues’ applause, one leans to another and says that Jerry will probably last only another week at the agency. If you’ve seen the movie, then you know that Jerry is fired shortly after distributing his mission statement and that his own words (“Fewer clients. Less money.”) are used against him by the man who fires him — the wonderfully named Bob Sugar.

I mention Jerry Maguire as a way into what has happened at mega-firm Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in recent weeks and what is means for everyone who practices law. As you have probably read, Dewey & LeBoeuf will almost certainly be forced to close its doors in a matter of days. Most of the partners have jumped ship to other mega firms. For a time, all employees were rumored to have lost their health benefits due to the firm’s inability to pay its carrier. Its former managing partner is being investigated by the New York District Attorney.

As I understand it, the firm’s downfall was caused in no small part by guaranteed payouts to partners based upon their past ability to generate work. The New York Times has called Dewey & LeBoeuf a cautionary tale and has suggested — much like Jerry Maguire — that it is “time for lawyers to reshape corporate practice so they make less money, have time to serve other legal needs and approach their work with the independence that would make them true professionals.”

The underlying indictment behind the Times’ editorial is the same one I saw recently in the quote-a-day legal calendar my mother-in-law gave me as a stocking stuffer last Christmas. The quote for April 11 read: “To a large extent, lawyers have shed traditionally professional qualities, and the law has become an ordinary trade whose success is measured by profits.”

Of course, Jerry Maguire opens his own firm after he is fired and promptly forgets about his mission statement. In an desperate attempt to maintain his relationship with a prized college quarterback who will be taken first or second in the coming draft, he neglects the one client who elects to follow him to his new firm. It is, of course, the lessons of loyalty, sacrifice and friendship that Jerry needs to — and does — learn that ultimately makes the story satisfying.

I wonder, though, about where this leaves me, as an attorney working in private practice, grinding hard to both build my book of business and meet my billable hour goals. I wonder about this idea of true professionalism and what it means for the future practice of law, for both me and everyone.

Are profits and professionalism diametrically opposed? Are the only choices Jerry Maguire or Dewey & LeBoeuf? Or is there a middle ground where profits and professionalism can coexist? I, for one, certainly hope so.

Recently, the ABA Journal provided an overview of ethics opinions on lawyers and law firms using these services. The state bar associations in North Carolina, South Carolina and New York have issued opinions suggesting it’s OK for lawyers to jump on the deal-of-the-day coupon bandwagon. As this phenomenon spreads, I am willing to bet that more bar associations will also opine on the issue. Here are three main concerns discussed in these opinions:

1)  Does this kind of payment arrangement amount to fee splitting with non-lawyers, which is prohibited by Rule 5.4 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as the ethics rules of all the states?

2) Are advertisements for discounted legal services using this “couponing” method inappropriate for attorneys to use from a professionalism or appearance standpoint?

3) Is a “couponing” for business a good business model for attorneys?

One analysis of the fee-splitting issue says it does not amount to more than a payment of reasonable advertising costs. The South Carolina Bar’s advisory opinion states the fee charged by the website operator amounts to payment of the reasonable cost of permitted advertising by a lawyer rather than sharing the lawyer’s fee.

“The fact that the charge for this form of advertising service is deducted up front by the company rather than invoiced and then paid from the lawyer’s operating account does not transform the transaction from the payment of advertising costs into an improper fee split,” the opinion states.

A second analysis in the opinion concludes that the transaction does constitute fee splitting but the transaction still is OK “as long as the website does not have the ability to exercise any control over the services which are to be subsequently rendered by the attorney.”

“Sharing fees with a non-lawyer may be permitted where the circumstances do not suggest any encroachment on the lawyer’s independent judgment,” the opinion states.

On the propriety front, the “couponing” method may carve out a new perspective about how law firms communicate their fee information to potential clients and how they advertise. But the perception of a “legal Groupon” is difficult for some to overcome.

“There have been people who say that [it] is not appropriate. It makes us look like we’re in the bazaar, not practicing law,” Ronald C. Minkoff, a partner at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz in New York City, told the ABA Journal.

Finally, the most important question is whether online coupon advertising will catch on with lawyers and whether it is a good business model. Robin Iori, a marketing director based in Chicago, told the ABA Journal using such services might be limited to one-time hits, rather than the repeat business most lawyers want.

“I don’t necessarily think it would build a really great practice because you’re going in with the idea of discounting it from day one,” she said.

On the flip side, she said that younger legal consumers, who are accustomed to meeting their needs on the Internet or through these types of deals, might find coupon sites a desirable way to seek out legal services.

What are your thoughts? Is a coupon for legal services too “out there” at this point in time? Would you purchase a “groupon” for legal services?

Just about every year there are bills proposed in the Maryland General Assembly to help protect the homeless. In fact, Maryland is a leader in legislation protecting the homeless and in 2009 became the first state to pass a law classifying crimes against the homeless as hate crimes. (Other states, including Rhode Island, soon passed their own versions of the bill.)

But Maryland still has its struggles with this issue. Just recently Baltimore City faced a controversy when it shut off the power supply to a homeless shelter after the shelter allegedly didn’t pay its bills. The shelter alleges that the city owes the shelter money; hopefully the sides will reach a resolution so this vulnerable population isn’t left without a safe haven.

(For more about the homeless in Baltimore, check out this blog. It’s written by a formerly homeless man living in Baltimore. It hasn’t been updated recently but the posts are personal and informative.)

Statistics on the number of attacks on homeless people are extremely sad — 1,184 cases of violence since 1999, according to one report. And these are only the cases that we know about. It’s likely that there are many more incidents that go unreported.

The homeless already have such a small voice in our society; I can’t imagine what it must be like to face discrimination from the people that you need help from. It’s enough of a struggle for them to try and to survive and get their lives together. (Check out the comments in the story about the Rhode Island law to see some of the hatred that exists.) Although this Rhode Island bill may be difficult to enforce, I believe it is an important step in protecting the homeless.

As my friends know, I’m a science-fiction fanatic. With “Star Trek” off the television airwaves, I’ve had to find enjoyment elsewhere. I’ve come to know and love the British series Doctor Who and recently discovered that one of the writers of Doctor Who also created a modern spin on Sherlock Holmes for the BBC.

I’m a little late to the game — I started last week with season two (it airs Sunday nights on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery!). I watched the first episode of the season and highly recommend it. (Nerdy sci-fi note: the actor who plays Sherlock in the BBC production is also cast in the next “Star Trek” movie. Reports are that he will play Kirk’s (original timeline) nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh).

It got me thinking about the how our profession is like a mystery story. For personal injury lawyers, many cases are about unfolding mysteries. Sure, there are some garden variety automobile accidents, but almost every case brings something interesting to the table. I’ve found defendants through Facebook, surveyed hours of MTV video footage to identify the events surrounding a crowd crush incident and pored through tens of thousands of pages of documents to identify corporate wrongdoing. Particularly in the beginning, when that new phone call comes in and the facts need to be pieced together to determine if something actionable happened. It’s a thrill.

The thing about mysteries is that they are not usually as sexy in real life. Rarely solved through Holmesian deduction, they require methodical plodding and fact-checking. One of the smartest and most effective lawyers I know was an investigative journalism major — his depositions are a wonder to behold. The key in this line of work is to keep pushing, to keep asking questions and to accumulate as much data as possible. That’s how crimes get solved.

My presentation will focus on how social media can be used effectively by lawyers. From blogging to LinkedIn to Facebook and Twitter, social media can help you find new audiences for your work and can put you in control of your professional reputation. There are a few lawyers who have perfected the art of using these social media platforms for professional purposes.  Check out the Connecticut Employment Law Blog, the Ohio Employer’s Law Blog, and The Employer Handbook.

My materials include, among other things, a list of tips on how lawyers can use social media effectively. I think one of the most important is, “don’t be afraid to show your personality.” Tastefully and professionally, of course, and in moderation.

We spend so many of our waking hours thinking about work and do so much of our communication and networking electronically that it is far too easy for us, the online generation of lawyers, to lose who we are as individuals. We may not think about it, but in divorcing our personal lives from our professional lives so completely, we are losing the things that set us apart and that can help us naturally identify with colleagues, potential clients and referral sources.

If you Google me, the first thing that comes up is my profile on my firm’s webpage.  Second is my LinkedIn profile, followed by other social media results such as JD Supra, Facebook and Twitter. You’ll find articles that I’ve written and Bar Association results, but there are also more personal results.

You will see my Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation fundraising page, you will find information about my pro bono client and children’s school, Bryant Woods Montessori Children’s House, and you will find my posts on this blog where I talk about work-related things as well as my kids, my family, my practice assistant, my fantasy football team and my thoughts about fast food play areas.

The first set of online content will give someone an idea of my professional qualifications and may encourage someone to contact me for my professional opinion on one of those topics.

But it is the personal set of content that will give people an idea of who I am as a person, what I am like to work with and whether my interests align with theirs. It may also give a reader more of a sense of my judgment than an alert on a breaking news item would. And, as lawyers, isn’t our judgment a little more important than our ability to summarize the news? Keeping at least some personality in your social media will also help you develop and maintain relationships.

I will leave you with my favorite blog (and some of my favorite recent posts from the blog, here, here, here, and here).  This is not a law blog, but a personal blog with an impressive 13,000 unique visitors per month.  It is an excellent example of how tastefully personal blogging can be done.

I am sorry it has been such a long time since I last wrote, but the life of a lawyer is not easy. It’s been almost two years since I last wrote and a lot of things have changed and a lot of things are the same.

I made partner this year, which has required more (non-billable) work. The kids are getting older: Braden is almost five and Kyan is a rambunctious two-year-old. Some days, Michelle and I battle to a draw with the kids, but for the most part, they are winning the war at home. I’ve even been able to squeeze in a few marathons since I last wrote, most recently one in New Jersey on Sunday.

But enough about me (and the potential discussion on partnership, family planning and work-life balance). Let’s talk about you.

The legal job market is still fairly tough, especially for new lawyers. Firms are looking for attorneys with some experience, but new attorneys can’t get experience without getting a job. It’s our own legal Catch-22.  There have been reports of a comeback, but that is probably of little solace if you are still looking for a job. My advice on the job search remains the same:

When it comes to the economy and available legal employment opportunities, I do not envy you. We all know that it is a tough market out there. Legal jobs are scarce and the competition is brutal, but keep your head up. The toughest legal job to find will be your first one. All you need is one offer.  I remember the stack of rejection letters that sat on my coffee table years ago. I also remember when I got my first offer (thanks Judge Murdock) and the excitement I felt to start my career. It would do a lot of attorneys good if they remembered how hard it was at the beginning. We forget sometimes, as if we never struggled in court or with a client or to find a job.

(See also “Getting an Interview and getting a job: Interviewing at law firms” Part One and Part Two.)

Additionally, since the last time I wrote, Shauna Bryce, of Bryce Legal Career Counsel, wrote “How to get a Legal Job: A Guide for New Attorneys and Law School Students.” I have not read the book cover-to-cover, but Shauna lays out some pretty important dos and don’ts for all stages of the legal job search. (Full disclosure: I was one of the people that Shauna interviewed for this book but have no financial interest in the sale of the book. I do have a personal interest since I am hopeful some of my advice will help young lawyers get there first legal job).

The recommendations from my previous letter still hold true: protect your reputation; find mentors; never commingle funds; strive for a work/life balance; and have fun.

I am trying to figure out what has changed over the last couple of years. Technology is a big game-changer in the field of law, but there is a high probability that you know more about how to use an iPad than I do. Just don’t hide behind your technology. Handwritten letters and meeting someone at his or her office usually means a lot more to a client or potential client than a text or an email. The world is getting smaller, so also consider protecting your online reputation. I google candidates that I interview and counsel that I work with and against.

Something I didn’t mention in my last letter, but I should have: take some time to yourself. Being a lawyer (and a grown-up) comes with a crushing sense of responsibility and deadlines. As Ferris Bueller said in a movie that came out in the year that some of you may have been born: “Life moves pretty fast.  If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

In closing, good luck. Good luck with the bar exam in the next few months. Good luck with the job search. And good luck with navigating toward your first legal job.