LinkedIn - NJSBA Leadership and Experience Council Survey

You are receiving this survey as an experienced attorney to help the NJSBA determine how we can best assist members in the later parts of their careers as they address the challenges of practice in the 21st century with planning for eventual retirement (in full or in part). Your responses will be helpful and much appreciated.

Note: Your responses are anonymous.

1. What is your current career status and your primary consideration regarding retirement?

Full-time practice

Transitioning to part-time/Of Counsel

Fully retired

Considering retirement within 1–3 years

(Please select one)

2. Is there a significant factor influencing your decisions about continuing or ending your legal practice?

Yes

No

You selected yes, please explain:

3. Please rank the following considerations in order of importance to you:

Financial and tax planning

Succession/exit planning (transferring client files/firm ownership)

Insurance needs (malpractice, health, tail coverage)

Maintaining professional identity/intellectual engagement

Exploring non-legal activities (volunteerism, board service)

— Is there another issue you would include?

No

YesYes

4. Have you experienced specific administrative, regulatory, or financial barriers that discourage you from remaining active in the Bar or the legal community post-retirement?

Yes (Please describe):Yes (Please describe):

No

5. If you were to continue to serve the profession (e.g., as a mentor, professor, or speaker), which of the following NJSBA advocacy initiatives would be most beneficial to you?

Waivers or modifications to CLE requirements for retired members

Creation of an “Emeritus” license status that allows limited pro bono or teaching without full licensing burdens

Reduced NJSBA (and/or bar associations generally) membership dues for non-practicing/retired status

Networking platforms to connect retired or semi-retired lawyers with teaching or mentorship opportunities

OtherOther

(Check all that apply)

6. What is your perspective on Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements for attorneys who are retired or have transitioned into non-practicing roles (such as teaching or mediation)?

Should remain the same as active practitioners

Should be significantly reduced or streamlined

Should be eliminated entirely for those not actively representing clients

Optional Comment:Optional Comment:

7. The NJSBA has a Retired member category at a significantly reduced annual dues to allow retired lawyers to remain members and participate in events without having to maintain full active standing or complete annual CLEs. How likely would you be to participate once you retire?

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Not likely

What specific activities would entice you to stay involved in this category? (e.g., mentorship programs, social events, legislative advocacy)

8. Many retired lawyers cite “loss of intellectual community” as a challenge. What types of programming or engagement would help you maintain a sense of purpose and connection within the legal community?

Advanced subject-matter “roundtables” (not traditional CLE)

Intergenerational networking events

Opportunities to serve on NJSBA legislative or policy committees

Mentorship of younger attorneys

Other:Other:

9. Which of the following topics would be of high value to you for future programming?

Navigating NJ Court technological/procedural changes

Financial/Estate planning specifically for senior lawyers

Strategies for selling or winding down a law practice

Options for post-retirement insurance and liability protection

Managing the emotional/identity transition of retirement

OtherOther

10. Are you admitted to practice law in NJ?

11. How many years have you practiced law?

50Years

LinkedIn – NJSBA Leadership and Experience Council Survey