A Few Minutes With … Odelia Goldberg

We took a few minutes to speak with Broward attorney Odelia Goldberg, a self-proclaimed transactional attorney who has purchased four law practices from four attorneys thinking about retirement.

Before we get started, you were very particular about how we frame what you do, why is that?

I think it’s important to note that “retiring” or “retired” attorney is really not the context. It’s the “thinking about retirement” that’s really the differentiator. I’m not really sure attorneys frequently retire, they just have so much information, it’s hard to stop practicing. But slowing down or changing the way of practicing is always an option. Keeping in mind, of course that everyone is different, I’ve learned that, at least in our corner of the law, the notion of retirement isn’t a one fit all approach.

OK, so let’s start in the beginning, what kind of law do you practice?

I call myself a transactional attorney. I don’t handle any litigation; it’s estate planning, real estate, probate (uncontested) and real estate title work all day long. I like to say that I’m a lover not a fighter, but I’m one of those attorneys that has long lasting relationships with people and expect them to keep the documents we draft together forever. For example, when I give my clients their original last will to keep, I make sure to tell that that I have a digital copy for my records. Quite often, those clients, sometimes in jest, ask me what would happen to the files should anything happen to me. I’m happy to explain that I was part of a merger of 4 law firms and as the attorneys slowed their practice, I was able to absorb the files. Transactional attorneys should consider a plan as they’re considering their retirement. Not after retirement but while actively contemplating retirement, there are so many options out there.

What kind of plans did you work out with your attorneys?

Each looked very different because each situation is different. There really isn’t one way to transition and I didn’t expect for there to be a “right way” to do things. It would make sense if someone was ready to retire and hand in the keys and it would make sense for someone else to want to take a year off and then come back to work on select cases. Other scenarios call for a landing spot to maintain an office location, the arrangements are customizable. It’s just important to have those conversations to understand and execute the ideal situation.

What about the clients?

Of course, the clients are really the ones that benefit as we have the knowledge base pertaining to their files as well as the work culture that they’re accustomed to. It’s really a win for the clients.

Any parting thoughts other should consider?

I would say that any attorney thinking about retirement should think about what ideally their retirement looks like and for how long. A break or the ability to take breaks whenever you’d like but the opportunity to have an office and the notion on working on the files you want with the clients you want. There are so many ways to make retirement look like the version that’s right for you, I just want to present another way to consider retirement.

And one final thought. I’ve always found that a good article or speech is one that inspired a creative thought. If I’ve inspired a creating thought in you, I’d love to hear about it.

And where can people find you for their creative thoughts or any questions?

Send me an email. You can join my e-mail list where I take pop culture legal disputes and analyze them in the Sunshine State. I’m not really on any social media but do have a Linked in presence out there. If you want to stalk me, I take it as a compliment.