I would hope that the term “curmudgeon” will never be ascribed to me, nor should it apply to Mr. Caruso, who penned a nostalgic ode to the old days of practicing law. I can remember when I regarded an adversary’s fax at 1:30 a.m. during an ongoing trial as outrageous and perilously close to a violation of the existing rules of engagement. Now, some 30 years later, it can’t be denied that the common 24/7 use of messaging, emails, social media, Zoom and other virtual platforms has prioritized efficiency at the expense of human interaction. Much like cursive writing, face-to-face communication threatens to become a lost art, not just in the legal profession but generally.
I share the view that we have lost much in terms of collegiality and camaraderie. I will not, however, allow this to drive me away before I am ready. The one mainstay in over 50 years at the bar has been my membership in professional organizations, primarily the county and state bar associations. Engaging with other members at meetings, CLE and social events creates relationships that last an entire career and transforms colleagues into friends.
