Every December, I find myself doing the same thing most lawyers do after a long stretch of hearings, filings, and late nights—taking a breath. The end of the year gives us something we rarely allow ourselves: a pause, a chance to look back, take stock, and prepare for what’s next.
Instead of rushing to the finish line, I’ve learned to make these last weeks intentional. It’s a time not only to wrap up the business side of things but also to acknowledge the people—and the moments—that made the past year meaningful.
Here are a few areas I always revisit before January arrives:
Audit Your Open Matters
Start by reviewing every open matter—checking upcoming deadlines and for unresolved issues. I find that closing out old files brings a surprising sense of calm and clarity,
Issue invoices. You work hard. You deserve to be paid.
Revisit dormant cases to free up both time and mental space for what lies in the months ahead.
Provide a status update to clients. Setting aside that clients are entitled to know what is going on in the matter in which you are engaged, doing so also reminds a client that you are available and accessible should the need for your services arise.
Show Appreciation to Clients
I try to personally thank clients who’ve trusted me this year. Even a short note, email, or call goes a long way.
Many of those relationships were built through consistency and communication, so it feels right to close the year with gratitude.
A thoughtful outreach often reminds me why I do this work—to make a meaningful difference for real people.
Acknowledge the People Beside You (and at Home)
None of us practice law in a vacuum. Behind every brief or document production, there’s a paralegal, an assistant, or a colleague helping keep things together.
Taking a moment to thank staff or just share a laugh over coffee can mean more than a formal holiday card.
People desire to be seen and valued. An expression of genuine appreciation goes a long way. I’ve found that recognizing small efforts builds a stronger, more cohesive team.
Do not forget to express gratitude to your spouse, partner, friends, and family, whose support allows you to dedicate yourself to your clients.
Reflect on the Year
I think about which cases challenged me most and which reminded me why I became a lawyer in the first place.
Some lessons came easily; others arrived with stress and a few late nights. Either way, they taught me something valuable.
Self-reflection keeps me grounded—it helps ensure I am not just getting through the work, but growing through it.
I consider what skills I performed well and those I wish to master.
I contemplate how I can be more efficient and ethically integrate new technology to make access to justice more affordable, while also streamlining my process so that my experience can be leveraged for the most challenging tasks.
Set Goals for the New Year
I have stopped making generic resolutions and started setting specific priorities to improve workflows, refine client communication, and carve out quieter time for writing. The key is to create goals that have purpose, not just motion.
Heading into 2026, I want to lead my practice with more intention and less reaction.
I start registering for bar and community events and jotting down ideas for future blog posts, articles, and presentations as part of a thoughtful and consistent marketing plan for the new year.
I also remind myself that self-care is important because if I am not at my best, I cannot perform my best as a lawyer, colleague, father, husband, friend, or son.
Conclusion
As this year winds down, I am grateful—for clients who trust me, for colleagues who push me to do better, for the readers who visit this blog, and for another chance to learn from it all.
Here’s to closing the year with gratitude, and beginning the next one with clarity, energy, and a sense of purpose.
Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy New Year.
David A. Blansky, A Lawyer In Florida
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