8 New Year’s Resolutions for Attorneys


By Taylor Burton Published on December 11, 2024

Estimated reading time: 4 Minutes

Can we all agree that 2024 went by way too fast? 2025 is now rounding the bend, whether we're ready for it or not. Have you settled on your New Year's resolution yet?

If you have yet to zero in on your resolution and you're looking for something a little more creative than "get to the gym to burn off all those calories from cookies and pie," we've got your back. Here are 8 New Year's resolutions, specifically tailored to hard-working attorneys like you!

Update your wardrobe or office. New year, new you! Refresh your closet with tailored, confidence-boosting attire perfect for the office or courtroom. If you're already feeling stylish and savvy on that front, then turn your attention to your office. Maybe you're in need of a paint job or new, ergonomic chairs. Or perhaps your tech needs an update to keep your workflow streamlined. Ensure you make a good first impression when your clients step through the door!

Attend a conference or an institute. If you've never been, this is your sign to go! Attending an in-person event is a wonderful way to expand your network and stay on top of the latest legal news. PBA has a number of meetings and events each year, including a February trip to Barbados for the PBA Midyear Meeting. If you'd rather stay closer to home and score some compliance credits, PBI hosts in-person institutes across Pennsylvania to help you do just that. Check out what's coming up here.

Publish an article. Why not share a little bit of your expertise in the new year? There are plenty of opportunities get your knowledge published in a legal journal or bar association news. You could even take the bull by the horns and start your own blog or podcast. Just make sure you're not sharing any confidential details that your clients wouldn't want you to!

Run for a bar association position. Maybe this is the year you step into leadership! Consider serving on a committee or running for a position in your local or state bar, if the opportunity arises. Make 2025 a year for major growth!

Become a mentor. This is an excellent way to give back to the profession. You can make a real difference in a law student or young attorney's life with your guidance. If this sounds like something you're interested in, submit a mentorship application here.

Travel to a new country. Sometimes, you've got to give yourself permission to get away from it all. Plan a stress-free vacation to recharge and revitalize. Or better yet, check a new destination off your bucket list! Embrace a new culture and make new memories while leaving work at the office. You deserve it.

Host a CLE webcast. Did you know PBI is always looking for new sponsors and faculty? We offer over 200 live webcasts a year and you could be the star of the next one! By partnering with us, you can gain exposure to over 65,000 attorneys across Pennsylvania and beyond, reached through our targeted marketing efforts. It's a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain exposure to a dedicated audience of legal professionals while also making a meaningful impact in the field of continuing legal education. Shoot an email to info@pbi.org if that sounds like something you would be interested in!

Master a new skill. There are all sorts of emerging fields in the legal world. Broaden your expertise by delving into topics such as AI law or cybersecurity. Or you could aspire to master something outside the law, but still beneficial to lawyers everywhere, such as work-life balance or stress management. Take a class that will enhance your personal development, whether that's inside or outside of the courtroom.

Or make it a fun, new hobby! Make 2025 the year you finally sign up for that cooking class or purchase that camera to give photography a shot. Don't leave it on the backburner any longer. After all, new experiences make our lives richer.

None of these float your boat? Then check out last year's blog full of resolution ideas for 2024!