Editor’s note: This is the first blog post in a two-part series written by Douglas Wood. The series focuses on key approaches for two stages in an attorney’s career: developing a law practice and transitioning from an attorney career to retirement. The second post in the series will be published in early June.
Law school teaches attorneys how to analyze problems, interpret precedent and advocate effectively. What it often does not teach is how to build a sustainable practice.
Many lawyers begin their careers believing strong legal work alone will naturally lead to opportunity. Skill certainly matters. But over time, most attorneys discover that professional growth also depends on visibility, relationships, consistency and planning.
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00Businesshttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngBusiness2026-05-19 10:02:012026-05-21 09:16:14Building a Practice With Intention
While out running with my pastor one morning, he asked me how I would best describe my law practice. The easy and most relatable way to explain at least one part of my practice was to walk him through my consultations.
In addition to representing employers, a significant part of my practice has become roughly one-hour consultations, where I meet with an executive to discuss a new employment agreement, a noncompete agreement or a severance agreement. This starts with me reviewing the relevant agreement, meeting with the client and then following up.
As I explained it to my pastor, my hour conversation with the person seeking my help is usually broken into three generally equal parts: listening to the client tell be about the background and how he or she thinks we should approach the matter; me kindly and gently explaining why I think that might not be the most appropriate approach; and providing what I think is the best path forward.
A fellow attorney friend told me about the moment when one of her clients paused in a meeting to consult ChatGPT regarding their legal approach. She described hearing the client’s nails clacking on a keyboard. Her supervising partner started to say something, stopped and then asked:
“Are you using ChatGPT by any chance?”
The client said, “Yes, and it says right here that your strategy to . . .”
I don’t really need to finish that story, do I? Because in 2026, I would put money down that many attorneys have had a similar — if not identical — interaction.
Since that watershed moment in November of 2022 when OpenAI released ChatGPT for public consumption, generative AI has become an all-in-one pocket doctor, therapist, lawyer and priest for many consumers. So, what are we to do, especially if we are new attorneys, in this age of AI?
https://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.png00IntellectualPropertyhttps://ncbarblogprod.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Blog-Header-1-1030x530.pngIntellectualProperty2026-03-03 16:21:562026-03-09 16:29:13Becoming an Associate in the Age of AI
Building a Practice With Intention
Featured PostsBy Douglas J. Wood
Editor’s note: This is the first blog post in a two-part series written by Douglas Wood. The series focuses on key approaches for two stages in an attorney’s career: developing a law practice and transitioning from an attorney career to retirement. The second post in the series will be published in early June.
Law school teaches attorneys how to analyze problems, interpret precedent and advocate effectively. What it often does not teach is how to build a sustainable practice.
Many lawyers begin their careers believing strong legal work alone will naturally lead to opportunity. Skill certainly matters. But over time, most attorneys discover that professional growth also depends on visibility, relationships, consistency and planning.
Read more
The Middle Third
Featured PostsWhile out running with my pastor one morning, he asked me how I would best describe my law practice. The easy and most relatable way to explain at least one part of my practice was to walk him through my consultations.
In addition to representing employers, a significant part of my practice has become roughly one-hour consultations, where I meet with an executive to discuss a new employment agreement, a noncompete agreement or a severance agreement. This starts with me reviewing the relevant agreement, meeting with the client and then following up.
As I explained it to my pastor, my hour conversation with the person seeking my help is usually broken into three generally equal parts: listening to the client tell be about the background and how he or she thinks we should approach the matter; me kindly and gently explaining why I think that might not be the most appropriate approach; and providing what I think is the best path forward.
Read more
Becoming an Associate in the Age of AI
Featured PostsA fellow attorney friend told me about the moment when one of her clients paused in a meeting to consult ChatGPT regarding their legal approach. She described hearing the client’s nails clacking on a keyboard. Her supervising partner started to say something, stopped and then asked:
“Are you using ChatGPT by any chance?”
The client said, “Yes, and it says right here that your strategy to . . .”
I don’t really need to finish that story, do I? Because in 2026, I would put money down that many attorneys have had a similar — if not identical — interaction.
Since that watershed moment in November of 2022 when OpenAI released ChatGPT for public consumption, generative AI has become an all-in-one pocket doctor, therapist, lawyer and priest for many consumers. So, what are we to do, especially if we are new attorneys, in this age of AI?
Read more