Can't We All Just Get Along?

While I don't like general characterizations of anyone, this post by Jordan Furlog over at Law21 had me smiling as he writes tips for how Gen-Y lawyers can adjust to working with Boomers and Gen-Xers. I found it insightful on most accounts, especially regarding multitasking with different technologies.

Furlong writes, "Boomers don’t understand multitasking. Well, they do, but in the sense of “I’m carrying 75 files at one time,” rather than “I’m drafting a top-notch memo while IM’ing a friend and listening to a podcast.” Boomers live in a linear and sequential world, while you [Gen-Y] were thinking outside the box before it became a cliché."

Oddly enough, when it comes to introducing a virtual practice to other attorneys, I've had both Boomer and Gen-Xers who see the benefits of going online. In fact, I have a couple attorneys who are looking to "retire" into running their vlos in the next few years. At the same time, I know several Gen-Xers who have mastered email and that's as far as it goes.

My point is that it does take an entrepreneurial spirit and certain tech savvy to start up a virtual law practice - regardless of your generation label. I wonder if virtual attorneys of all generations wouldn't have more in common with each other than their traditional law office counterparts?