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Return of the Sabbatical Son
by Kenneth L. BakerMany of you expressed surprise and some envy over the fact that I was able to take a sabbatical leave from May through November of 2005. This was particularly true for fellow members of the Bar. It certainly is a different experience to get up in the morning and have time to read the newspaper, magazines, and other items on the back porch. Our firm is unique in offering this opportunity. It was especially fortuitous that my turn came during the year 2005. As many of you know, both Tommy and I suffered some health problems during the year. Due to the excellent medical care at both Washington Hospital and Allegheny General, both of us are back at work. The sabbatical time particularly gave me the opportunity to be available when Tommy needed to be in the hospital or follow-up doctors' appointments, as well as appointments of my own. Although our initial plans to travel extensively had to be adjusted, we were able to visit the Gulf Coast and New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina, to attend the Rotary Convention in Chicago, to spend some quality time in Anapolis and in Ocean City, Maryland. Tommy and I went to Ocean City, Maryland on our honeymoon and it was interesting to return after 35 years to see the changes to that city. On my sabbatical, I was also able to do a number of tasks around the house that languished and actually made some improvements. I was able to do more reading and my son and I were able to begin our project to write a book on the important jazz artists who came from Pittsburgh. Daniel and I look forward to working further in 2006 to develop the themes we discovered during our initial investigation. What I learned most to appreciate was the willingness of my clients to accept other lawyers in our office doing work for them. Second, and even more important, the teamwork that we have developed in the office and the ability to have each of us fill in for the other was truly exemplary. I think each of the partners, as they prepare for their sabbatical, have some trepidation about how this is going to work, and particularly in terms of making sure their clients are served the way they have served them in past years. I have to compliment every one of my partners and the associates for the great job they did. I think it just proves that a firm of our kind is particularly unique in its capability to help clients. And I discovered that I really missed seeing my clients. They are not just my clients, but my friends, and like any time you are away, you are glad to come back and see your friends again. I truly have come back to the office refreshed, relaxed and looking forward to the practice of law and for the challenges that go with it. |
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