Oklahoma Bar Journal
From the Executive Director | A Season To Refocus: The End of Summer’s Hidden Opportunities
By Janet Johnson
As summer prepares to leave us behind, lawyers have a valuable opportunity to do more than return to full calendars and familiar routines. I challenge you to pause, reassess, and approach the remainder of the year with renewed focus and attention. Before diving back into packed calendars, overflowing inboxes, and court deadlines, there is value in taking a moment to reset. Summer has a way of changing our pace. Whether you managed to squeeze in a family vacation, enjoy a few long weekends, or simply slow down enough to catch your breath, the transition back to a full legal workload presents an opportunity that often goes unnoticed: the chance to refocus with intention.
The legal profession rarely slows down for long. Clients' needs continue, courts maintain their schedules, and deadlines have a habit of arriving sooner than expected. Yet the weeks following summer can serve as a natural "new beginning," not unlike January or the start of a new school year. Rather than simply returning to the same routines, lawyers can use this time to evaluate what is working, identify what is not, and recommit to the habits that support professional success.
One of the most effective ways to refocus is by reassessing priorities. It is easy to become consumed by the urgent at the expense of the important. Responding to emails, returning phone calls, and managing daily crises are essential parts of practice, but they should not crowd out long-term goals. Consider taking a few minutes to review your objectives for the remainder of the year. Are there continuing legal education courses you've postponed? Have you committed enough time to mentoring younger attorneys or building relationships with colleagues? A brief assessment can provide clarity and direction for the months ahead.
Refocusing also means organizing your practice. A cluttered desk, an overloaded email inbox, or an outdated task list can create unnecessary stress. Investing a little time in clearing physical and digital clutter often pays dividends in efficiency and peace of mind. Updating calendars, reviewing upcoming deadlines, and ensuring case files are organized helps eliminate distractions and allows you to concentrate on serving clients effectively.
The return from summer is also an excellent time to reconnect with the legal community. The practice of law can sometimes feel isolating, particularly for solo practitioners or attorneys in smaller offices. Attending continuing legal education programs, participating in local or specialty bar activities, or simply reaching out to a colleague for coffee can strengthen professional relationships and remind us that we are part of a larger profession committed to serving the public and upholding the rule of law. Along these lines, I encourage you to save the date in your calendar for this year’s OBA Annual Meeting, set for this Nov. 11-13 at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. This year’s meeting will present an excellent opportunity to reconnect and recalibrate with your friends and fellow practitioners as we attend to the important business of our association.
As we refocus, it is worth remembering why we entered this profession in the first place. Behind every file is a person seeking guidance, stability, or justice. Every contract drafted, hearing argued, and estate planned represents an opportunity to improve someone's life. The daily pressures of practice can sometimes obscure that larger purpose, but it remains the foundation of what we do.
The months ahead will undoubtedly bring demanding cases, unexpected challenges, and full calendars. They will also bring opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference for clients and communities across Oklahoma. By approaching this post-summer season with renewed focus, clear priorities and a commitment to excellence, we position ourselves not only for a productive finish to the year but also for a more fulfilling practice.
Summer may be behind us, but the energy it provided does not have to disappear with the changing seasons. A thoughtful reset today can create momentum that carries through the remainder of the year. Here's to approaching the months ahead with renewed purpose, sharper focus, and the confidence that comes from being prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Originally published in the Oklahoma Bar Journal – OBJ 97 No. 6 (August 2026)
Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.