I’m sometimes loath to socialize with other lawyers. One of my primary focus areas is “domestic” law (read: I’m a divorce lawyer), and I pride myself on being able to compartmentalize work and not allow the stress of it to spill over into my personal life. I don’t particularly find pleasure in getting together with my fellow nerds to commiserate over who has the neediest client, which local judges are the worst (if you’re reading this, I swear I’m not talking about you, your honor!) and who is going to the next continuing legal education conference.
This was one of the primary reasons why I resisted going to Side Bar. It’s owned by a lawyer and adjacent to a law firm. You wouldn’t catch me there.
However, a few months ago, I chose to attend a networking event for lawyers at Side Bar. There were snacks set out, and I was shocked by how good the pizza was — and how surprised I was by that. Lawyers aren’t known for being bastions of health, and I was anticipating some easy-to-overlook bar food…