SPILL: Your Reset Button

Few professions require as many rapid-fire mental transitions as legal work. One minute you’re deep in research or drafting; the next, you’re in problem-solving mode, a difficult conversation, or a completely different file. We asked OBA members to tell us, when their workday suddenly shifts gears between tasks, meetings, or mindsets, what tiny tricks help them regroup and refocus.

Movement and a Map

“Flexibility is a muscle lawyers are always exercising. I find that when I’m called upon to shift gears suddenly, or when something unexpected comes up in my day, the best way to refocus is to take a couple of minutes away from my desk – I’ll grab a snack, or a coffee, or go for a short walk. When I get back to my desk, the physical act of writing out a to do list or a roadmap helps me feel in control not just of the new task, but of the balance of the work that awaits me when I have to shift back.” - Christine Ann Marchetti, owner, family lawyer, Marchetti Family Law & Mediation

Up to Speed and on to the Next Step

“I take a moment to mentally bring myself up to speed on the file and remind myself what stage it is at. Then I focus on the next step and get to work.” – Nicole Woodward, partner, Miller Thomson LLP

Lobby-walk and a Little Sun

“Just walking to the lobby in the winter time to people watch for five minutes or in warmer weather, going outside under a shaded tree on a sunny day. – M. Max Chaudhary, managing lawyer, Chaudhary Law Office

Meditation and a Moment of Quiet

“I would say, first calm down, relax (my way of calm-down and relaxation is meditation: close your eyes, take a deep breath and mediate for 10-15 minutes). Not everyone can meditate, so if you can't, then have a cup of coffee or tea (whatever drink you enjoy), sit quietly and think positively, focus and prioritize. Don’t forget time management is important, so plan accordingly.” – Balvinder Kumar, barrister and solicitor, BK Law Professional Corporation

Colleague and a Coffee

“Take a break! Walk around the block, go visit a colleague’s office, or get a coffee. A physical break almost always helps the transition to a new task and way of thinking.” Sheila Morris, partner, Miller Thomson LLP

Pivot and a Positive Reflection

“Honestly? I don't think I do ‘regroup and refocus’! After 32 years, you become very nimble – it’s just a quick pivot! One thing I do, though, if I am stressed out about it, is remind myself of all of the times that something unexpected happened, and it turned out to be a really good thing. I try to focus on the positive.” Lisa Toner, lawyer, the ross firm.