Retirement for legal professionals isn’t what it used to be. It’s no longer just about slowing down or stepping away—it’s about stepping into something new with intention and purpose.
After decades of high-stakes decisions, long hours, and strategic thinking, many lawyers find themselves wondering: What now? More importantly: What’s next?
Take Norman Bacal, for example. A giant in Canadian law, he helped build the Toronto office of Heenan Blaikie and played a major role in the rise of LionsGate in the entertainment world.
But after 25 years at the top, Norman didn’t just retire—he rewired. He became a best-selling author, mentor, and speaker. His journey shows us that retirement for legal professionals isn’t the end of the story—it can be the beginning of a brand-new one.
Watch the full conversation with Norman Bacal here:
Retiring Doesn’t Mean Leaving Your Identity Behind
Leaving the legal world doesn’t mean leaving behind what made you successful. In fact, those same skills—strategic thinking, negotiation, leadership—can help you thrive in new spaces.
More and more, retirement for legal professionals looks like a pivot, not a pause.
Norman’s story illustrates this beautifully. He embraced the unknown with curiosity and leaned into his strengths in a completely new way. He didn’t have a detailed plan when he left his legal career behind—just a willingness to try something different. That small step led to a rewarding new chapter filled with meaning and impact.
Life After Law Can Be Even More Fulfilling
The old notion that retirement is a finish line? That’s outdated.
Today, many legal professionals are drawn to roles where they can give back, stay active, and keep growing—whether it’s through consulting, mentoring, writing, or stepping into leadership roles beyond the legal field.
At its core, retirement for legal professionals is about alignment. What do you want your time to look like? Who do you want to serve? How do you want to feel? You’ve already built a foundation of wisdom and clarity—now you get to use it on your own terms.
And no, you don’t need a dramatic exit to justify this shift. All you need is curiosity—and the courage to explore where it leads.
The Legal Career Was Just the Beginning
Here’s the truth: retirement for legal professionals isn’t a full stop. It’s a turning point. Whether you’re nearing retirement or just starting to think about what’s next, this new chapter is yours to create.
And the best part? You already have everything you need to begin.
Watch the full conversation here: Notes to My (Legal) Self: Season 3, Episode 10 (ft.Norman Bacal)
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At Notes to My (Legal) Self®, we’re dedicated to helping in-house legal professionals develop the skills, insights, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s evolving legal landscape. From leadership development to legal operations optimization and emerging technology, we provide the tools to help you stay ahead.
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