To Retire Or Not? That Is The Question.
Above the Law
by MothersEsquireFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jeanine M. Donohue, a seasoned lawyer with 33 years of practice, reflects on her recent 60th birthday and the growing questions about her retirement plans. Despite her advanced age in the legal profession, she remains passionate about her work and has no immediate plans to retire. The data shows that lawyers have one of the highest median ages among U.S. occupations, with 13% being 65 or older compared to 7% across all workers. This highlights a unique demographic trend in the legal field.
Donohue shares how her journey as a "lawyer mom" has evolved over two decades, balancing motherhood and her career. Now, she is focusing on shaping her practice by taking on challenging cases, leveraging social media for marketing, and mentoring younger lawyers. Her experience and adaptability make her a valuable resource in an ever-changing legal landscape.
The author emphasizes the importance of embracing change and staying curious in the face of rapid technological advancements like AI. As a Gen Xer, she brings a blend of traditional work ethics and tech-savviness, helping bridge older and younger generations. She advocates for patience with new technologies and shares tools for resilience and
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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/13/2026