One of the most hotly debated questions in our society remains age versus youth. In my series, Trial Lawyers Successful Into Their 70s: A New Generation of Old Warriors, the mission is to interview the leading trial attorneys still successful in their courtroom battles (at an age when many people retire) and the reasons why they continue to produce a high level of legal excellence. The questions I seek to answer:
- When, if ever, are we too old to try jury trials?
- What about retirement?
- Are you as effective as you used to be?
- Are stamina, energy, memory, and concentration issues?
In my first interview with Browne Greene, Browne credited his longevity and success to the following:
- “I’ve always invested in good health.” This is important in keeping up energy
- Always exercise
- Avoid excess drinking
- Watch diet and “the kind of foods I eat”
- My active, young, intelligent wife and children help keep me young
Stan Jacobs: Experience Embodied and Embraced
Stan Jacobs, a Senior Partner in Jacobs Jacobs & Eisfelder, LLP ,73, has had a long career of obtaining large verdicts in Southern California. Stan still carries an active trial load and he feels he is doing as well, or better, than he ever did. Stan said that a huge factor in his ongoing success is experience, which is “irreplaceable.” When I probed further, Stan identified three reasons why he believes he is a better trial lawyer now than when he was a young man.
Stan Jacobs: 3 Keys to Career Longevity
- Respect: he “retires to a neutral corner when his opponent is down and doesn’t try to pummel him”
- Accomplishment: he doesn’t have anything to prove anymore
- Life: at this age, he has a far better understanding of life, which translates into him being a better trial lawyer
Youth vs. Age: Sage Advice
Stan also credits his good health, he works out regularly, and the fact that he always has a second chair working with him on his cases for his continued success. As for the future? “I am going out with my boots on.” The answer to the question of age versus experience as far as Stan Jacobs was concerned was clear and unequivocal: Trial experience trumps all.
