Solo Reported Missing
A Texas solo is missing, according to this Texas Lawyer article (4/20/06), State Bar of Texas Steps in After Solo is Reported Missing. According to the article,
Britt Hall, a Houston solo, has not been seen since Jan. 3, according to a private investigator who is searching for him. And State Bar officials say Hall has not been to his leased law office for months. While those close to the 41-year-old lawyer are worried about him, some of his clients are angry.
The State bar disciplinary commission has now taken over Hall's practice to protect his clients from any prejudice; it is not a disciplinary matter.
Some of Hall's friends and colleagues expressed that while he was a bright, capable lawyer, at times he seemed depressed. Some fear for the worst.
Let us hope that Hall has not been a victim of foul play. But even if Hall has only voluntarily left town to escape the rigors of practice, he's brought himself irreparable harm. I empathize of course, for it's so easy for solos to become overwhelmed by clients and the demands of law practice. And while I criticize the bar plenty, helping overwhelmed lawyers is one area where the bars truly provide a service. Call a lawyers' assistance committee of the bar if you feel practice is bringing you down. You can run from a troubling practice temporarily, but eventually, it will catch up with you.
