“20/20” Reflection of My Law Practice

This year marked my 10th year as an attorney. I started off handling traffic and criminal defense cases then progressed into personal injury where I successfully obtained fair compensation for my clients. Most recently, about two years ago, I began my bankruptcy practice with the aid and guidance from my friend and colleague, John Bevis. He is one of this area’s most well-respected and knowledgeable attorneys, and although he is now retired, he is still associated with the Yoon Law Firm as Of Counsel to continue to serve as an advisor on all legal matters.

Over the years, I’ve represented over 1,800 people for various matters and for the most part, despite some difficult facts or scenarios, the outcomes have been mostly favorable. A lot has changed, but the most important change came this year due to COVID-19. It’s unnecessary to say all the ways it’s affected me or any small business owner because with less activity, there’s less spending overall. However, I do want to reflect on the legal profession and how it’s evolving. All things, in order to survive, need to adapt to the changing world. Historical events that involve pandemics or financial markets have huge lasting impacts, as will this one. We just don’t know for certain what the effects will be as we are still living through it today.

During the pandemic, just like every other field or market, the legal profession has had to adapt as well. We did so by following the orders and protocols passed down by the Supreme Court of Virginia and by the Virginia Governor who, of course, follows guidance given by the United States Federal Government. In Virginia, the restrictions trickled down to the state courts and everything has changed since March. For one, the courts had to continue their cases for several months to figure out how they could safely space out the dockets (case files) to have minimal numbers of people at a time in the courthouse. Additionally, fewer tickets and arrests were being made because not only were there fewer people out and about, but police were following their new guidance and trying to stay safe as well. Like I said, with less activity, there’s less spending. People were reducing their car insurance policies or cancelling them altogether. No more driving around meant no accidents and no need for a personal injury lawyer.

Now, with less spending and many jobs taking hits, everyone thinks bankruptcy practice is going to be booming. This is untrue. The most common type of bankruptcy is a chapter 7 which is a pure liquidation. You give up what you have and only keep what you’re allowed in order to get your debts discharged. Those who are experiencing difficulty are still trying hard to make do. Perhaps by cancelling Netflix or forgoing that weekly takeout dinner or reducing other expenditures is helping you get by. Eventually it might be too much, but we don’t know what 2021 will hold for us; we don’t know if things will get worse or get better.

On a bright note, promising vaccines have been developed and it may be soon where things go back to pre-COVID-19 times. Again, we’ll have to see how things unravel.

Remember, although things have changed a lot, the Yoon Law Firm remains here to help you through what you may need. Consultations are never charged. Feel confident that you’ll receive free, reliable advice before you make a decision to hire.

Here’s to the next decade of satisfied clients who know they’ll have their voices heard.

Cheers and, as always, thank you for your support.