From Courtroom to Track: How Lawyer-Athletes Can Own Their Time by
Charles Douyon
Balancing a legal career and athletic goals is no small feat. Lawyer-athletes live in a world where deadlines, court appearances, and intense training sessions all compete for the same 24 hours Without effective time management, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or burned out But with a few smart habits, it's possible to stay on top of both your cases and your conditioning.
As explained by Charles Douyon, the key is planning with purpose A successful lawyer-athlete starts each week with a clear outline of what needs to get done and when. Using a digital calendar or planner helps map out court hearings, meetings, workouts, and rest days Seeing everything in one place prevents last-minute surprises and allows you to adjust things when life becomes unpredictable.
Waking up early is another secret weapon. Mornings are often the quietest part of the day and can be used to get in a workout, review case notes, or prepare for the day ahead Even just 30 extra minutes in the morning can give you a strong head start
Setting boundaries is equally important When you’re practicing law, be all in When you’re training, give it your full focus Avoid answering emails while running or thinking about workouts during a client call. Separating your roles helps you stay mentally sharp and maintain high-quality work in both areas
It’s also important to recognize that you don’t need to do everything every day. Some days will lean more toward legal work, while others will lean more toward athletics The goal is not to achieve perfect balance every day, but rather to maintain a healthy rhythm over time. Prioritize based on what is urgent and what is most important to your long-term goals.
Don’t underestimate recovery, either. Sleep, rest, and downtime are not wasted time—they’re essential Overtraining or overworking can lead to injuries, errors, and exhaustion Taking care of your body and mind ensures that you can continue to perform well in both your professional and personal life.
Using technology wisely can also make a difference Set reminders, keep task lists, and use scheduling apps to stay organized. Delegate what you can, whether that means hiring help for admin tasks or outsourcing errands Every saved minute counts
Being both a lawyer and an athlete takes serious dedication However, with mindful time management, it’s possible to build a life where your legal career and athletic passion can grow in tandem. The key is not to do more, but to manage your time more effectively. When you take control of your schedule, success follows on every track and in every courtroom