Attorney Spotlight Part 9: Lisa Rothman

From time to time this newsfeed will include a closer look at our attorneys. The posts will be on topics not necessarily about the law but about what is personally important to our attorneys outside the office. This is the ninth installment of our attorney spotlight as we feature a personal story from Attorney Lisa Rothman. Lisa practices in Trusts and Estates.  Click here to see her bio. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world and how you create your work-life balance Lisa!

At least four days a week you will find Lisa on her way out of the office shortly after 5 p.m.  Where is she headed?  Typically she is rushing off to a local Pilates studio to practice classical Pilates in a small group environment.  What is classical Pilates?  Pilates is a form of physical training that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, after whom it is named.  The training involves a series of controlled movements that improve flexibility, strength, coordination, and balance.  Emphasis is placed on alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core, both in the abdominal region and back.  Classical Pilates can be performed on a mat with no equipment or on various pieces of equipment known as the Reformer, Wunda Chair, or Cadillac.

I was first introduced to Pilates as a kid in the 80s when my mom would do workout videos at home.  Since those days, I have engaged in all types of exercise including walking, yoga, step-class, kickboxing, weight lifting, etc.  However, I reconnected with the practice of Pilates three years ago when stress and a non-regular exercise plan started to get the best of me.  I knew I needed something that would allow me the freedom to not only regularly move, but to focus on that movement, the feeling of strength when you can control the movements and the challenge when you can’t, and the connection with both my thoughts and breath.  There’s typically no loud music and little conversation among those of us participating (we are too busy focusing on controlling the movements and on breathing through them)!  Three years in and I am only just learning about the lives of my classmates outside of the studio.  About a year ago, I ran into a classmate at a professional event and we both wondered what the other was doing there.  It was only at that meeting (and after working out together for about a year) did we learn that we were both attorneys in town, with offices quite literally a block apart.

As an attorney who focuses my practice on estate and trust administration, I often work with surviving spouses and/or family members who are experiencing profound grief.  It is often emotional work, which involves the most private and protected family information including interpersonal relationships and finances.  My Pilates practice allows me to reenergize, refocus, and build strength—both physically and mentally—so I can be at my best to guide my clients through some of the most difficult situations they face.

For more information about Pilates, what it is, the benefits and more follow the link.