The School Run: Dropping Off Kids and Making the 9:30 Court Appearance

As a lawyer, every day brings a new set of challenges, but none quite as daunting as the balancing act of dropping my kids off at school and ensuring I'm in court by 9:30 a.m. It’s a reality many working parents know all too well — an early-morning juggling act that requires both precision and patience.

My alarm goes off at 5:45 a.m. The first task of the day is to get my own head in the game. I take a few moments to breathe deeply, reminding myself that this is not just about surviving the morning, it’s about preparing myself mentally for the day ahead. I quickly shower, get dressed in my professional attire and start brewing coffee — this will be my lifeline for the next few hours.

By 6:30 a.m., it’s time to wake up the kids. They’re still groggy, of course, but there’s no time for slow mornings. My son, the eldest, is the hardest to get out of bed, so I give him a gentle nudge before heading to the kitchen to pack lunches. In between, I field requests for specific snacks and reassurance about a test at school.

By 7:00 a.m., I’m at the breakfast table. Breakfast is a no-fuss affair — smoothies, cereal, and sometimes scrambled eggs if I can make it happen. I remind the kids to hurry up, but it’s always a challenge. My younger son, who’s more independent, insists on picking out his own clothes. In those moments, I find myself trying to calm my racing thoughts, reminding myself that these are the moments that count, not the ones I rush through in order to check off a to-do list.

At 7:40 a.m., we’re on the road. The school is not too far away, but traffic can be unpredictable. As I drive, I mentally run through the case I’ll be presenting in court later — pacing out my arguments, reviewing evidence, and visualizing a confident presentation. I find it helpful to use this time to focus on the task at hand, even as my mind is constantly pulled in multiple directions.

We pull up to the school just before 8:00 a.m., and I have exactly 20 minutes to drop the kids off and head to the office. The rush is always a little bit chaotic. My son forgets his homework. I find myself repeating the same reassuring words, "You’ve got this. I’ll be back before you know it."

By 8:20 a.m., I’m back in the car, rushing toward the courthouse. It’s a familiar routine: stop at a coffee shop for my second dose of caffeine, check in with my assistant about any last-minute updates on the case, and ensure I have everything I need for the hearing. My heart races as I mentally check the clock, knowing that my 9:30 a.m. court appearance is looming.

There’s no room for error here. Court is demanding, and the judge won't be waiting for me to pull it together. But I’ve done this many times before. I know the drill. As I park in the courthouse lot, I take a deep breath. I’m not just a lawyer — I’m a mother too, and I can handle this. The school run might be hectic, but it’s just another part of my day that I embrace, knowing it’s all worth it.

I rush into the courthouse, prepared, composed, and ready to face whatever challenge awaits in the courtroom. The school run may be a challenge, but it’s also a reminder of what I’m working for. I do it all for my kids — and for the career I’ve built, balancing both with determination and grit.

After school, well that’s a whole different obstacle on its own with juggling assignments, extracurriculars, and social pressures — all better left for another time.