W. Edgar Jessup | 88 | Senior Partner, Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP

Why not retire?

I don’t retire because I enjoy what I do and still have time to travel, and I usually can have a long weekend when I want.

What’s the best part of working past 80?

My work is fulfilling, involves interesting people, interesting clients and stimulating colleagues at the law firm where I have really able backup.

The worst?

Nothing.

Are you up to date on technology?

I use e-mail, a computer and a cell phone.

What advice would you give to people who want to work well past 65?

Be sure that you are doing what you like, keep up to date in your chosen field, know when you need help and get what you need. I am fortunate in having very willing and impressively able colleagues in the office who are masters in a great variety of legal disciplines.

What’s the best advice you ever got?

The best advice I got was long years ago from a California Supreme Court justice, which I paraphrase: “Know your stuff, work hard and continue to learn.”

What’s the secret to staying healthy and active?

I was fortunate in choosing my parents wisely. In addition, I am a longtime member of the Westside Family Y, and am disciplined in following their programs of fitness exercises and healthy eating. Still, I do have the occasional gin martini.

Do you work as much as you used to in your 40s and 50s?

I don’t work as hard as I did at 40 or 50, and don’t want to!

What do you miss from when you were young?

On occasion, I miss the periodic adrenaline rush of the urgent 24-7 project, whether consummating a tax planning deadline or the closing of a corporate transaction. Now, I leave that to younger partners who haven’t scheduled a long cruise or sailing charter.