The Rise of the Entrepreneurial Lawyer: Starting a Law Firm Is Trending
It’s inspiring to see more and more accomplished attorneys stepping out on their own and launching law firms. When I left the U.S. Attorney’s Office and started my own firm, I had no formal business background. I had my legal skills, a vision and a strong gut instinct. Five years later, I’ve learned an incredible amount about the business of building a law firm through trial and error, failure, success and a great deal of intentional education—both formal and informal. I’ve realized the joy of creating a company true to my vision.
Over the years, many have reached out asking how I did it. Some have asked about the courage to leave a steady paycheck. They want to know what it’s like to ride waves of uncertainty. They want to hear me tell them it’s possible. Others have sought guidance on the basic logistics of starting up a firm - how to get clients, what to charge and so on. As I’ve watched more and more lawyers take the leap, it’s become clear that this trend is not going away.
I’ve believed for a while that the legal profession is evolving. Having taught law school classes around career building and mentored lawyers (especially former prosecutors looking to make a change) during my nearly 20 years in practice, I’ve seen the same thing over and over: people are not satisfied with the scope of jobs in law and want something different. They love the work, but they don’t always like the job. As we turned the page on a new political era at the top of this year, more lawyers than ever have told me about their desire for a change. There is a quote attributed to Anaïs Nin that’s always resonated with me: “And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” It seems that day has arrived for many lawyers.
For those who have recently set out out to build their firms, I applaud you. It’s a courageous act to follow your dream, and it’s not easy. There will be successes and challenges. Law school teaches us to solve legal problems, but it doesn’t teach us how to run a business. As lawyers, we’re trained to project clarity, confidence and certainty. But business building requires something else: vulnerability, patience and a willingness to fail. It’s a deeply personal journey, one that forces you to examine your purpose, your relationship to money and to others, your ability to tolerate risk and your vision for what kind of life and work you want to build.
What’s helped me most is having a community – colleagues at other firms who I can call when I need advice, referrals and support. When you strike out on your own, this is more important than ever. The power of community cannot be overstated.
That’s why I have created Second Seat. It’s a community for entrepreneurial lawyers to connect, share and help each other. You should apply to join it if you want to connect with other high-performing lawyers, send and receive referrals and learn about the business of law. It is a growing community that offers the support, tools and relationships that make all the difference. Because what truly sets successful legal entrepreneurs apart isn’t just skill—it’s building a sustainable business.
