Day 43 of the 90 Days of Awesome is in the bank! What made today awesome? I got to help a fellow lawyer who is thinking about going solo.

I get a handful of calls and emails every year from lawyers who are thinking about opening their own practice. They often want to know what it takes to get started, how to set rates, and what marketing tactics work for getting clients. I was petrified when I made the decision to open my own firm right out of law school and I was so grateful to everyone who will help me along the way. Talking with lawyers who are thinking about going solo gives me the chance to pay it forward.

This summer I’ve had the unique experience of being able to meet with a few East Coast lawyers who are considering transplanting to Phoenix and opening up shop as solos for the first time. Today I had one of those experiences; I had breakfast with Bryan and his wife. He is considering giving up big firm life for the freedom of a solo practice, while moving across the country. We met at Scramble where we had an awesome conversation about practicing law in Arizona, working with the startup community, how long it takes to turn a profit, and living in Phoenix in general. Bryan seemed impressed by everything I’ve accomplished in the three years I’ve been practicing law, which I found ironic given that he has been practicing law more than ten years longer than me.

I think it’s funny when people from major cities ask me if I feel safe in Phoenix. There may be certain neighborhoods I won’t walk around in after dark by myself, however I’ve never felt truly unsafe in Phoenix. People who are new to the valley also ask me about how often I see scorpions. For the record, I have seen one scorpion since I’m moved here eleven years ago, and it was on Camelback Mountain.

In other awesome news: Rosie appears to be on the mend. We had a follow-up visit to the vet today. It looks like my baby girl has a UTI. I was so relieved when she finally started eating again tonight.

In case you missed it: Day 42 of the 90 Days of Awesome – Everyone should know Aaron Swartz’s story and his contributions to the internet.