• Day 46/90 – Resolution for Clients

    Day 46 of the 90 Days of Awesome is in the bank! What made today awesome? I helped my clients get the desired outcome to their situations.

    Scales of Justice at Lewis and Clark Law School
    Scales of Justice at Lewis and Clark Law School

    Practicing law isn’t as black-and-white as many people think it is. There are always more details and contributing factors in every situation, and you can never predict how a case is going to end. I wish there were more guarantees in this industry, but I doubt that’s going to happen.

    It’s been a good week for my clients and me. I am close to wrapping up a few files, and so far it looks like my clients are going to get the outcomes they were hoping for. It makes me so happy to see my clients happy. Sometimes I have to be the person that tells them that they can’t do what they want or that they will not get the resolution they desire, but that hasn’t happened too much this week.

    I have a few cases that are winding down on a high note, and I’m jazzed about some of the cases I’m working on. I was a little bummed when I had to leave the office today, but I know I need to get some rest so I can hit the ground running again tomorrow.

    In case you missed it: Day 45 of the 90 Days of Awesome – Oden’s Happy Hour!

  • Day 43/90 – One Lawyer Helping Another

    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.

    Image courtesy of Scramble
    Image courtesy of Scramble

    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.

  • Day 39/90 – I Love My Clients

    Day 39 of the 90 Days of Awesome is in the bank! What made today awesome? I feel satisfied with my work.

    I Hustled My Face Off Today (H/T to Gary Vaynerchuk for the slogan)
    I Hustled My Face Off Today (H/T to Gary Vaynerchuk for the slogan)

    Today was one of those days where I felt like I was doing client work almost nonstop. I’m working on a few custom contracts and I had to consultations today. During one of my consultations, I felt like I was going on mile a minute talking about intellectual property and social media legal issues. I paused and asked my client if you understood what I was saying, and he said, “Yes, this is exactly what we need.” I loved that. I love when I know what I do is making a difference in my clients’ lives.

    As an existentialist, it is imperative that what I do creates significant tangible differences on others or my surroundings, because if it doesn’t, then why am I here? (Yes, these are real issues and thoughts that I grapple with on a regular basis.)

    And can I say that my clients are freakin’ awesome? I love the how smart, creative, and diligent they are. The majority of them are in absolute joy to work for.

    In case you missed it: Day 38 of the 90 Days of Awesome – So Happy for my Friend who Got some Incredible News!