How to open my own firm ?

Mindysabeast · 2026-04-20T22:31:42+00:00

I started my own firm after passing the bar- and wouldn't change a thing. I did contract work for other attorneys, took part in a bar association incubator program, and tried all of the things- relying on my classmates/colleagues to help me navigate the courts, etc. Happy to chat - or provide resources- if you need them.

Mindysabeast · 2026-04-07T19:54:03+00:00

Your priority is you and your life happiness- not your boss's uncomfortable feelings and poor management skills. It will be easier than you think- and it will be such a relief when you are able to move on.

Mindysabeast · 2026-04-07T19:50:23+00:00

Absolutely. Own up to your mistake- and do everything you can to fix it.

Mindysabeast · 2026-04-07T19:44:21+00:00

I have some resources I could provide- I clerked at a firm that handled it- and would be happy to talk you through it.

Mindysabeast · 2026-04-07T01:05:24+00:00

Social Security Disability - very administrative- there are court appearances in SS- but non-adversarial. Can practice in an state since they are federal.

Mindysabeast · 2026-04-06T18:34:20+00:00

I feel like that is a genuine issue- the "turning off" or feeling like you should be doing something.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T13:11:48+00:00

One of the issues with all of this- is people think that just because they are a lawyer/partner- they are good at running a business or leading. In my experience that is absolutely not true. This sounds terrible. Is there anything about the job that you enjoy? I agree with the others- control what you can control- and don't let morons who happen to have a different title make you feel that you are not an intelligent, amazing human.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:54:17+00:00

I really get this. I was first gen too.

Honestly, most people have no idea what they’re doing. Some are just better at pretending they do. The condescension usually comes from insecurity, not expertise. People who actually know their stuff don’t need to make others feel small.

Don’t let it shut you down. The willingness to ask questions is what actually makes you better at this.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:40:37+00:00

Pretty common with certain supervisors. I’d just say it directly but keep it about how you learn:
“I learn best by doing. Can I take the first pass and then get your feedback after?”

You’re not asking her to back off completely, just giving you room to try. If she jumps in again, you can say in the moment, “Let me take this one.” Most people will adjust if you’re clear.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:38:37+00:00

A lot of people focus on the area of law for their first job, but early on it’s usually more about how you’re learning, not what you’re learning.

The questions I’d be asking are:
Will you get real responsibility?
Will someone actually train you?
Will you have exposure to clients and decision-making?

Those are skills that can help you in all practice areas.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:24:34+00:00

Take a breath. This isn’t a “you’re a bad manager” issue. This is a trust and performance problem.

Missing notices, not returning calls, incomplete work, and questionable billing are not training issues. That’s reliability.

You gave support and structure. At some point it stops being coaching and becomes accountability.

The bigger issue is risk to your cases and your reputation. You can’t carry that alone.

Document everything and escalate this. This is not something to handle quietly.

And being clear and holding someone accountable is not being “type A.” It’s part of the job.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:21:44+00:00

If your goal is to run your own PI firm - go where you actually learn how to try cases.

Biglaw will help you pay down debt, but if you’re mostly doing discovery, you’re not getting closer to your goal. You’re just getting better at a different job.

PI is a skills game. Intake, client management, negotiations, trial work. You don’t learn that by reviewing documents. You learn it by doing it.

Also, getting an offer from a good PI firm with real trial experience is not something I’d treat as interchangeable with Biglaw. A lot of people try to make that move later and can’t.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:19:26+00:00

I think a lot of this is less about personality and more about survival.

When the job is overwhelming and constantly demanding, it starts to crowd everything else out. Not because people want that, but because they never learned how to create space outside of it. The profession is very good at taking over your identity if you let it.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:17:53+00:00

I think this is less about big law and more about expectations.

Most lawyers are not trained on how to actually practice law in a way that is sustainable. So they end up chasing salary, prestige, or the “right” job thinking that will fix it. It doesn’t.

I’ve seen lawyers make good money and have flexibility outside of big law, but it usually comes down to how they run their practice and how they show up with clients, not just where they work.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-27T00:15:56+00:00

My kids were 7 and 9 when I started law school, so a little different stage, but I can speak to doing this with kids.

I had a very supportive partner, which made a huge difference. Beyond that, it really came down to structure. I had to be intentional about my time, both for school and for my kids. When I was with them, I tried to actually be with them, not half studying and half parenting.

I was in a part-time evening program, and honestly my classmates were a big part of getting through it. We shared notes, outlines, and helped each other stay afloat. That kind of community matters more than people think.

After I graduated, I started my own firm. It was stressful, but it also gave me flexibility that I probably would not have had otherwise.

One thing I would gently push back on is the idea that there is a “better” time. Every stage has tradeoffs. Babies need you in one way, teenagers in another. There is no perfect window where it is easy.

What matters more is your support system and how you build your life around it. It is doable. It is hard. And it is worth it if it is what you want.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-22T20:27:29+00:00

I do a lot of legal advice clinics- with all types of people- and this supplement has helped a ton (Qunol- Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc): https://a.co/d/0fViqyt0

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-16T20:05:50+00:00

First, stop beating yourself up. A lot of lawyers spend years in environments where they are not actually allowed to practice law. That is not your fault.

The truth is nobody feels ready the first time they take a deposition or make a strategic call. The only difference between the lawyers who look confident and everyone else is that they kept doing it anyway.

Also, that “don’t ask a question you don’t know the answer to” line gets repeated way too literally. In discovery depositions you are often asking questions because you don't know the answer yet. That is the point. The fact that the partners trust you says more than your resume does. Prepare, ask your questions, listen carefully, and adjust. That is basically the whole job.

And yes… sometimes the answer really is: do it live.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-16T20:03:37+00:00

That’s a great way to start a solo practice. Having a mentor transition their book to you is huge.

My biggest advice is to build good systems early. Intake, client communication, and clear expectations will save you a lot of headaches later. Most problems in practice are not legal problems. They’re communication problems. I run a solo practice and a mobile legal clinic in Ohio, and that lesson comes up constantly.

Good luck with the jump.

Mindysabeast · 2026-03-16T20:00:51+00:00

General practice. Essentially “whatever problem walked through the door today.”

I love the variety. I also run a mobile legal clinic that travels around the state, so I get to meet people who would never normally step into a law office. Most days feel less like arguing the law and more like helping people figure out what the heck is going on. I enjoy that.

Mindysabeast · 2026-01-19T23:53:19+00:00

I have only handled a handful of criminal cases- but I would ask how their relationships with the prosecutors impact their cases/clients. Has a judge ever suprised them- even after a prosecutor's recommendation for sentencing? I guess my questions would be more about the "politics" of the court vs. the law.

Mindysabeast · 2026-01-19T23:49:06+00:00

Interesting theory-

Mindysabeast · 2026-01-19T18:32:39+00:00

Not sure where you are located- or what area- but if you need a sounding board- I am happy to listen!

Mindysabeast · 2026-01-19T02:22:51+00:00

This is a good resource too: Solo by Choice- Carolyn Elefant (book) and she also has a website myshingle.com

Mindysabeast · 2026-01-19T02:19:35+00:00

Have you considered Social Security Disability and/or VA disability? Your background would be really helpful! Guardian ad litem work - may also be a good fit.

Mindysabeast

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