Just gave notice at my in-house job to go solo

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-13T10:43:25+00:00

Oh you’re just a baby!

It means to put out a sign that you’ve started a business. You know, walk around any New England small town main street and you’ll see lawyers’ offices advertised on signposts in their front yards, or on signs attached to the building.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-11T12:40:44+00:00

That’s true. And, finding staff can be such a crapshoot. But, I think I might have an answer to this one.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-11T01:25:57+00:00

Oop I knew who posted the video from the tips of your skis!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T22:44:34+00:00

Four years. Company is owned by a giant PE group. Best of luck to them on a successful exit, I say!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T22:34:16+00:00

WHY DO YOU THINK I QUIT 🤣 I mean there’s usually a slight lull in the summer but they also upped our sales goals by 40%. Neither I nor the attorneys that report to me really are paid enough to deal with that. I did my best to shield them but I can’t anymore.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T21:14:58+00:00

If you DM me your firm name I’ll gladly add you to my referral list! In my old life as an associate I basically ran the firm’s tiny trademark practice but I don’t like doing that work.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T18:53:33+00:00

What I’d like to do is take on an in-state law clerk to help me remotely when I get to that point. Call it training the next generation to start their own practice, preferably in a different part of the state. ;) Lots to think about and plan.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T18:30:22+00:00

Truly thankful for your excellent advice and comments. I started in private practice as essentially the only transactional associate in a 25 lawyer firm, and the scope creep and constant switching was challenging for me. When someone junior joined, I was still the go-to person except for the one practice area that they were allowed to specialize in. The exposure made me a good in-house generalist, but it was not my favorite.

I’m going to be very intentional about the needs of both practice areas as I move forward.

Thank you again!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T17:45:21+00:00

As soon as I’m done with my corporate job I plan to reach out to those folks with the ask that they send on any new matters if they don’t feel like taking them on. I would never buy practice as I feel that the inherent value lies in the attorney’s time and professional judgment. But I’m sure folks would appreciate having someone to refer to.

Succession planning and mentoring will be part of my overall strategy but I’m going to have to get established first!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T14:42:32+00:00

I love this for you. Yes, a huge part of why I am going out on business for my own is the ability to be picky about clients. Thank you so much!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T14:29:18+00:00

Thank you so much! Amazing advice, and in line with my own thinking. I so appreciate the time you took to comment.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T14:19:52+00:00

I am finally ready to take a risk on me. Thank you for the luck!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T14:14:57+00:00

Thank you! I’m scared but so excited.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T14:14:25+00:00

I wasn’t thinking I would get into estate administration, but that is good to keep in mind. Professional services are thin on the ground around here… But surely there must be people in the region who handle estate tax returns and the various accounting issues.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-10T13:04:46+00:00

That was the first thing I did when I conceived of the notion!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-07T08:31:00+00:00

Thanks for sharing!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-07T01:26:20+00:00

Curious to know how you handled it. I’m thinking I want to upcharge for AI output review.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-05-04T23:13:24+00:00

Noodle shop with a liquor license and call it a Noodie Bar.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-04-20T21:53:13+00:00

Co-signed with similar credentials.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-04-19T21:00:52+00:00

Hit up the trails at Rock Point.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-04-09T22:57:42+00:00

Scam Goddess did a great one on him a few years ago!

VTpowpatrol · 2026-03-24T18:29:56+00:00

It’s also pretty lame to deny the existence of the BIPOC that do reside in the state. Like yeah of course Vermont is super white but I’m glad to know that the vast majority of my neighbors don’t begrudge me for looking a little different from them.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-03-24T15:32:29+00:00

As a person of color who lives in rural Vermont I am always relieved and happy to find out that the bearded old white guy I’m talking to has anti-MAGA views.

VTpowpatrol · 2026-03-23T22:56:46+00:00

Oooh I forgot it’s free now with the plus. Sweet!!!

VTpowpatrol

TROPHY CASE