How I started my own law firm in the middle of a global pandemic

I’ve been a lawyer for over 7 years, but I had never really thought about starting my own firm before last year. I didn’t think I would ever want to because it seemed like a lot of work. Then, I was let go from a private firm in June 2020 because of the impact Covid was having on everything. My job required me to go into court every day, but then when the courts closed, there was less work, and layoffs were made. I suddenly had to think about what I was going to do next.

I’ve always been somewhat interested in law: I really loved reading mystery books (I had EVERY single Nancy Drew hardcover book) and watching investigative shows, and I had always associated law with FBI and crime stuff. This interest continued into my undergrad, where I started to think seriously about going to law school. While I didn’t know exactly what kind of law I wanted to go into, I figured that there were so many different options I could pursue, that I would find something I loved eventually. But I never really considered starting my own firm even back then, as it just seemed like a lot of work.

When I was first laid off, I started interviewing at other firms, but then I had the thought, “why do I want to go from one job I don’t like, right into another job I probably won’t like either?”

A big part of my last job - and these new jobs I was applying for - was going into court every day, which I was never a huge fan of. I’m really not that into wearing suits, to be honest (or having to work in a male-dominated firm, in a male-dominated industry… let’s just say that was DRAINING). So by the end of June, I made the decision that I wanted to explore other options. Before I knew it I was building the foundations of my own business behind the scenes, and soon after -

launching it into the world.

I didn’t decide all on my own though. During this time, I had come across a lawyer on Instagram who was a trademark mentor to lawyers who did not already have a trademark practice (@Sonia Lakhany!).

“It was the sign I didn’t even know I was looking for.”

I realized that she was only a couple of years older than me, and yet she had this huge, successful firm. She was often traveling (pre-pandemic) and running her business on the go. I saw that she had a program and I signed up right away. It gave me the motivation and inspiration to believe that maybe starting your own firm wasn’t actually impossible.

While still contemplating if I could actually do it, I came across a few other trademark lawyers on Instagram that had started their own firms as well. Other women paving the way with virtual law firms. Showing me that I didn’t have to work in another male-dominated firm, going to court every single day.

There was another way.

At first, I thought I would only be doing this on the side for a little bit of money, while still looking for a ‘regular’ law job. But after I launched my firm, everything kind of blew up and I quickly realized that this wasn’t just a part-time thing. This was my regular job.

So, why trademarks? Well, I was interested in intellectual property in law school, but it wasn’t the kind of work I ended up doing, as the job market was really tough when I graduated and I just went where I could. At the start of my legal career, I worked at two different nonprofit organizations, practicing mostly in guardianships, and then spent three years working in litigation (mainly no-fault insurance). I was never really in love with any of those jobs, and I dreaded the thought of applying to another job I also wouldn’t love.

I had already built connections with a lot of entrepreneurs on Instagram through my passion for fitness and I had noticed a gap in the online industry. Entrepreneurs were hustling hard to build their business but didn’t always know how to legally protect it. Being able to help these entrepreneurs, and other small business owners that I was already connecting with by helping them with the legal aspect of their business was the perfect fit. While I love being able to build and run my business however I want, the best part is that I get to work with passionate entrepreneurs who continue to inspire me every day.

Being let go from my last job in June ended up being the biggest blessing.

If I had stayed in that job, I’m not sure I would have ever had the courage to take this leap. This path has brought me back to why I love being a lawyer in the first place. A place I had forgotten entirely, and quite honestly didn’t think I would ever get to again. I am thankful every day for losing that job. Starting my own firm has not always been easy (at all!)…

but it has definitely been worth it.

I wanted to share my own journey because I find other people’s entrepreneurial journeys inspiring, and I hope to help inspire others who are just starting their journey or those who might be a little bit afraid to take that chance. If you have been thinking about starting your own business but don’t know where to get started, you can book a consultation to Pick My Legal Brain! This is a 60-minute session where you get a chance to ask all of your legal questions and get answers you want specifically for your business, audit the legal side of your business, or even come up with a legal roadmap so you know where your priorities need to be.