by Seriously. It sounds like a lot of hard work, there’s a ridiculous amount of competition and there are already too many lawyers in this world.
All this is true. It is really hard work and I’m not even in business yet, there are so many law firms out there and I’m inclined to agree that too many lawyers can spoil the proverbial broth. But when asked this question by my business coach, the answer was clear – it’s the opportunity to do something different, to create something that is mine and that can fill gaps in the market that other firms haven’t filled. Yes the certainty of a regular pay cheque as an in-house lawyer is nice, and the idea of developing client leads and doing business development is a little terrifying, but this is the most excited I’ve been about being a lawyer for as long as I can remember.
COVID-19 has been a bitch, but it’s also thrown up a lot of opportunities for the taking. Thanks to the pangolin’s kiss it’s now more common to meet via Zoom than it is in person, which will allow the geographic scope of business development grow from local to global.
After almost 15 years in the corporate world, with a steady salary but a lack of adrenaline, there’s never been a better time than now to take some risks. So the worst that can happen (typical lawyer – always looking at the worst case scenario) is that it all falls apart, and I lose a bit of time and my startup costs. The upside, however, is unlimited. Creating something new, setting the firm’s strategy and defining its values means this is the opportunity to create something truly unique (as unique as a law firm can be…) and with endless potential.
So yes it’s hard work, but it’s my work. And no one becomes a lawyer thinking it will be a walk in the park.
