Boundaries are Beautiful
Legal practice can be an incredibly rewarding career, but it also comes with challenges which, at times, may test your mental health and passion for the profession. There is a potential for burn out from the long hours, emotionally-charged cases, and the constant pressure to meet your client’s expectations, not to mention the pressure to meet your expectations of yourself.
After more than a decade practicing family law and running my own firm, I have learned that maintaining balance and enthusiasm for my career requires intentionality. It is my pleasure to share some practices which have helped me stay grounded and continue to find joy in my chosen profession.
Building Structure and Boundaries
Early in my career, I learned the importance of setting boundaries. One of the most impactful changes I made was to make conscious choices about when and how I would be accessible to attend to clients and work.
For example, I stopped giving my personal cell phone number to clients unless absolutely necessary. When I do share my personal number, I set an expectation with my client that I have shared the information for a limited purpose, such as coordinating a court appearance. This small adjustment has made a significant difference in preserving my personal time, which allows me to recharge, so that I am able to bring my fullest attention at the times when it most matters.
Within my first two years of practice, I learned to turn off email notifications on my phone. This allows me to check messages on my terms, preventing constant disruptions and giving me a sense of control over my day. Even minor adjustments like these can provide much-needed relief in emotionally taxing areas of law.
Boundaries are not just about protecting time, boundaries protect mental energy. Knowing I do not need to be immediately available at all hours gives me room to regroup, reflect and rest. The purpose of this is so I present my best self for clients. I share this with you as a lesson I wish I had embraced earlier.
Leaning on Resources and People
As many lawyers do, I opened my firm in 2011 with essentially no business experience. I quickly realized I could not do it all alone. I sought mentors who generously guided me through complex legal and business challenges. For the first few years, I frequently reached out to colleagues for sample pleadings, advice and insight. Those conversations were invaluable and helped shape the way I practice today. I found my colleagues to be gracious and supportive, willing to assist time and time again, if I just reached out and asked. It is my pleasure to support newer attorneys now.
Continuing legal education plays a vital role in my practice. Keeping pace with evolving laws and best practices sharpens my skills and deepens my expertise. Ongoing learning ensures I provide the highest level of representation for my clients, especially the children I advocate for in my role as minor’s counsel.
Embracing Technology
One of the best investments I’ve made is in technology. From web-based forms to complex workflow systems, technology streamlines much of our daily work, allowing us to operate efficiently. In family law, processes can quickly become repetitive and time-consuming. By automating and systematizing what we can, my team and I have freed up valuable time to focus on more substantive legal work and client interactions.
Technology is not about cutting corners; it is about working smarter, not harder. Allocating overhead costs to improve internal systems is one of the best decisions I’ve made for the long-term sustainability of my practice.
Building a Team You Trust
No matter how organized or tech-savvy you are, success in law depends on the people around you. I am fortunate to work with an incredible paralegal, Brigette L. Anderson-Atkins, and associate attorney, Noel Guth. We’ve worked together for years; they feel more like family than colleagues. I trust them with not only the details of our cases but also the firm’s livelihood.
A cohesive team dynamic fosters openness and innovation. I encourage my staff to question processes and suggest improvements. This collaborative spirit enhances efficiency and brings a sense of shared purpose to our work. Creating a positive work environment benefits everyone, clients included.
Giving Back
I am deeply grateful for the attorneys who guided me when I was starting out, and I believe in paying that forward. Over the years, I’ve mentored aspiring lawyers, including high school students who interned at my firm. Some have gone on to attend top-tier law schools and pursue exciting careers.
Giving back doesn’t just benefit mentees; it helps me reconnect with the reasons I entered the legal field in the first place. Teaching, mentoring, and sharing knowledge reignite my passion for the law and remind me why this work matters.
Pursuing Joy Outside of Law
Maintaining mental health is not just about managing work; it is also about enjoying life beyond it. I regularly reflect on whether my time aligns with my values. Practicing family law is a significant part of who I am, but I do not want it to consume my identity.
I carve out time each week to visit my parents for dinner and competitive card games. I make a point to stay connected with close friends. Outside of work, I have pursued hobbies that bring me joy. A few years ago, I took up scuba diving, which has become a passion shared with two of my best friends. We have traveled to dive spots worldwide from Africa to Fiji and beyond. Knowing there is an adventure on the horizon keeps me motivated during the more challenging work stretches.
Accepting the Ebb and Flow
At one point, I feared that turning down cases would jeopardize my business. I worried about layoffs, lost income, and the potential closure of my firm. Over time, I’ve accepted that the flow of work is naturally cyclical. I have grown comfortable with the idea of keeping my practice small and selective.
By limiting the number of cases we take, my team and I offer higher-quality representation. This shift has improved client outcomes, reduced stress and increased job satisfaction for me and my team.
Final Thoughts
To me, practicing law is a marathon, not a sprint. To sustain a long and fulfilling career, it is essential to establish boundaries, lean on others, embrace innovation, and cultivate joy outside of work. By fostering a healthy balance, we can continue to grow as attorneys while safeguarding our well-being. In safeguarding our well-being, we provide better services.
I hope these insights resonate with those navigating the inevitable stresses of legal practice. Our profession is demanding, but with intentionality and care, it can remain deeply rewarding over the span of a long and enjoyable life.