The Case for Community

Can I work in a Community as a legal entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship ≠ Community

Since graduating from college in 2002, I have primarily been self-employed. Like many of you reading this article, the idea of self-employment and entrepreneurship presented far more exciting advantages than subscribing to the corporate norm. The allure of creating my own schedule, choosing my clients and practice areas, working from anywhere, having flexibility in vacation time, and unlimited growth potential could not be overshadowed by a secure full-time job working for a corporation – at least not for more than a fleeting moment. Even today, after experiencing the highs, lows, and bittersweet moments along the way, the benefits of being a business owner still outweigh the drawbacks.

The Unforeseen Disadvantage

However, the one disadvantage of being a small business owner that I did not anticipate, nor fully appreciate until about a year after starting my own law firm, was the significance of being part of a community of like-minded law firm owners who were also on the journey of business growth and development. Or rather, my lack of having such a community thereof.

The Challenge of Finding Community

Finding a community of legal professionals wasn't as simple as I initially thought. I realized that it's a lonely existence without effort and initiative. We are only a step away from becoming hermits or recluses, or in less dramatic terms, from feeling professionally isolated.

Recognizing the Need for a Legal Community

I had a community in the general sense – my family, my church community, my neighbors, and the youth sports parent community. However, despite these great personal relationships, I still felt like an island when it came to running and expanding a law firm in a fulfilling way. Could anyone else relate to the stress of managing 40 transactional and litigation clients while juggling support staff, payroll, marketing, operations, and countless other responsibilities? I often wondered if I was on the brink of legal malpractice or utter success. I may exaggerate a bit, but the sentiment is shared by many.

Between years 1-8 of my practice, I found myself in need of a community of like-minded firm owners to share ideas about adding staff, delegating tasks, managing my calendar, dealing with difficult clients, re-engaging past clients, and transitioning into a new practice area. I'm grateful for being invited to join a study group in my first year where we met monthly to exchange ideas and share war stories. I'm also thankful for discovering the MWL Solo/Small firm Affinity Group and the MSBA and RCBA Solo/Small Councils and Section. Each of these communities has provided and continues to provide opportunities to connect with peers and build relationships.

Going Deeper

In late 2018, a major transition in my law practice prompted me to seek a community of like-minded, forward-thinking, driven, creative, and thoughtful lawyers to form a personal board of directors – a concept I learned is called a mastermind group. I assembled a group of highly respected lawyers, and in January 2019, we launched MasterMind Lawyers©. We met monthly for three and a half years in various sizes and arrangements, even meeting remotely on Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic. We challenged each other with goal setting, held each other accountable for achieving those goals, and shared resources to overcome obstacles. We were vulnerable with each other (yes, even lawyers can do that!) and shared some tears from time to time.

For instance, I will never forget coming to my MasterMind group in a state of fear and writer's block when attempting to write an impossible commencement address for 2020-2021 college graduates at my alma mater. This group of attorney masterminds provided me with encouragement, resources, ideas, challenges, and support – a genuine sense of "community." 

It Takes Work

Participating in a community can be challenging. Admitting when we need help, feel stuck, haven't met a goal, or simply feel lost, isn't easy. As business leaders, we are often tempted to appear in control, competent, successful, unflinching, and unyielding. However, the reality is that the best leaders and the most successful business owners are those who are teachable, adaptable, and sometimes vulnerable with trusted peers.

When we immerse ourselves in the right kind of community, we discover something truly engaging, rewarding, and even enjoyable.

The Good News

The good news is that while we may not have a natural community that falls into our laps as it does when we work at corporations or at large firms, solo/small firm lawyers can experience a real "community" when we actively seek it out. We can choose a community that suits our needs, rather than settling for one assigned to us by an employer. For us, it requires a bit more effort – much like the effort you engaged to start your own practice! 

Now in my 12th year of practice, I continue to need a community of like-minded legal professionals for accountability, companionship, and the motivation to push towards growth and engagement. I need others to challenge me, both directly and indirectly, to strive for greatness, especially during the cold winter months when I'm tempted to settle for the status quo. When I fall into that temptation, I feel restless, unmotivated, uninspired, and sometimes lost – much like a stagnant body of water. 

I'm often reminded of the quote by Chris Fabry:

 "Water that's not moving becomes stagnant. And if there's no one pouring into you, the pitcher gets dusty. A person is most satisfied and most useful when he/she is both giving and receiving."

Where to Find a Like-Minded Legal Community

I understand the need to keep moving, even when I don't feel like it, or when my pride tells me I'm too busy and don't have time for a community.

This Thursday, my fellow co-founders, Patrick Patino and Leanne Fuith, and I will lead a discussion on "The Top 10 Ways to Find and Build Community." In this discussion, we will delve further into why community is so essential for solo/small firm lawyers and how to discover an authentic, thriving community in which you can grow, be held accountable, and reach the next level. 

I look forward to seeing YOU join me in COMMUNITY.

Change is good. And it is even better to do it together.

~Heather