End of Associate Year

Today is the last day of my 6th associate year.

My associate years have always fallen on the cross year.

Meaning: I get a mid-year restart, which I’ve always enjoyed.

This past year was a BIG ONE:

👏 My first federal jury trial;

👏 My first full year at a new firm—Husch Blackwell, it’s been wonderful.

👏 More motions, briefs, and appearances than I can count (so, so much good experience).

👏 The return of my confidence—in myself and my career path.

👏 Working on and managing teams and having support (and supporting one another).

👏 Building this community. I love it here.

👏 And so much more (like a national title for the Bucks, Bulldogs, Braves, and Rebels).

At the same time—and all of this can be true—it has been a doozy of a year.

🫥 Learning how to say no and transition projects when things become overwhelming.

🫥 Ongoing pandemic concerns.

🫥 Tragedies, division, disappointing decisions.

🫥 Near constant anxiety during certain periods.

🫥 Not always balancing well work and life (and not always checking my expectations for myself).

But, in the next year, when I know these things will continue to challenge me, I look forward to new experiences that help me learn and improve all the way.

Happy New [Associate] Year!