Law is a business.

Law is a business--all law, not just #biglaw.

We don't talk about this enough during the early stages of careers.

Yes, the focus should be on skill development and opportunity gathering.

But, also: we must recognize that, especially in big law, we are, ultimately, corporate employees.

Part of our role is to make money for our employer.

Part of our role is to protect our clients' businesses, business interests, and yes, their money.

In my early years, I wish I had given more thought to:

💸 how my billable time appeared on bills;

💸 how my billable time translated to revenue;

💸 how partners viewed my time and skills as marketable (or not marketable);

💸 how my billable time was sold to potential and existing clients;

💸 how I could build autonomy and choice by thinking like an entrepreneur;

💸 how "taking ownership" of matters helped me generate more business (internally and externally);

💸 how a personal brand and professional vision could serve my goals--and my firm's goals;

💸 how lawyers are salespeople--we sell our time and our services--and that this isn't something we should shy away from; and

💸 how you can build business (internally and externally) by being true to yourself.

To improve my understanding and business acumen, I've read books and articles--for lawyers, yes, but largely for entrepreneurs and business people and MBA-types.

When I shifted my mindset from "stereotypical big-law associate," and from "being at the beck and call of partners," to business woman, to entrepreneur, to "the four walls of my office are my solo-practice," I found freedom.

I found excitement, autonomy, and control.

There's power here:

I am a member of corporate America.

I am a business woman.

I am ready to build a business--for my employer, sure, but also: for myself.

#lawyerwellbeing #professionalwomen #gettingthingsdone