Going Solo

This week, I am starting my own law firm. I have my first potential client. And, the phone, fax, email, website, and malpractice insurance are close to materializing. Those close to me are excited for me. There are some in town who are a little confused as to what it means for a Kohler-wife to start up her own business in Sheboygan. Is it for the purpose of getting me out of my important and busy husband's way while occupying me part time...an expensive hobby? Is it another one of my crazy endeavors to find legitimacy in this crazy town? I don't know, but the awkward inarticulate questions and the glazed half interested looks confuse me sometimes.



I was originally planning on studying for the patent bar first and then launch my portable family law and patent law practice immediately after getting the exam out of the way. Seemed logical enough at the time. Then I get a call from a potential client this weekend, only a week after quitting. It makes sense to begin now afterall, since you have to prepared for success if it comes your way. I'll be ready to take on some pro bono work as well. This reminds me of the fortune cookie that B got during my going away lunch at the office. It said something to the effect of, "If you want to fish, first you must go home to build your net." B laughed and thought it was the worst fortune cookie grammar he's seen yet. I gave it some thought and felt that it was pretty much right. I have to quit my job, go home and build my own business if I really want to find success in my career. I should have collected everyone's fortune cookie that day. They were all eerily approprote.



So, the story continues with this next chapter in my life. The most surprising part of it is how comfortable I feel so far moving quickly in my own direction and building my own solo practice. It actually feels very natural. And the unknown with regards to what I may encounter with my own inexperience doesn't scare me so much anymore. I've realized from the last two years of practice that I can handle nearly anything that comes my way and my own gutt has served me well as a true guidepost.