Going from 5 to 50 employees in 5 years has been an incredible ride. People always ask: “Did you ever think that the firm would be this size?” And the answer I always give is: “Yes!” I have it in writing. It was in the roadmap we created at our first retreat in the summer of 2017, and in my state of the firm address from November 2019. Our growth was planned, and will continue, until we are one of the world’s best law firms. And when people ask: “Did you ever think that the firm would become one of the world’s best?” I’m going to answer “Yes!” And I’m going to point to what I wrote on our 5th anniversary.
The vision for our firm is that our “why” is to change the practice of law. To make it more collegial and fulfilling. To avoid the traps that cause too many to hate our profession, even though, at its core, what we do is interesting and provides enormous opportunity to do good. We grow up dreaming of making a great opening statement and doing good like Atticus Finch. But so often, our dreams are dashed as we settle into the harsh reality of billable hours, intense competition, and often unnecessary greed. Our firm was created to change that. And we are.
But it’s not easy. The last two years have been the hardest of my career. I have shed tears, lost friends, and spent less time with my family than I’d like. But some things are worth fighting for. And our firm is one of those things. The path is clear. Build a strong operations team so that we are a well-run firm. Hire great people who are committed to our why and put the team and the firm’s wellbeing first. Cultivate a great culture.
For me, no matter how hard it is, the path to happiness is to have a purpose and hold on when there is nothing in you. Except the will to fight for what you believe in. And I believe in our firm, our people, and our purpose.
To 5 years of success, and to everyone who has been with us through thick and thin. I am forever grateful.