Running your own firm isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s absolutely been worth it. Here’s my take on the pros and cons of starting your own law firm:
Pros:
Flexibility means I can set my own schedule. I can work when it suits me and step away when my family needs me. Having control over my own time has been invaluable.
Financial control has been just as empowering. Whether it’s investing in software, hiring the right admin support, or channeling resources into areas that enhance my firm, it’s my decision. Each case I close directly impacts my business, motivating me to work as efficiently as possible. The autonomy has been both liberating and exciting.
Cons:
The most significant tradeoff has been the lack of a professional safety net. Work begins and ends with me. Vacations are no longer truly vacations as I never fully "disconnect" from my job. Interestingly, that isn’t so different from my time at larger firms, where case coverage wasn’t always guaranteed either.
Overall, building and running my own firm has been a balancing act between freedom and responsibility, but for me, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.