Attorney gains confidence in her practice and balance in her life
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![[Faith at her desk]](faithdesk.jpg)
Faith practiced law in a small law firm owned by another attorney. He paid her an hourly rate for the time she spent working on his cases. There was little or no incentive to find more work since he brought in enough for the two of them. In the beginning when there was less legal work, Faith managed the business part of his law practice as well. As she says her employer was " a good lawyer but not a good business man."
While Faith enjoyed her work as a lawyer she found herself at odds with the way her employer treated his clients as well as the way he ran the business. They had very different philosophies. She knew she wanted to have her own law practice but just hadn't been able to take the big step of leaving a job that allowed her to live comfortably.
Faith joined a practice building coaching group and listened to the other group members discuss their existing practices. As the only participant without an existing practice the others were able to counsel Faith on the intricacies of running a law practice. At the same time the coach began to focus on specific marketing techniques to insure a steady stream of clients. Faith needed to know that she could remain solvent while making the leap.
Early in 2004 Faith left the practice for own firm. She rented space from two attorneys who not only refer business to her but also are models and mentors for what Faith wants for her own practice. They are community spirited, caring individuals who are well respected in the community.
Faith’s practice has grown since she initially worked with Parker Associates. She is now moving her practice to larger offices and she has hired a paralegal and an office manager.
Faith continues to be a client on a retainer basis. She says,
I know I could always talk to a fellow lawyer or a friend, but everyone has their bias or their lack of experience in a certain area. Alvah is nonjudgmental, has no bias, and only wants to help me improve my practice and keep balance in my life.
Alvah's comments are always very insightful. She has so often struck upon the root on any issue, whether it is how to select and keep good staff, or work behaviors that seem to be holding me back. She has helped me improve without ever making me feel inadequate or incompetent. As a result of Alvah's coaching, I am a lot more confident in my business decisions.
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