How to Build a Book of Business (without Burning Out) with Special Guest Heather Moulder

Have you ever found yourself doing "all the things" in your law practice, chasing every opportunity, yet feeling increasingly overwhelmed and disconnected from your life?

You're not alone. Many lawyers fall into this trap, especially when building their books of business.

But here's what nobody tells you:

Success isn't about working harder or longer hours. It's about alignment.

I recently sat down with former BigLaw partner Heather Moulder that illustrates this perfectly.

After building a multimillion-dollar book of business, Heather noticed something crucial: The partners who seemed happiest weren't necessarily the ones working the most hours.

Instead, they were the ones who approached their practice differently.

Read more to learn what she says sets them apart.

The Power of Values-Based Practice Building

The most fulfilled lawyers aren't just chasing dollars – they're building practices aligned with their core values. This means:

• Being crystal clear about who you want to work with
• Understanding what type of work energizes you
• Knowing which clients drain your energy (and having the courage to say no)
• Building relationships based on authentic connection

Think about it: When was the last time you stopped to ask yourself what truly matters to you in your practice?

The Myth of "All or Nothing"

Many lawyers believe that if they say no to certain clients or opportunities, everything will crumble. Their brain jumps to worst-case scenarios: "If I turn down this client, I'll end up under a bridge in a box!"

But here's the truth: Saying no to misaligned clients actually creates space for better opportunities. When you free yourself from energy-draining clients, you gain:

• Mental clarity to focus on business development
• Emotional energy to serve your ideal clients better
• Time to build meaningful professional relationships
• Space to think strategically about your practice

The Real Secret to Practice Growth

Here's what might surprise you: Heather says the most successful lawyers often focus more on input than output.

I definitely agree.

Instead of obsessing over billable hours or revenue targets, they focus on:

• Leveraging their natural strengths
• Building authentic relationships
• Creating sustainable systems
• Setting clear boundaries

And here's the kicker – when you focus on these inputs, the outputs (revenue, client satisfaction, personal fulfillment) tend to take care of themselves.

Your Next Steps

Ready to build a more sustainable practice? Start by answering these questions:

1. Get clear on your values. What matters most to you in your practice and life?
2. Identify your ideal clients. Who do you genuinely enjoy working with?
3. Look at your current client list. Which relationships energize you? Which drain you?
4. Start making small shifts. You don't have to change everything overnight.

Remember: Every successful lawyer has faced the fear of making changes. The difference lies in whether they let that fear hold them back or use it as a catalyst for positive change.

Building a sustainable practice isn't about working harder – it's about working aligned. When you build your practice around your values and strengths, success becomes not just achievable, but sustainable.

What's one small step you could take today to bring more alignment to your practice?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your insight might be exactly what another lawyer needs to hear.

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Dina

I encourage you to follow Heather Moulder on Linked In and listen to her podcast called the Life & Law Podcast. Click here to connect with her.

Dive deeper into this and other topics just for lawyers.

Subscribe for free to Be a Better Lawyer Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you love podcasts.

You can listen to my full conversation with Heather Moulder here:

How Dina Can Help You

Dina Cataldo is a leading legal industry expert, master certified coach, speaker, and host of the popular podcast “Be a Better Lawyer.”

She helps lawyers take control of their lives and law practices by helping them remove obstacles to growth and create time freedom and peace. These skills allow lawyers to build their practices with more ease than they ever imagined possible.

Dina's insights and advice have been featured on various prominent platforms. She's spoken at the Alabama State Bar Annual Meeting, on podcasts like “Law Firm Autopilot” and “Maximum Lawyer Podcast,” and more.

Through her coaching and speaking, Dina has positively impacted the lives of thousands of lawyers, helping them manage their time, overcome overwhelm, boost self-confidence, and find fulfillment in their legal careers.

Her empathetic and strategic approach has made her a sought-after coach among partners, solo practitioners, and boutique firm owners.

Dina Cataldo is a trailblazer in the legal industry, and she continues to inspire and empower big hearted female lawyers, to achieve professional success and personal fulfillment.

To book a call with her to learn more about working with her one-on-one to build your practice with ease instead of overwhelm, go to dinacataldo.com/strategysession.