Lost to Lit. How my mentor helped me pivot and embrace my true calling.
When I reflect on my professional trajectory—it was anything but straight.?And you might be in the same boat.
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I started as a real estate attorney in 2008 right when the economy tanked. I had no car. No safety net. No career Plan B.
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Well . . . Plan B found me. Or, more correctly, a tremendous mentor found me.
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On the surface, you could say I was repurposed by my BigLaw Firm as a first-year litigator to meet market and client demands. It may sound like pure happenstance. But it was the exact opposite.
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The partner who ultimately plucked me from the real estate pool had earlier tried to convince me to switch to litigation during my summer clerkship. Mike Powell (a trial and appellate legend) had seen potential in me that I didn’t even realize existed. The economy gave me no choice. But he had a choice—and he picked me. Mike pushed me beyond my comfort zone and challenged me to take on new responsibilities as a very young associate.
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Did I find myself googling “What is a motion to quash” in those first few weeks? Yes.?But the trial-by-fire entry I had was a game changer for what is now a 15-year career as a litigator.
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Pivoting can help you tap into your full potential and may lead to finding your true calling.
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I bet we all have a crucial crossroad in our careers where we by choice (or not) pick a new direction.
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Resilience and success in those moments requires not just our internal grit but likely the guidance of the mentors and coaches in our lives.
Chair of the Appellate Practice Group at Locke Lord LLP
1 年Totally agree with Amanda and Clint. I remember years ago when a former colleague asked me: "Is Mike Powell still the best lawyer you will ever know?" I loved how that question asked me to forecast whether I would ever meet a better lawyer than Mike. I confidently answered "yes." Mike is the best. He always will be.
Built My Own 7-Figure Practice - Now I Help Lawyers Do the Same (Without the Sacrifice) | Former BigLaw Partner | Access the Success Vault for Proven Anti-Hustle Strategies ??
1 年That same crash forced me to pivot as a new partner (from structured finance to ABL). Although I knew I needed to pivot, I had no idea where to or how. Several conversations with colleagues helped me figure that out. They might not have realized I considered them mentors, but my pivot and resulting practice wouldn't have happened without them (I'm talking to you, Tina Ross and Ralph Santos).
Associate Attorney at Snell & Wilmer
1 年Where would we be without the guidance of those mentors who help us turn our dreams into reality. You honor Mike by showing the same grace to those of us who benefitted from your mentorship, Amanda!
Partner and Chair Emeritus of Locke Lord's Energy Practice Group
1 年Mike is just the best!
CBDMO l Sheppard Mullin I Client Experience Enthusiast
1 年Love this. So glad to see your newsletter is live and you have a platform to share experiences like this.