Why You Should Define the 'Purpose' of Your Law Firm
Too many lawyers never figure out what they are going to be when they grow up.
For some, it's because they never realized their purpose. It goes way beyond making a buck.
Purpose is perhaps the most important part of practicing law, especially in the beginning. It's why you should define your firm's purpose as soon as possible.
Big Picture Purpose
Carolyn Elefant, the popular lawyer/blogger, says purpose is more important than planning when starting a law firm. To be truly successful, she says, attorneys need to put down the minutia and focus on the big picture.
Business plans, savings, and marketing are tools to build a law firm. But Elefant says lawyers with a purpose succeed more often.
"They're both obsessed with their mission and proud of being business owners so they focus on the task at hand like a dog with a bone," she says. "They almost can't lose."
Elefant advises attorneys to "obsess themselves" with a purpose. "All the other pieces will fall into place," she says.
Money Can't Buy Happiness
Everybody knows money can't buy happiness, not even for lawyers. Money just buys things that can make you happy.
But seriously, if your purpose is to make a lot of money, you are missing the point. Purpose is about finding your raison d'etre.
It's like a compass that can lead you to a niche or away from the wrong client. Just take the time to get the right bearing, and you'll get there.
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