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What helped you realize that “ big ” firm life was not where you wanted to be ?
Louis Cohan : I think I am a bit of a control freak . I am also entrepreneurial . I have never really thought that I would be well suited to life in Big Law . Since starting CLG , it is apparent that even going from 50 attorneys in my prior firm to our current structure is very rewarding for me . If we have a soft month or two , it is on me . If we have a big win , the impact is significant . The direct relationship between performance and outcome is very real and rewarding .
Matt Jordan : I left a very well-respected mid-size litigation firm to move to a small firm . That firm was great to me and still is a wonderful firm , but the ‘ corporate ’ culture that it inevitably created when you have over 100 lawyers plus support staff can be overwhelming . I realized I wanted to have more say in the day-to-day operation of the firm and my practice .
Jeb Butler : Well , I tried it . To be fair , I was pretty sure from the outset that I was not going to end up working in a skyscraper — in part because I do not derive much satisfaction from assisting the already-empowered and in part because I do not like parking garages . But I spent part of a summer working for Troutman Sanders , and although I admired the firm and liked the folks I worked with , it did not take long to figure out that I would rather attack powerful interests than represent them .
Cheryl Legare : When I worked at my last large firm , I realized that churning hours working for corporations was not where my heart was . I am grateful for my time at big firms because of the training ( both substantive and law practice training ) and the mentoring I received , but I much prefer running my own practice . I have so much more control over my life now .
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What advice do you have for others thinking about starting their own firm or joining a “ smaller ” firm ?
Louis Cohan : In the immortal words of Nike : Just do it ! But do it after you learn how to practice for a minimum of 4 – 5 years . Law school does not ready most people to practice law without additional training . Also , you need time to build a practice and more important to build a reputation . In fact , I always tell young lawyers that from day one , you should be building your own practice . You should be developing your own clients . You should write and speak . You should be active in the legal community through bar associations , Inns of Court , Lawyer ’ s Club , etc . As you get to be 10 years into your career , your value as an attorney will be increasingly dependent on your ability to generate clients and work . It is too late if you wait to get started .
Matt Jordan : Be prepared to hustle . Getting business is tough and marketing is a 24 / 7 endeavor . I would also suggest having about a year ’ s salary in the bank to help cover living costs while the firm ’ s collections get up to speed .
Jeb Butler : Do it . It is the most fun you can have wearing a coat and tie .
Cheryl Legare : Do it !!! Before my partners and I created Legare , Attwood & Wolfe , I met with many attorneys who were at small firms and had started suc- The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 27