What Inspired You to Choose Law—And What Inspires You Now?

A few years ago, I made a vision board filled with women lawyers who inspired me:

Alua Arthur. Danielle Ponder. Brittany K. Barnett. Mel Robbins. Robin Arzón.

Each had practiced law and then pivoted to follow a passion. At the time, I didn’t personally know any women lawyers who had done that.

Their stories helped me believe that what I wanted–a fulfilling career that allowed me to use my strengths and contribute in a way that felt personally meaningful–was possible.

And that belief was an essential first step in aligning my work with my authentic self because it led to me taking consistent action to bring my career vision into reality.

We only act on what we believe is possible. And if, when we were younger, we didn’t see people we relate to experiencing joy and fulfillment through their work, we may have come to unconsciously believe this isn’t possible for us.

Looking for role models can help cultivate this belief. And the more evidence we show our brains that what we want is possible, the more we shift from limited thinking that leads to settling for less than what we truly want to possibility thinking.

What about you?

I recently asked my LinkedIn community: What inspired you to become a lawyer?

Here’s how they answered:

• 35% Intellectual challenge
• 31% Passion for justice or law
• 19% Income potential
• 15% Other

In coaching, I’ve noticed that when the intellectual challenge fades or when the role doesn’t provide opportunities to make a positive impact, attorneys often become disengaged in their work.

I’ve seen lawyers regain their spark when they transition into roles that provide either new challenges or a chance to make a positive impact.

The following are real-life examples of attorneys who went from dreading their work to feeling fulfilled:

• A Big Law senior associate who went in-house
• A Big Law senior associate who transitioned to social justice work at a non-profit
• A Big Law associate who transitioned into a pro bono role at her firm
• A Big Law senior associate who changed practice areas
• A Big Law partner who left law to pursue a career in health and wellness

The two most common factors that lead to lasting professional fulfillment are:

1. Growth, and
2. Contribution

When we feel we have plateaued and there is no room for continued growth or we feel we are not making a meaningful contribution, we tend to feel dissatisfied.

But if we’re earning a good salary, enjoying perks like a flexible schedule, and like our colleagues, we may tell ourselves this should be enough.

That’s what I did too.

I was a senior counsel at a big firm that I liked, working reduced hours from home, and had changed practice areas to one that was a better fit. I genuinely liked my clients and colleagues.

But the best I ever felt about work was a low-grade “fine.” I remember contrasting this with friends, and even my husband, who were energized by their work.

I wanted more. But more felt risky. And maybe even impossible.

I grew up in a family where financial insecurity was the norm.

When I told my parents at 16 that I wanted to be an artist, they sarcastically suggested being a waitress because I would “make more money.”

That comment, along with what I had witnessed throughout childhood, led to me forming a belief that I should pursue work that guaranteed the highest salary I was capable of earning.

This led me to drop out of an MFA program in creative nonfiction, which was my passion in my early 20s, and take the LSAT.

But here’s what changed everything:

When I hired a coach and began doing deep inner work, I started to see how my childhood experiences and what I had absorbed from the culture had led to me forming beliefs that limited me.

I defined what a successful career and life meant to me. I discovered my strengths and values and what I want most for my work and life.

I followed these 5 steps on my journey toward alignment:

1. I hired a coach.
2. I committed to my growth, including healing from trauma.
3. I found role models. (Remember that vision board?)
4. I clarified my vision through the lens of mortality.
5. I began acting on my vision while still practicing law.

Each step helped me shed beliefs that may have protected me as a kid but limited me as an adult and embrace the possibility of a career that lights me up.

I can honestly say the work I do now brings me to tears of gratitude.

I’ll leave you with this:

When someone inspires us, it’s often our own potential longing to be expressed.

So I invite you to consider:

• Who inspires you?
• What about them reflects something you’re ready to express?
• And what might you need to believe about yourself to create a career you love?

If you’re ready to move from fine to aligned, know this:

It’s not too late. You still get to choose.