By Cassandra Smith | JBA Young Lawyers Section Past President
I always dreamed of owning my own business, but it took several years to turn that dream into reality.
I started my career at the State Attorney’s Office. Although I enjoyed my time there, I knew in my heart it was not where I was meant to spend my entire career.
A few years later, I left the State Attorney’s Office to work for a statewide insurance defense firm. Although I was still practicing in litigation, I was still not content and found myself daydreaming about entrepreneurship.
It wasn’t until 2021 that my dream of business ownership shifted to starting a law firm. After I worked through the anxiety that comes with such a lofty goal, the dream started to become a reality.
Every day since, I thank God that I made the leap of faith and am grateful that I didn’t “quiet quit” with my last job, but instead worked hard and left on good terms.
I’ve reflected on my journey to this point and some of the suggestions I utilized that got me to where I am today.
Here is some of the advice that I followed:
If you practice any kind of faith, lean heavily into it
Despite the hardships I had to endure in getting my firm started, I never doubted my ability because I always felt that I was called to do this.
I reminded myself of the lessons learned in the practice of my Christian faith and relied heavily on prayer and those lessons to carry me through the sea of doubt, anxiety and insecurity.
Establish a support system
There were many days that I felt overwhelmed by the duties and responsibilities of starting a new practice.
On those days, I’d always call my mom. Having started a business herself, she understood my worry but was also able to work that “mom magic” to reassure me that I am more than capable of fulfilling my purpose and that the issues will work themselves out in due time.
I also had the support of the rest of my family, fiancé and friends who would share words of support, send encouraging greeting cards and inspiring books.
I will always remember and am eternally grateful for my support system.
Utilize your network
One of the most exciting parts of my journey was sharing the news with my friends and colleagues in the Jacksonville legal community.
When we started the firm, I was president of the Young Lawyers Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association. Having support, encouragement and advice from many of my fellow board members was inspiring but also played a practical role, as I received valuable guidance about starting and managing a small law practice.
In addition to the JBA, I was able to utilize the free resources provided by The Florida Bar’s LegalFuel department which was integral in the development of the firm.
Plan for the future but live and operate in the present
The reason so many people are quietly quitting instead of taking the leap is due to the fear of the unknown.
During the planning stages, I spent many days and nights worrying about my future financial stability and whether the firm would be successful. But, as I’ve learned through my faith and through words of advice, focusing on the present moment will alleviate many of the worries.
On some of the tougher days I would practice breathing techniques or take a walk just to pull myself back into the present moment. By operating in the present, I realized that I was alive and had the things I needed at that very moment.
That simple thought had a powerful impact on my mental health and wellness during the beginning months of the firm.
Whether your goals include practicing law or a new adventure, it is my hope that this advice will aid in equipping you to take the next step in your journey.
Cassandra Smith is co-founder and partner of The Modern Law Group, practicing in personal injury and criminal defense.
