How A Real Woman Transitions From A Large Firm Gig To A Solo Practice–Angela. 1/12/09

Angela Reddock is an attorney, specializing in employment and labor law issues, in practice for 14 years.   She previously worked on her own, but gave it up to work for a large law firm.  “I felt I needed an association  with a larger firm to be successful,” she says.    Now, she’s starting up her own practice again.  “Having my own firm gives me the opportunity to practice law in a manner which I deem important, while also providing me the freedom and flexibility to pursue my civic and public interests,” she explains.

Making The Decision

“When I decided to go back out on my own the most difficult thing to overcome was fear – the fear of failure, the fear of what others might say, the fear of not having the financial safety net that a large firm provides.  But when I saw that my clients hired me because of me and not because of the firm I was associated with, that gave me the confidence to go back out on my own.  Now, my goal is to learn from the mistakes of my past and to build the firm smartly and wisely.”

Opportunities  And Challenges in 2009

Opportunities:

“I see the opportunity for me, as a small business owner, to distinguish myself in the marketplace based on experience, personalized service and competitive rates. “

Challenges:

“The challenge will be growing the business beyond me and having sufficient capital to expand.”

2009 Goals

• Find a niche in the legal marketplace
• Maintain existing client base and expand by 2-3  clients
• Be profitable

First Quarter 2009 Goals

• Solidify the logistics of reopening the practice
• Launch a strategic marketing plan
• Maintain good relations and  provide excellent services to current clients


Ever left or thought about leaving a corporate gig to go out on your own?  How did it work out for you?  Got any questions or advice for Angela?  Can I help you?

Tags: business, businesswomen, career change, career transition, corporate to entrepreneur, entrepreneur, law firm, private practice, solo practice, start a business, woman