Quitting Big Law: One Year Later Reflecting On New Beginnings

For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.

- Habakkuk 2: 3 AMP

I can hardly believe that it has already been one year since I quit big law! 

Since quitting big law, I have founded a nonprofit organization, started this blog you’re reading (heyyy Chain Breakers!), and recently announced that I will be joining forces with my sister to open our law firm! 

I’ve been asked so many times since our announcement how it was that I decided to return to the law.  In reflecting I realized that this (mostly) has always been the plan!

It’s so funny to me how wilderness seasons can cause us to lose sight of goals and dreams we’ve had all along.

We get so caught up in our day-to-day struggles. 

The fog in front of us can get so thick that we forget that life exists outside of our present troubles.

And that is exactly what happened to me.

Before going to law school, I had no clue what big law was. 

Once in law school, I learned quickly and did so well that my mentors guided me in big law’s direction. 

Looking back, though, I always had in mind that I would only stay in big law for 2 years MAX and then leave to do civil rights work. 

So, imagine my surprise 4 years, 4 months, depression, and anxiety later and God was not speaking to me about the law at all!

The journey looked so different than I had ever expected and because of this I had lost sight of what I wanted when it came to my career in the law. 

When I quit last year, I honestly thought that I was done with the legal profession. 

Maybe I was wrong about why I went to law school.

Maybe God was simply going to use my time in the law to fuel my work in the nonprofit world and to inspire folks through this blog.

But what I’ve come to understand in this year away from big law, is that the vision has always been for the appointed time. 

That God was never delayed. 

My time in big law stretched me in ways I never thought imaginable.

The picture I had in mind for my career was cute.

But God’s plan is always better. 

Usually more slanted and curvier. 

But always better.

I have experienced God’s provision in profound ways. 

In those last months at the firm, I watched the Holy Spirit carry me through. 

From canceled meetings to settled cases that freed my workload. 

When God finally released me from the firm, I was so burnt out and depleted that the thought of ever practicing law again disgusted me. 

Had my original plan panned out, I never would’ve taken a year away from the law. 

But God used my experience to rest me.

Knowing I am a busybody, He didn’t leave me to myself in this year off.

He was so gracious that He gave me the LBOD Foundation and our Blog to rebuild my confidence and to help me heal through service.

And at the right time, He used my sister to remind me that I am worthy of my calling to practice law. 

This year will certainly look different than last.

Noisier.  I MIGHT have to give up my 5-hour morning routines, random midday workout classes, and Trader Joe’s runs LOLL.

But this healing.

This confidence.  This freedom.

I never want to go without again.

One year later, I am stronger, wiser, bolder, and more courageous.

One year later, I am refreshed and my passion for justice is stronger than ever before. 

I am beyond grateful for this journey.

***

Happy 2024 Chain Breakers!  I pray your year is off to a beautiful start.  And you already know how we do, so here’s our first gratitude reflection! 

Let me know in the comments:

What experiences did you think would break you, but in retrospect, you are grateful for today?

Freely,

Latiera