Establishing your own firm or practice is an incredibly daunting task. From myriad of legal and regulatory hurdles to the financial and career related risks, professionals who choose to start their own firm have to overcome so much and so we wanted to reach out to those who’ve done it successfully for advice, insight and stories.

Eldonie Mason

Starting my own law firm was never part of some grand plan—it was born out of necessity, frustration, and a burning desire to pursue a dream no one else could see but me.

In 2007, I had just left a job in South Florida and returned to the New York/New Jersey metro area, determined to build a career in entertainment law. I believed I had something to offer, but when I tried to get hired, all I heard was “no.” Time and again, law firms told me I didn’t have enough entertainment experience, even though I had a litigation background. The only jobs I was offered were in areas I was trying to pivot away from. It was disheartening. But even more than that, it was a turning point. Read more>>

Robyn

My journey to opening my own practice wasn’t a straight line. For years, I found myself wishing agencies offered more — more flexibility, more support, or just different kinds of care. But honestly, all I really wanted was to be fully present with the kids I was working with. I didn’t love the idea of handling all the administrative tasks, so I assumed private practice wasn’t for me. Read more>>

Jennifer Sylvia

Starting a practice can be daunting—and for some, it really is too much to navigate. I often liken it to spinning plates, like you’d see in a street show or circus act. It takes a certain skill to get each plate moving, and once they’re all spinning, your job becomes keeping them going—redirecting your energy constantly to maintain momentum. That image has stuck with me throughout my journey. Read more>>