As we turn the calendar toward January, I’m struck by the reality that our firm is about to celebrate its 12th birthday – a milestone that feels both monumental and humbling. Looking back, I’m inspired to capture some of our journey: where we started, what we’ve built, and the legacy we’re continually forging together. 

 

The Early Days: Taking a Leap 

The story of our firm begins not with a grand plan, but with a leap of faith. In 2013, after years of navigating the legal world – from big law to spirited startups – I realized there was room to practice law differently. I saw a need for legal services that truly centered people, values, and creativity – especially for social enterprise clients often overlooked by traditional firms. 

My journey took me from New York City’s fast-paced legal scene through unexpected opportunities: working in-house at Namaste Solar, leading a conversion to cooperative ownership, and facing major pivots and crises. Through these trials, I learned to trust resourcefulness, cultivate relationships, and embrace a commitment to plainspoken, accessible, and values-driven lawyering. 

 

Building a Values-Driven Firm 

From the outset, our firm was grounded in the belief that there is power in doing things differently. We set out to build a law practice that’s agile and adaptive, that refuses to be constrained by the old ways simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” Our values – transparency, inclusion, and innovation – have been a living part of our DNA, revisited and debated as our team has evolved. 

As much as the firm’s history is about the work we do, it’s equally about the people who choose to do this work together. We’ve built and rebuilt teams, mentored and launched new lawyers, and embraced setbacks and departures as opportunities to reimagine what’s possible. Throughout, our culture has remained grounded in collaboration and genuine support – a place where ideas are welcomed, feedback is encouraged, and each person’s unique perspective matters. 

 

Legacy Through Impact 

Over the years, we’ve witnessed the impact of our work: empowering founders to convert businesses to employee ownership, challenging norms within the legal profession, and helping clients find their authentic path. Our accumulated experience – the pattern recognition, wisdom, and confidence that come from years in the trenches – sets us apart and allows us to offer guidance that’s grounded in both expertise and empathy. 

What truly differentiates us isn’t just what we do, but how we do it. We reject the notion of cross-subsidizing values-driven work with high-paying but uninspiring clients. Instead, we build an authentic marketplace for those in the “middle” – social enterprises and mission-driven businesses seeking counsel that aligns with their purpose. 

 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate our 12th year, I’m more optimistic than ever. Our team is the strongest it’s ever been – diverse, majority women-owned, and united by a vision for what law can (and should) be. I see us growing not just in numbers, but in our ability to lead, innovate, and inspire others in this space. 

Perhaps our greatest legacy is the culture we’ve built – a brave, supportive environment where people can stretch, take risks, and truly belong. My hope is that this culture will endure, continuing to attract clients and colleagues who resonate with our vision and want to be part of something meaningful. 

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this remarkable journey. Here’s to another year of impact, growth, and values-driven law.