A Career in Law: Defining Success on Your Own Terms

CBABC Women Lawyers Forum Event, May 14, 2010 Defining Moments – Leadership and Ethics A Career in Law: Defining Success on Your Own Terms Presented by Nicole Garton-Jones. B.A., LL.B.

My Journey
Entered law school in 1997 with an interest in public policy and advocacy for women and children
Articled and was an associate at two large law firms
“ Early life crisis” in 2003 of lack of fit with skills and interests
Path of public affairs consultant, contract lawyer at a suburban firm and then starting Heritage Law in 2005
Married in 2005 & children born in 2006 and 2008

Emily and Lachlan

Heritage Law
Started firm in 2005 as a solo
IT infrastructure built around juggling practicing law with having young children:
virtual (paperless, specialized software, entire firm can be accessed over any internet connection)
VoIP phones & answering service
Strong systems and organization to maximize productivity and client service

Heritage Law Today
Busy and efficiently run firm
Currently seven lawyers and five staff
Focus on wills and estates, family law and mediation services
Main office in West Van & new office in Kerrisdale
Firm recognized as a leader and has been nominated for awards for work life balance and law firm innovation
Speak and publish regularly in Canada and the US on legal technology and law firm management topics

Why Heritage Law Works
A firm culture predicated on balance and flexibility with applied technological solutions to facilitate it allows lawyers to have a professional practice, competitive compensation and work-life balance
A good fit for a self directed and entrepreneurial lawyer

Pros and Cons of Heritage Law vs. Traditional Firm
Pros:
More $ for fewer hours
More autonomy over schedule and practice direction
Cons:
More responsibility to build own practice earlier
Less direct mentorship and guidance

A Day in the Life – Associate in Traditional Firm T B B N B L B N B B N B T 7am 12pm 7pm 8pm 1pm 8am
(T) – prepare and travel to and from office
(B) – billable work at $250 / hour
(N) – ~1 hour of non-billable and administrative for each 2 hours of billable work
(L) – 1 hour for lunch and breaks
48 weeks / year X 5 days / week X 7 billable hours / day X $250/hr 1680 hours / year X $250 / hour = $420,000 client fees

A Day in the Life at Heritage Law P P B B N L B T N P B P B 7am 12pm 7pm 8pm 1pm 8am
Work ‘9-5’ plus one evening hour, including 1 hour (T) for travel to and from office for client meetings
Flexible (P)ersonal hour mid-day; work a (B)illable hour in the evenings after the children are in bed
(B) – billable work at $250 / hour
(N) – non-billable and administrative (L) – 1 hour for lunch
48 weeks / year X 5 days / week X 5 billable hours / day X $250/hr 1200 hours / year X $250 / hour = $300,000 client fees 5pm 9am 3pm Kids to school Kids return

A Side – by – Side Comparison Effective hourly pay Flexibility Compensation Required Hours Criteria $150,000 ( 25% more) $120,000 Work on your schedule Traditional hours 1200 ( 70% as many) 1700 $78 / hr ( 173% as much) $45 / hr Traditional Firm

Tips for Defining Success on Your Own Terms:
Know yourself;
Focus on your strengths;
Be creative;
Seek out mentors, both informal & formal;
You don’t have to do it all at once; and
Be brave!

To Your Success!
Nicole Garton-Jones, B.A., LL.B.
Heritage Law
The Village at Park Royal
203 – 815 Main St.
West Vancouver, BC V7T 2Z3
Direct: 778-786-0615 ext.111
Email: nicole@bcheritagelaw.com
Website: www.bcheritagelaw.com

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A Career in Law: Defining Success on Your Own Terms

by Nicole Garton-Jones on May 15, 2010

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A Career in Law: Defining Success on Your Own Terms — Presentation Transcript