Dear1L,
I built a business, a brand, and a new professional life—all through LinkedIn.
Here’s the built-a-business side of the story.
1️⃣
In 2016, I got laid off from a BigLaw firm. I can’t lie: that stung.
In the intervening years, I “tried on” many roles. None quite fit.
By the fall of 2020, I’d been out of the workforce for 4 years.
I was past 50, my confidence was shot, and my last child was gearing up for college.
I wanted to do something more, but the ‘what’ and ‘how’ eluded me.
2️⃣
What happened next is something I’ll never fully understand. The only word I can think of is serendipity, as cliche as that may sound.
Out of the blue that Dec 2020, a family friend emails me:
“Would I ever be interested in being a ‘law-school tutor/mentor/coach of sorts’ for a student [he knew]?”
“A what?”
“Is that even a thing?” I ask myself.
But something lights up inside—for the first time since 2016.
The role he describes is, in a word, perfect.
I didn’t let myself analyze. I held my breath and dove in.
3️⃣
Winter 2021: Working with the law student is even more rewarding than I anticipate.
—> I get hungry to help more people.
My oldest child’s plan for law school further fuels the fire, and I become a sponge, soaking up as much as I can.
🔸
Spring 2021: Writing Law Tutors LLC is incorporated to do business.
—I know 0 about starting a business. It’s pretty overwhelming.
🔸
I get myself listed on a well-known tutoring platform.
—The pay is ridiculous, but I work with a dozen or so law students and a few foreign-trained lawyers. I get trained.
🔸
Summer 2021: I part with the tutoring platform and turn to the prospect of social media marketing.
—It’s a topic about which I know 0, but it fascinates me.
4️⃣
I choose LinkedIn as my platform. I start learning everything I can.
Sept 2021: I publish my first post.
Oct 2021: I get my first law-student client through LinkedIn.
Jan 2022: I get my first lawyer client through LinkedIn.
Today: I’ve got a great group of clients. I’m starting to write a book. I love what I do. 🎉
I hope this is only the start.
***
1: No age is too old to start something new that’s right for you.
2: If you have a serendipitous moment, seize it. Don’t analyze. Don’t look back.
3: Never stop searching for YOUR perfect role.
And if the role doesn’t exist, create it.
💌 Amanda
#Dear1L
#DearLegalWriter
