Trial Magazine

Starting my own firm was the best decision I ever made regarding my career, but it was not without its challenges, including not having a salary. But I believed in my abilities and was determined to succeed—I have had my own firm for 14 years now, and it’s thriving!

Ingrid Evans, Evans Law Firm, San Francisco, CA

I am proud of how my family, friends, and work family came together when I was diagnosed with stage III cancer. As the patient, I had no choice but to show up. But everyone around me did have a choice on how and when they would show up. And they did so resoundingly. It’s humbling to need so much help, but I’m forever grateful for those who showed up for me then so that I can continue to help my clients now.

Sara Couch, Motley Rice, Mt. Pleasant, SC

The next one. Have the confidence to know you can overcome any obstacle and the wisdom not to let past failures get in the way.

Zachary M. Mandell, Mandell Boisclair & Mandell, Providence, RI

I’m most proud that, with the help of some gifted lawyers who freely gave instruction and advice, I learned to believe in myself rather than allowing others to create
self-doubt within me. The transformation began in 2018 after I had practiced for 20 years and decided to attend an intensive CLE program for trial lawyers, which started this growth process and has made me a much better attorney and friend to my clients.

Jon Hawk, Jon Hawk Law Firm, Macon, GA

The obstacle: my fear of trying a significant injury case as a sole practitioner after turning down the biggest offer I’d ever received. The solution, provided by my best friend, who is also a solo litigator: Do something meaningful for the case every day, and the cumulative effect would be that I would be ready. The results: clients who got what they needed to protect their future, and the feeling of having overcome my fear.

Jeremy G. Vishno, Vishno Law Firm, Fairfield, CT

My own self-doubt. I never believed that I was a guy who could successfully try catastrophic personal injury cases, until I did.

Jeffrey Marion, Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion, Williamsville, NY