I’m multi-passionate, though, so that’s not all that I do. I’m living proof that it’s possible to leave Biglaw and find your true calling. I’m evidence (and don’t we lawyers love evidence?) that you really can “do anything with a law degree” – for many of us, it just takes some time, soul searching, and a real commitment to figure it all out.
I used to be a Biglaw lawyer, but nowadays, I spend my time and am most fulfilled by coaching lawyers in the thick of their Biglaw careers and transitioning out of them, as well as law students interested in pursuing Biglaw.
I’m Marissa
Hi there!
Ready to take the next step in your career?
The good news is, the power to do so lies within you. I’m here to help you gain insights and perspective, and be held accountable for the changes you seek. I believe that all of my clients have the answers within them. I’m here to ask you the right questions and be your guide on your way to change.
When I began working in Biglaw, I was just as lost as some of you are. I had been successful all of my life, excelling in law school and landing a coveted Biglaw job in NYC. I had a closetful of suits (that I soon realized I would hardly ever need to wear), a drawer stuffed with pantyhose (which I definitely never needed to wear), and thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
I’m a Biglaw career coach now, but let’s rewind a few years. From 2010 to 2018, I was an associate at a top-20 international law firm in New York City.
HOW I GOT HERE
My Story
- I found myself in the corporate group but had no idea what an Indenture, Offering Memorandum, Pricing Memo, or Credit Agreement were. My history major was fascinating but wasn’t exactly great preparation for work as a Biglaw lawyer, and neither was law school.
- I had no idea who to go to when I ran into an issue with a partner who thought I wasn’t working hard enough (even though I was busting my butt) and who I thought had total control over my career.
- I didn’t know what to look for in a group, so I blindly chose one (which, thankfully, ended up working out).
- I dreaded calls from clients, who would inevitably ask questions I had absolutely no clue how to answer. I didn’t yet understand how to pull off an answer when I was unsure of myself, and clearly remember being told (ok, yelled at) by a client who realized I had no idea what he was talking about.
- I didn’t know how to put any boundaries on my time, so I was available at all hours, all of the time. Even when I wasn’t working, I felt like I was working. There was never a break.
- The “mentors” I was arbitrarily paired up with at the firm were either non-existent (one never responded to my emails) or helpful only in the sense that he could expense our drinks when we all went out together for too late of an evening. Luckily, I found my own mentors later on.
- Some of the practical things about Biglaw overwhelmed me, too. I thought our late-night dinner budget was $10, so I ordered endless turkey sandwiches from Subway until I finally realized that was not, in fact, the budget. I didn’t want to expense too many car rides home from the office late at night, either, so I would walk home super late (not a great idea in NYC).
I was finally a real lawyer, but I certainly didn’t feel like one. Maybe you can relate to the beginning of my Biglaw career:
My one regret from those years is that I did not leave Biglaw when I should have. I didn’t recognize the early signs of burnout. I didn’t take the time to slow down and assess my career and goals. I didn’t have any goals other than to survive and meet my billable hour requirements. That’s not the way to go about a Biglaw career.
Time was marching on, my career was progressing, but I no longer wanted to be there. I also had no idea where else to go and I was officially stuck.
Sound familiar? Lots of lawyers stay in this stuck zone for way too long. They wait until they reach their breaking point or total burnout, and then leave. That’s what happened to me.
If any of these challenges resonate with you, I can help. Book a free call with me and we’ll discuss a plan to get you out from under the water and give you time to breathe again and figure out your place in Biglaw!
COUNT ME IN!
Ready to get started?
Coaching is a big commitment and hard work, but the benefits can be life-changing. After our sessions together, you’ll gain the clarity and direction you were missing and will be well on your way to making those dreams a reality.
you reap the rewards
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Together, we’ll uncover your true desires, create an action plan to conquer whatever blocks you have, and help you move forward, each session getting you closer to the dream life you deserve.
we get to work
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book a consult
Book a free, 30-minute consult to discuss your coaching options. I offer coaching packages as well as single sessions. We’ll discuss your needs and your goals, figure out the best fit, and take it from there!
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How it Works
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