July 2026, In Review

Every month, I spend an hour or so reflecting on the past month and preparing for the next month.

In a billable-hour world, it can be easy to feel behind, to fall back on the billable hour as a badge of productivity.

I've countered that by thinking of my time as trackable--not just billable.

Meaning: if it propels my clients, my career, my firm forward, I track it. I enter it in my firm's system. I use this to advocate for myself, to build a career, and to grow as a human, brand, and community member.

And still, I can feel behind. So, I reflect--I remind myself of all I've done with both my personal and professional time.

This month was quick and full:

🎆 I held thirteen 1:1s with colleagues, mentees + mentors, our firm's Chief Executive, potential clients, and collaborators.

🎆 I spent the Fourth Up North and made it here today for some work before enjoying Wisconsin's North Woods (and Lakes) for the weekend.

🎆 We spent five days in Boston, exploring, eating, and celebrating.

🎆 I played tennis at least four times.

🎆 I spoke on an AI + pricing panel.

🎆 I pitched my three AFA models to the firm and got the green light.

🎆 I travelled to rural Wisconsin to defend two depositions.

🎆 I interviewed five law students for Summer 2027.

🎆 I helped host a bar association board meeting and happy hour.

🎆 I attended a beautiful, outdoor dinner on the shores of Lake Michigan with new friends and Milwaukee's changemakers.

Alongside these items, there was ramping up discovery in a trial matter, responding to a third-party subpoena, continuing to defend a new-to-me client in an active mediation, and joining a new trial team as the litigation lead.

Yep, a full month--and one leaving me fulfilled and hopeful about my practice, my career, my firm, and my brand.