Was it worth it?

Was it worth it?

As I start year three of partnership, I find myself reflecting on the years leading up to this.

Three years of law school.

Three years of clerking.

Four years as an associate at my first firm.

Three more years as an associate at Husch Blackwell.

Leading up to making partner as of January 1, 2024.

None of those years were "easy" but the textbook definition of that word.

And, some were much, much harder (and/or much, much busier) than others.

At one point, I straight up asked a mentor, "Is partner worth it?"

Now? I feel like I can answer that question myself.

Yes.

Yes, it was all, it is all, it has all been worth it.

Being partner is empowering.

It took me two years to get to that feeling, but it's here.

My first year: I enjoyed the transition. I recovered from being an associate. I learned what it meant to be partner and what the firm expected of partners.

My second year: I went all in on business development coaching, led a trial team for the first time, and developed really meaningful relationships with a couple clients and colleagues.

Oh, and I mastered delegation. My biggest professional upskill in 2025.

Now?

I feel ready.

I feel in the role and of the role.

The path is not linear (even if that's how it looks on paper).

There are high highs and low lows.

There are big wins and celebrations alongside big doubts and setbacks.

As I sit here today, on the precipice of building something significant, with more confidence and discretion than I believed possible, I say:

It is worth it.

♥️🔥✌🏻