posted by Amy on Jul 2
When I came to Philadelphia I planned to sell everything, pay off all my debts, and start over. I was able to sell an investment property last fall, but the house I lived in did not sell. I took it off the market and rented it out, at about half of my monthly payment. The equity in it is locked up, and I need to protect it by continuing to cover debt service.
I had thought I could just get student loans to fund this operation. I can, but not for anything in excess of what the university defines as my school expenses. That leaves a gap between income and expenses. I have been covering the gap, but I’m running out of things to sell.
I started looking for jobs last winter. I signed up for night and weekend classes for spring semester, so there would be time to work. But I haven’t even gotten an interview, much less a job offer.
I decided that the best solution is to re-launch Durfee West P.C. I am licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania now, and I’m still licensed in Colorado. I reactivated my malpractice insurance, got an office in an executive suite, ordered some business cards, and have started getting the word out that I am back in business.
I am looking forward to plying my trade again. Although I love school, I also get a great deal of satisfaction from my law practice. As a solo, I can decide how much I take on, whom I represent, and what hours I work. I am accountable only to my clients, and myself, not to an employer whose goals may not be the same as mine. I am comfortable and happy in the business world, in a lawyer role. It’s good to be back.
As for juggling work and school, I’m sure I can handle it. I worked full time for most of the years that I was raising a large, active family. Since I started my solo practice in 2002 I have had to balance the needs and priorities of multiple clients. I have mechanisms in place for getting help when I need it, and I am a professional. I’ll make sure I don’t drop the ball. School will be one “client,” and there is time for others.
When I was in Denver I rarely saw clients face to face. Almost everything was done by phone, fax and email. I have people in Denver who can meet with clients if necessary. It’s a four-hour plane ride, with frequent daily flights, so if I really need to be there physically it can be done. My practice is entirely transactional. With no court appearances to cover, there’s no reason I can’t have a “virtual” practice in Colorado. I still have my Denver office number, and I have a toll free fax number. This should work out just fine.
It is possible that I’ll keep doing this after I graduate. I may have to be self-supporting in whatever ministry I enter in the future. There may be some further connection between the new skills I am acquiring in school and my work as a real estate lawyer. I am open to all possibilities.