05/27/2026
Towards the end of May three years ago, I gave USAA a month’s notice. I was finally going to do it, start a mediation practice.
My last day wasn’t until the middle of June, but during that final month, I worked hard to make sure whoever inherited my cases would be in good shape. I tried to close as many files as possible. I made sure reporting was updated. I wanted to make sure the next attorney had an easy transition.
Did I have to do that? Probably not.
But I did it because it matters. Your reputation matters. The way you leave matters. The way you treat people when you’re walking out the door matters. And for the last three years, I have relied on all of you to trust me with my reputation.
You trusted me to help settle your cases. You trusted me to transition from litigator to mediator. You trusted me enough to take a chance on me as a mediator, even though many of you already had your favorite neutrals and had never seen me in action in that role before. (Hopefully I’ve earned a spot on that favorites list by now. 😉 😂 )
Truthfully, by the end of 2023, barely six months in, I remember thinking, “I have no idea how I’m going to make this work. How am I actually going to make a living doing this?”
Going from a steady salary, bonuses, and retirement benefits to making zero is terrifying. There were days I refreshed my email constantly, to make sure I didn't miss a booking request.
But I kept going. And you kept coming along for the ride.
What started as 17 bookings in those first six months has grown into hundreds of mediations each year. There were plenty of moments of doubt, long days, countless networking events, and yes, actual tears.
To my clients, colleagues, and everyone who took a chance on me, thank you. I would not be here without you.
And to my future clients...what are you waiting for?
