25 Years of Law for Human-Owned Business

I began my journey as a lawyer for human-owned businesses twenty-five years ago. The year before, my first year in law, was focused on very large corporations. I learned many valuable lessons in that first year, including how unhappy I was in my work.

Despite the many changes of the last 25 years, one fact remains unfortunately true. Bright young lawyers coming out of school are told, directly and indirectly, that big law firms and big business are the just rewards of their academic achievements. Generally, the top graduates of a top law school did not, and still do not, see value in working for the men and women who own the small and middle-market companies that are the backbone of our economy and the source of most jobs and innovations.

I made the mistake of equating starting salaries and “prestige” with value, so it is hard to fault those who still make the same mistake. Of course, “Big Law” is not a mistake for some. (I would say “more power to them,” but the power Big Law and Big Business have amassed is frightening. Human-owned businesses keep our democracy from sliding into the oligarchy abyss, another overlooked value.) But to business lawyers and law students who wonder “is this all there is,” I say absolutely not. There is interesting work to be done for great small to medium-sized businesses, and they need your help, now more than ever.

Perspective is a gift that comes with 25 years in any job. No doubt this is the most challenging time I have seen for my firm and my clients, but the human spirit and the yearning to improve our communities and build a future for our children’s children ensure that human-owned businesses will bounce back and more. A hand, however, from more good business lawyers couldn’t hurt.

I want to end by thanking my many friends at Minor & Brown over the last 25 years. I’m proud of all we have accomplished for our clients, but prouder still that we did it with grace (sometimes), humor (most of the time) and respect for the dignity of our clients and ourselves (all of the time). Thank you, Ned Minor, for seeing the potential in a disillusioned young lawyer. Thank you, Candace, for your love and support.