In the second episode of How to Run a Law Firm in 2025, Mathew Kerbis and I had a candid conversation about something every solo attorney wrestles with at some point—how to choose the right name for your firm and when (or if) to pivot your practice.

We shared our own naming journeys—Mathew chose a descriptive name that reflects his niche, while I went the more traditional route with a surname-based name. We explored how your firm’s name can shape client perceptions, affect your marketing, and even make it easier (or harder) to pivot your services down the road.

From there, we dove into what it really looks like to pivot a legal practice. I talked about my own transition from family law to estate planning, tax, and prenups after nine years of practice—a move driven by burnout and the desire for better work-life balance. Mathew shared his experience of “burning the boats” and how tough it was to build a practice from scratch inside another law firm.

One thing we both agreed on? You need a support system when making big changes like this. Continuing legal education can help you build the skills for a new practice area, but the biggest hurdle is often mental — letting go of the sunk cost fallacy and giving yourself permission to change course.

Yes, pivoting takes time, planning, and a whole lot of courage—but it is possible. And on the other side? A career that feels a whole lot more fulfilling.

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