Summary

In this episode of The Newfangled Lawyer Podcast, Patrick Patino interviews Cody Blades, a solo attorney who shares her journey of breaking barriers in the legal profession, particularly for female attorneys. Cody discusses innovative business development strategies, the importance of building community, and the need for empathy and kindness in legal practice. She emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and understanding one's ideal client, while also drawing insights from other industries to enhance legal practices. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of law and the importance of personal growth and balance in a demanding profession.

About Cody

Cody Blades advises professionals and business owners who are facing disputes they cannot resolve on their own. With over a decade of experience, her background includes complexlitigation, jury trials in state and federal court, hundreds of negotiated settlements, and extensive experience before the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the EqualEmployment Opportunity Commission on behalf of both employees and employers. She has also served as fractional in-house employment counsel to a large Minnesota closely heldcorporation, giving her a practical, business-focused perspective. While always prepared to litigate, Cody prioritizes early, strategic problem-solving that minimizes disruption and cost. She founded Blades Law to offer a nimble, outcome-driven alternative to traditional law firms—one that treats clients as partners and centers every decision on their goals.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyblades/

https://blades.law/

Takeaways

• Cody Blades emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers for female attorneys.
• Business development should be integrated into personal interests and activities.
• Building community among female attorneys is crucial for support and growth.
• Client relationships are enhanced through personal connections and understanding.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining work-life balance in law.
• Empathy and kindness should be at the forefront of legal practice.
• Innovative strategies from other industries can be applied to legal business development.
• Understanding your ideal client is key to effective marketing and outreach.
• Personal growth and self-care are vital for success in the legal profession.
• Embracing chaos and being flexible can lead to better outcomes in both personal and professional life.