Darling Hill

Lawyers who dream about stepping out of the law to pursue entrepreneurial dreams, or find themselves chronically wondering if the grass is greener on the other side, will find inspiration in Darling Hill's latest Lawyer Redefined Pick: Kalyn Johnson.

Kalyn Johnson, a former corporate lawyer, recently launched Style by Kalyn Johnson, a company that specializes in wardrobe makeovers and provides corporate seminars on style. "After ten years of practicing corporate law at a large international law firm, Kalyn could no longer resist the lure of the fashion world." Darling Hill had the opportunity to speak with Kalyn via e-mail about her business venture and her transition away from the law. Here's what she had to say.

Darling Hill: How long before you jumped off the corporate law track were you dreaming about doing so?
Kalyn: I was someone who went to law school never thinking I would practice law. I went to law school to complement my policy degree and then I got there, starting racking up debt, saw what the starting salaries were and decided I'd better practice for a few years to "learn" how to be a lawyer. So, from day one I didn’t plan to stay forever, but I ended up practicing for about 10.5 years.

Darling Hill: Were you dissatisfied with the practice of law?
Kalyn: I was tired of dealing with big firm politics and egos. My dissatisfaction came more from that than the practice of law itself. Law is one of the most intellectually stimulating professions out there. I loved being around really smart people and being challenged on a daily basis.

Darling Hill: What were your biggest fears/doubts/concerns, if any, about leaving the law?

Kalyn: It may sound strange, but I didn’t think I was someone who was caught up in the title until I was no longer practicing. When I began to re-invent myself, so to speak, the societal importance of being a lawyer hit me. I'd just taken it for granted. So that was a latent fear/concern for me. My biggest fear was, and is, doing something on my own and being solely responsible for my success or failure. If I succeed it's all the sweeter, so my mantra has become FINO (failure is not an option).

Darling Hill: How has having a J.D. helped you with your business adventure?
Kalyn: I've always loved fashion and have played "stylist" to my family and friends my whole life. It wasn’t until a few years ago that it dawned on me that I could do what I love for a living. Both professions are service driven, so it was natural for me to take the professionalism and customer service skills I learned as a lawyer and apply them to my styling business. I think my attention to detail, follow-through, and customer service help to distinguish me and are attractive to professionals who are looking to update their style.

Darling Hill: What, if anything, do you miss about the full-time practice of law?
Kalyn: I miss my friends, being an entrepreneur can be quite lonely. I've built up a great network of friends and colleagues who are entrepreneuers, but I no longer have the luxury of being able to pop into someone's office to bounce an idea off of them, work through a difficult problem or situation or just shoot the breeze.

Darling Hill: What advice can you give another lawyer who dreams about leaving the law to pursue a non-law dream?
Kalyn: Before you quit your job, really think about what you want to do and why. Join entrepreneurial networking organizations and talk to other like-minded people; create a support group for yourself. Set goals for yourself and your business, save money (save as much as you can), and talk to people who are doing what you think you would like to do - the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. If you can continue to practice and pursue your dream, consider it ... Remember you're walking away from a great deal of security (401K, health insurance, an IT Department, an assistant) and that's not to be taken lightly. It took me a good 3 years to decide to leave. On the flip side though, a law degree is a great Plan B.

To visit Kayln's website, click here.

Are you a Lawyer Refined? If so, Darling Hill wants to spotlight you here. Email Ink [*at*] darlinghill [*dot*] com.

For more inspiration on following your dreams, check out Staying at Home, Staying in the Law: A Guide to Remaining Active in the Legal Profession While Pursuing Your Dreams (American Bar Association 2008).

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