How it all began

By:  Lori T. Williams, Owner/Managing Attorney

I’m often asked when I first meet someone, how I came up with the idea to create Your Legal Resource.  They often wonder what made me go from practicing law as a divorce attorney for 14 years, to becoming a legal resource to clients in need of legal advice and representation in all areas of law.  I tell them it was a personal, professional, and spiritual convergence.

Here’s what happened:

I had already decided to wind up my law practice in May of 2003.  I had no intention of practicing law, or being in the business of law, and I didn’t even want to be called a lawyer at that point. I was just DONE with it all.  6 months later, I was in a small group study through my church on the book “Purpose Driven Life“, by Rick Warren.  I was told by a few people, “this book will change your life”.  I shrugged, thinking “Whatever!” I wasn’t looking for my life to change.  It was EXACTLY the way I wanted it right then.  However, I proceeded with the study because everyone was doing it.  I’ve read many books over the years that did change or significantly impact me and my life or career, but I wasn’t looking for that at the time we began the study. (Click here to see some of my favorite books). In the midst of the Purpose Driven Life study, I did find my purpose.  It was to connect others.  I had to laugh initially, because somehow I made a good living for 14 years by ending relationships as divorce attorney, when I was actually supposed to build relationships.

I naturally wondered, “how do I build relationships for a living?”  I asked that very question of my friend, Kim Knapp, who is a business coach.  She was in the group study with me.  I started talking to Kim professionally about how I might design a career out of building relationships.  The first thing she said was to look at my law background.   I said, “hold on!  I’m not practicing law again!”  Kim continued, “you don’t have to practice law, but you can use your legal background in a way that fulfills your purpose.”  And so I began.

After some guidance from Kim and brainstorming about what I liked about my career in law, what I didn’t like, and evaluating my strengths and weaknesses, Your Legal Resource was born in June of 2004.  I’ve helped over 2,000 people since then to connect with the right lawyer for their specific need, based on the lawyer and client’s personality, the lawyer’s expertise and years of experience, and the client’s budget and location.  I’ve created countless relationships inside and outside of the legal field, and daily I am the connector that brings people together for their mutual benefit. It could be lawyer and client,  lawyer and referral partner, two business people who might have some synergy, or it could be in my volunteer work on various boards, through my church, or in the community.  I love being the connector, because I’m fulfilling my purpose and making a difference with every connection.

I’ve had a very fulfilling career in the legal field for 23 years, 14 in the practice of law and 9 in the business of law.  The first half of my career prepared me intellectually, and the second half went much deeper into the emotional and spiritual side to allow me to discover and fulfill my purpose.  It’s really a blessing that I stumbled upon the Purpose Driven Life book and study, but I know there are no accidents and it was meant to happen.

Recently, the Legal News wrote a wonderful 2 page article in their Spring issue of Motion Magazine, describing my business.  It has evolved over the years from a legal referral service for clients, to also include assisting lawyers in solo and small firms implement referral marketing strategies, become effective networkers, and meet their target referral partners through my personal introductions. Today I am a resource to both the general community in need of legal services, and to the legal community itself.  Click here to read the article in Motion Magazine.

I’d love to hear your stories if you also transformed your career into something you were called to do.

• How did you go about it?
• Did you have a mentor?
• Did a book or speaker motivate you to action?

If you would like to transform your business or career but aren’t sure how to do so, share your questions below or contact me privately.  I may be able to connect you with someone who can help. You can reach me at lori@bestlegalresource.com or through my website contact page:  www.bestlegalresource.com.