Success can mean living up to achievement and productivity, which are both worthy goals. But this year, my personal challenge is to redefine success as aligning with personal values and allowing space for growth without burnout.

Weather experts have put a La Niña advisory in place, which typically brings cooler and wetter conditions to Seattle and amplifies our region’s rainy fall and winter seasons. It also means a heavier snowpack in the Cascades. This might mean cozy vibes with warm drinks in hand for some of us or hitting the powder for the adventurous. Whatever you decide, my hope is that we make the most of what this season has to offer.
 

November marks a pivotal time for law firms, signaling the final push to meet annual goals and prepare for year-end reviews, audits, and client reporting. Yet amid the flurry of deadlines, the month also offers a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect with gratitude — whether for dedicated teams, loyal clients, or the progress achieved throughout the year. With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s an ideal time to recognize and celebrate collective efforts across the firm.

November marks a pivotal time for law firms, signaling the final push to meet annual goals and prepare for year-end reviews, audits, and client reporting. Yet amid the flurry of deadlines, the month also offers a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect with gratitude — whether for dedicated teams, loyal clients, or the progress achieved throughout the year. With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s an ideal time to recognize and celebrate collective efforts across the firm.

As the final quarter of the year begins, attorneys often experience a seasonal shift in client needs. These range from end-of-year estate planning and business reviews to litigation prep ahead of the holiday slowdown. 

As the final quarter of the year begins, attorneys often experience a seasonal shift in client needs. These range from end-of-year estate planning and business reviews to litigation prep ahead of the holiday slowdown. 

With September now here, I find myself scrambling to fit in a few more summer activities — another hike, a trip to the lake, or final scoop of ice cream from the local stand. I hope I’m not alone in trying to make the most of these last precious days of a Pacific Northwest summer. Though the season flew by in a blur, leaving that all-too-familiar feeling that there was never quite enough time for everything, I look forward to the golden months of autumn ahead — the crisp air, colorful leaves, and slower pace that fall so naturally brings.

We’re in the midst of summer now, and it’s hard not to think of all the tasks that haven’t been completed and hours that haven’t been filled. Still, August might be a month in which we let go of what no longer supports our growth — professionally and personally. By letting go of habits that hinder progress, such as unnecessary perfectionism, overcommitment, and procrastination, we can create space for clarity, innovation, and well-being — within our team and in how we serve our clients.

We’re in the midst of summer now, and it’s hard not to think of all the tasks that haven’t been completed and hours that haven’t been filled. Still, August might be a month in which we let go of what no longer supports our growth — professionally and personally. By letting go of habits that hinder progress, such as unnecessary perfectionism, overcommitment, and procrastination, we can create space for clarity, innovation, and well-being — within our team and in how we serve our clients.

I hope everyone is staying cool after the heatwave in June and still looking forward to the summer. Whether it’s splashing in the pool, sipping cold lemonade, or relaxing in the shade with family and friends, this is the perfect time to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. Hopefully, we’re all finding a moment to slow down and soak in the season.