It's funny how life works out sometimes.
Remember way back when, when I mentioned this awesome company called Montage Legal Group? It was in a post where I was lamenting the lack of part time/flexible/freelance options for stay at home attorney moms. Actually, what I wrote, way back in November 2011, was:
"Speaking of freelance work, through Twitter I have come across some companies that provide freelance legal services and primarily employ female attorneys with children. Check out Montage Legal - the company's website states that it is 'a network of experienced freelance attorneys who left law firms to achieve a work-life balance.' Um, hello? You speaking to me? Sign me up!"
Guess what. They read it. And they signed me up.
In fact, I'm the lead attorney for the DC branch of the company, launching this week. Here's the press release. And here's the blog post (written by yours truly) announcing the launch on the Montage blog.
How cool is that?
To me the whole thing is genius. There are so many moms out there, particularly in DC, with ivy league educations and experience at some of the largest law firms in the country. Most of these women DO want to keep their foot in the door, but lack the opportunities. Through Montage, these women are banding together, legitimizing their skills, and becoming the ultimate talent pool for law firms that need to hire lawyers on a contract basis.
To say I'm excited puts it mildly. This is a job, and hopefully I will make some money at it. But more than that, I really believe in it - what it offers to women, what it offers to law firms, and what it stands for.
In the meantime, if any law firms out there are in need of some experienced attorneys to do some freelance or contract work, shoot me an email at shannonf@montagelegal.com. Or, if there are any ex-big-law stay at home mom attorneys in the DC area that are interested in joining, let's talk.
Here's to new endeavors.
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When are you expanding to Boston? Just kidding (kind of). Good luck on the new endeavor.
ReplyDeleteThis. Is. So. Awesome. So perfect for you. Congrats! I wish I lived in DC and could do it with you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new job and thanks so much for sharing your journey! I started reading your blog during my first few months in BigLaw, where I realized almost instantly that it would be very difficult to have the family life I wanted. Over a year later, I'm working at a mid-sized law firm with a good work-life balance and I'm expecting my first kid next year. It is SO exciting to watch the legal market change so quickly. One of my favorite things about Montage Legal is that, in addition to letting women keep their skills sharp, they'll also be able to keep their resumes current, thus making reentry into the traditional workforce much easier should that time ever come. Good luck on this new venture! And, please feel free to reach out to me if you all ever need a contact in Chicago. I'd love to support this company!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! If if was still out on my own I would totally be interested in this.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a great idea. If I did not own my own firm, I would be knocking on your door asking for work.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Been following your blog for awhile, and this sounds like a wonderful well deserved opportunity!
ReplyDeleteCongr
ReplyDeleteCongrats! When my first son was born, I founded a group for working moms in DC. Many (MANY) of them were attorneys. Some had sweet government gigs with reasonable hours while others were struggling in "part-time" biglaw gigs, still working just as much as ever for much less pay. I hope this takes off. It's such a shame to have to make an all-or-nothing sacrifice.
ReplyDeletesounds great. what is the difference b/w Montage Legal and a regular temp firm though?! (besides that Montage appears to be mainly staffed by women) thanks!
ReplyDelete@10:21 - There aren't really many legal "temp" agencies, apart from the traditional contract attorney agencies, which usually involve scut work (aka, document review). Montage is a group of independent, experienced attorneys - most of whom previously worked at large firms and are taking a break due to work/life issues. These attorneys are capable of sophisticated, higher level work (and are paid accordingly), and as such law firms can use them for a much wider range of projects. You can learn more on their website at www.montagelegal.com
ReplyDeleteNice! Very happy for you to have such a great opportunity. I know some people might take this the wrong way and will get upset by my saying this, but you are too smart and educated to let it go to waste. You have real potential and talent. You have so much to offer and there is no reason you can't do that and still be the great mom that you are. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't seen it take a look at the discussion on NYT mother lode regarding returning to law after ramping down.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing
ReplyDelete