How This Argentina-Born Lawyer Built Her Firm From Scratch in a Niche Market

06/11/24 • 56 min

This week on Powerhouse Lawyers we welcome OG Powerhouse, Gabriela Smith! [04:29] Gabriela shares her story of transitioning out of big law and into firm ownership [09:44]. Being a firm owner is hard, add the identities of mom and immigrant to the mix and you’ve got yourself a recipe for practicing resilience. But Gabriela’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t so streamlined. She tried practicing with a boutique firm before taking her entrepreneurial leap. [19:42] Her secret weapon is actually one I haven’t quite heard before. Are you creating your own universe? Gabriela swears by it! [39:49] We get into what it looks like to surround ourselves with the right people [45:51]. Your community can often be the ones that make or break your vision. Then finally, Gabriela’s Legally Blonde Moment! [52:29] If you were ever talking to Gabby on the phone circa 2004, just know she was doing her best!

__________

Mentioned in this Episode

The relentless demands of the profession often leave even the most accomplished legal minds feeling like they're drowning. It doesn't Have to be this way, that's why I created the
PowerHouse Brain Dump https://www.eringerner.com/sales-page-3d84f6b7-92c8-4796-89e2-196e732b2a7c

Join us at the Powerhouse Lawyers Retreat September 27-30 at the Miraval Resort in Austin, Texas. This community is designed just for YOU, the ambitious and forward-thinking female lawyer who craves meaningful connections, desires career advancement, and is committed to supporting and empowering each other in both professional and personal aspects of their lives.
https://www.eringerner.com/powerhouse-lawyers-retreat-september

Powerhouse VIP Sessions are created for the woman looking to do a 180 degree change in the way she does life and law! Get a 2 hour deep dive coaching session that springboard your transformation.
https://www.eringerner.com/powerhouse-vip-sessions
__________

Connect with Gabriella Noemí Smith
Website: https://gnslawpllc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-n-smith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gns_law_/

Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

__________

Mentioned in this Episode

Connect with Gabriella Noemí Smith
Website: https://gnslawpllc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-n-smith/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gns_law_/

Previous Episode

How to Build the Law Firm You Want (Instead of Making Partner)

Hey Powerhouse! This week, we are talking with Anthony Gorospe about what led him to start his own firm [05:26]. Anthony transitioned into firm ownership after taking stock of where he was in life. Married with no children is a pretty decent place to be to take a leap of faith [12:45]. Believe it or not, your best market research for your own firm is the one you work with now! Anthony shares key lessons for preparing for solo practice [15:52]. Then ladies, we get a unique perspective: what challenges are men seeing for women in law? [22:41] It gets tricking being a woman firm owner, even in marketing [28:02]. So, we have all of this information and motivation. Now do you stay put, go for the partner track, or go out on your own? [34:10] Regardless of what you choose, building a community and referral network is the foundation of your launch pad! [36:16] Then we wrap up with a Legally Blonde Moment. The prank was so good, we’re still finding Jessica Simpson pictures 10 years later. [44:12]

__________

Mentioned in this Episode

Powerhouse Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1074826730426201/?ref=share&mibextid=K35XfP
__________

Connect with Anthony Gorospe
Website: gorospelaw.com

Next Episode

The Attorney’s Guide to Crushing It on LinkedIn

This week on the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast, I connected with Jamie Sternberg! We waste no time on getting to the meat of this episode. Lawyers aren’t taught business development, let alone how to be a lawyer. [05:34] So, Jamie shares her journey from focusing on billable hours to prioritizing business development and its impact on her career. One of the biggest game changers for her was utilizing LinkedIn. [18:12] I know it can be scary or seem unimportant to develop a digital presence, but I promise it is one of the more important things you can do for your career. Jamie suggests starting with a basic profile and making a few simple comments on other people’s posts. [24:50] I know you’re thinking “okay, but Erin, do you not know how busy I already am?” Jamie touches on how her coaching helps attorneys fit business development into their schedules in a realistic way, work through the nerves about posting, and stop you in your tracks before starting habits of ineffective business development. [34:30] Bonus: Jamie uses human design in coaching [37:46] Then she shares a Legally Blonde Moment featuring a reflection on rushing. The victim: the car AND the mailbox. [48:19]
__________
Mentioned in this Episode

Powerhouse VIP Sessions are created for the woman looking to do a 180 degree change in the way she does life and law! Get a 2 hour deep dive coaching session that springboards your transformation.
https://www.eringerner.com/powerhouse-vip-sessions
__________
Connect with Jamie Sternberg
Website https://www.drumlinstrategies.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesternberg/