Why is common to see posts online encouraging people to shop local and shop small business. The thought behind this plea is that you are helping support your community and the small business owner’s family as opposed to large corporations and stockholders. There is certainly some good behind that thought, and as a local small business owner, it is something I support. Yet while providing for my family is a goal as the owner of my own firm, it would not be the only motivation.
Rachel with her dad
Prior to becoming an attorney, I had a successful career in healthcare. With several degrees earned, I was offered an opportunity to get a Juris Doctor at almost no cost. I decided to pursue legal education for the purpose of opening up my own firm. The answer to the question, “Why I became an attorney” is closely tangled to the opening of my own legal business.
For several years I was a single father raising three children. My now middle child Rachel is autistic and has always required the majority of my attention. I have been to countless doctor and therapy appointments and have prayed countless prayers all seeking wisdom on how best to prepare my special daughter as she becomes an adult. My heart broke when she was teased at school or struggled with homework. Like most parents, I wondered how my kids will succeed as adults – their future careers, spouses, and own journey of parenthood – along with the other blessings we hope fall upon our children as they leave the nest. With Rachel, I had concerns about her future and knew I needed a plan to help her into adulthood.
So Rachel is why I became an attorney and opened my own firm. I hope to create a place where she can learn the legal profession in a safe environment. Filing, scanning, answering the phone and other business administration skills so that even if she wants to leave dad’s firm, she is employable and able to assist in taking care of clients. If she makes a mistake, I can gently correct her and help her learn. She can learn proper social skills as she helps our clients. Rachel is what they consider “high functioning” so what she needs is the right situation to help her grow.
This is why my firm is “client-focused” and provides “old-fashioned” service. We treat our clients like family because it is all about family. I became an attorney to help my children learn about the law and helping victims get justice – while practicing empathy and compassion. I became an attorney to help my children help their community. I become an attorney to help Rachel be fine long after I am gone.
Use a local attorney.
Use a small firm.
Let our family help your family.
Brian S. Brijbag, Esq