Last week, I met with attorneys from across California in Los Angeles for the Leveling Up conference, an event tailored for solo and small firm practitioners like myself.
The conference took place in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. More specifically, in Skid Row. Nothing says “we care about you” like having to be back in the hotel before sunset. To be fair, the organizers felt the same way because one day, the networking happy hour started at 3:30!
Jokes aside, it was an energizing, inspiring experience, and I wanted to share a few key reflections.
Peers Provide Power
Like any small business owner and executive can attest, a solo law practice can feel like building a plane mid-flight. Alone. Being surrounded by others who have chosen the same path created a quiet kind of momentum. Many shared stories of exhaustion, disappointment, resolve, reinvention, and hard-won wins. Being in the same room, hearing the same familiar struggles and then being able to laugh about it, offered a kind of refueling necessary for success.
While mindfulness and nature retreats have their place in our lives, sometimes we need to be refueled by shared ambition.
No One Has It All Figured Out
Turns out, amid all the type-A personalities and egos, not one attorney in the room had a perfect blueprint. Some were refining their niche, test marketing ideas, struggling with case management, or navigating a switch from Big Law to small firm life. Despite the polished bios and sharp headshots, most admitted to winging it a lot. Just like every other small business owner.
What stood out was the shared commitment to forward motion. Uncertainty did not stop anyone from showing up, building a practice, or pushing toward impact.
Plenty of conversations circled back to AI. Reactions ran the full range, from dystopia to total disinterest. The truth likely lives somewhere in the middle. Still, the collective opinion was that nothing yet replaces human judgment, strategy, or the ability of a good attorney to listen and help devise a solution.
Passion Is A Differentiator
Some of the most inspiring moments came from attorneys who spoke clearly about why their work matters. For some, it was about serving a specific community. For others, it meant reshaping legal culture or centering client empowerment.
As one speaker said, “Do what works for you.” In a profession that often rewards conformity, purpose is a differentiator. Passion attracts the right clients, fuels resilience, and cuts through the noise.
Just like in any business, regardless of the type or model, it’s usually clear who has the drive to succeed despite adversity.
Final Thoughts - Recognition
Recently, Peddycord Law, APC was voted Best of North County for Business Law in 2025. The recognition came during a season of reflection, and the last few months have brought a lot of challenges. This work is hard. The wins are hard-fought. But, the chance to team with some remarkable clients and contribute to their success stories remains a privilege that I am grateful for. The vision for my firm is still unfolding and only in its infancy. But moments like this offer a glimpse of what is possible. I hope you are also able to find passion in your work and figure out what drives you to success.
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