Dreams Beyond Working in Law? Crazy, But True.
- Matt Plavnick
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
The Raton Pass Motor Inn is a reminder that we all have lives and dreams outside of law firms.
In 2021, Brandy C. Dietz and her husband Michael quit their fancy law firm jobs to buy and run a roadside motel in New Mexico. They left Dallas, pop. 1.3 million, for Raton, pop. 6,000.
By then, Brandy had logged 20 years as a legal marketer at her big-city firm. Today, she and Michael live in a cute house behind their vintage motel.
When I started in law firms, I naively thought everyone was working toward the top, whatever that looked like in their role and firm.
Today, I know that's not remotely true. Even partners--the business owners--harbor dreams outside their firms.
Law firms are intense. It's natural to become absorbed in each day's priorities. In that intensity, we also encounter conflict.
The next time you clash with a lawyer or teammate, think of Brandy, Michael, and the Raton Pass Motor Inn. Take a breath.
Conjure up your bigger dream. Let it calm you, inspire you, focus you.
Remember that your colleague has a dream beyond the firm, too.
Rather than lock horns, how can you channel empathy to engage as collaborators, solve the problem of the day, and take another step toward your respective dreams?
When my work with law firms is done, I'll return to writing novels and poetry, like I did when I thought I'd make a living that way.
What dream do you nurture as you ride the elevator up that big glass tower or log in on a Thursday night to meet yet another deadline?
