For attorney Kim Memmesheimer, starting her own firm wasn’t the hard part. Keeping it all running—and knowing what to do next—was.
With support from Lawyerist Lab, Kim found the confidence, structure, and systems she needed to stop reacting and start leading. Today, her firm is growing intentionally, aligned with her values, and built to last.
Starting Over—Without a Map
After 27 years in practice, Kim left a traditional firm she called “five dinosaurs and a fax machine” to launch Seven Rivers Law Office in 2022. She brought business savvy, legal expertise, and a clear vision of what not to do.
But she quickly hit a wall.
Despite degrees in business and HR experience, Kim found herself overwhelmed by the day-to-day of running a modern practice:
- No operational systems—just a stock employee handbook
- Inherited team members—but no alignment
- Decision fatigue—she had to make every call, big or small
- Time pressure—everything felt urgent, nothing felt strategic
- Confidence dips—staffing, budgeting, and growth all felt risky
“I knew what I didn’t want to be. But I needed help figuring out where I was going.”
What Changed in Lawyerist Lab
Kim found Lawyerist through The Small Firm Roadmap and blog. She joined Lab and immediately felt the shift. Between expert coaching, peer support, and practical tools, she began building a firm that reflected her values and vision.
Real Coaching, Right When She Needed It
Kim leaned on Lab coaches like Amy, Sara, and Leticia for tough calls—especially around staffing and hiring. They didn’t hand her answers—they helped her trust her instincts.
“Lab gave me the confidence to make hard decisions—and the support to know I wasn’t alone.”
Rebuilding Her Team with Intention
Kim replaced two underperforming bookkeepers and hired a new one who fit her firm’s needs with referrals through Lawyerist. She came away from the 2024 LabCon with all the procedures she needed to terminate another underperforming long-time employee, who ultimately left on her own after sufficient coaching. She also made her first full-time hire using Lab’s hiring tools.
Operational and Financial Upgrades
- Introduced flat-fee consults with service credit (no more free time)
- Closed the office to the public on Fridays for deep work
- Automated client updates to reduce “Where’s my stuff?” emails
- Began implementing Profit First budgeting principles
A Healthier Mindset for Growth
- Let go of underperforming staff—without guilt
- Shifted performance metrics from hours to collections
- Started talking openly about money with her team
- Embraced “doing nothing” as a valid strategic choice
What Progress Looks Like
Since joining Lab, Kim’s firm has grown—strategically and sustainably:
- 1 full-time hire, aligned and energized
- 1 custom office relocation, designed for comfort and access
- 40+ automated updates added to workflows
- 12+ books read from Lab’s library
- 2 team members replaced with stronger fits
- 3+ tech tools added or upgraded—with peer input
Her team is sharper, her clients are better served, and she finally feels in control of the business she built.
“Now I get to design the firm I want instead of reacting to what I don’t want.”
What’s Next
Kim isn’t chasing rapid growth or shiny trends. She’s focused on building a firm that reflects her values, protects her time, and supports her team.
Over the next quarter, she’s finalizing a Profit First budget, integrating more AI to streamline her systems, and training her associate on the business foundations that have helped her lead with clarity.
But most of all, she’s making space—for deep work, smart decisions, and the joy of running a business that finally works for her.
Build the Firm You Actually Want
Kim’s story isn’t rare. It’s just usually told in hindsight.
If you’re overwhelmed, stretched thin, or second-guessing your next step, Lawyerist Lab can help you shift from survival to strategy.
Join Lawyerist Lab—and build a practice that works for you.
Last updated June 26th, 2025
