Wonderful to see someone having the courage to make choices FOR their life. Perhaps the way the angry clients have treated you are exactly the reasons why they ended up needing a lawyer to begin with!
I think a big reason why people don't make the choices their heart and soul are screaming at them to make is because we allow other people's feelings and fears to hold us hostage. Perhaps we are afraid of the angry and hurt people on the other side. Yet when we do choose, we find out who was really for us anyway. We may get surprised by who that is, but I think it is a gift to know the truth.
Laura Roeder
· 10 months ago
Sounds like you are going through a tough time right now, you have my love and support.
I'm reminded of something that happened to me the other day - I was waiting for a bus and had been waiting for a while when a bus that was supposed to stop passed right by. There was a woman standing near me and she was FUMING! She was stomping the ground and going on and on. I just kind of nodded and did my best to ignore her. I knew that ruining my day would not bring the bus back! Then another woman came up and asked me if a bus had recently come by. I told her what had happened and she actually laughed! She just smiled and said oh yes they do that some times, it is so frustrating!
The bus passing you is always going to be a somewhat disappointing experience, as is losing someone that you thought you had hired for life. But it really made it clear that there are some people that choose to make the worst of everything, and others that choose to make the best of everything. You can't control how other people react, but you can go back to yourself and choose if YOU will choose to make the best or worst of their reaction.
Patty Larson
· 10 months ago
When you make a promise to continue service and people trust you for that, you can expect that people would be upset when you break a promise. It's called a breach of contract!
L.
· 10 months ago
I was wondering how you clients were reacting to your closing your practice. Especially the ones who were paying you an ongoing fee for you to "be there" for them. Perhaps you will be refunding them their subscription fees.
I have to say, from the outside, it looks a bit flaky. You had a practice where you claimed you could finally be the lawyer you wanted to be, and then unsuccessfully tried to transition that so you can go be what God has called you to next. But what if attorneys sign up for a year of your coaching and then you break up with DaveDee or God calls you to do something else and you have to go do that and hope people will understand. Same with the people who've signed up for your PFL program - are they going to be left in the lurch when you decide to move on?
As a friend who was listening to your last call said "If she has all these coaches, why is she so scattered?"
And these questions are coming from someone who thinks your methods are great, and has gotten good info from you, and is all in favor of living your dream, but maybe just be mindful of the promises you are making along the way. And realize that if you drop one thing that was so close to your heart, people might think you'll do the same with your Next Big Thing, and the one after that.
amy martin
· 10 months ago
i love you no matter where you go, or what you choose to do................... and that is forever
Dave Dee
· 10 months ago
Do not discount what I am going to say because Alexis is the love of my life. (And, in comment to, L, we aren't breaking up.) But I am also her business advisor and partner.
There is nothing "flaky" about what she is doing. She has a very well thought out plan that we've discussed deep into the night many times. Her decisions were not made lightly.
Alexis did build the practice of her dreams because she deeply cared (and still cares) about her clients. That, more than anything else is why she was successful.
I remember one beautiful Saturday afternoon, she was on the phone all day helping one of her clients find another lawyer for a serious matter outside of her expertise.
She kept her law firm open 18 months too long, against my advice. She always said to me, "I have clients that are counting on me and my firm."
The reality is she could have closed down the firm and told her clients to find another Lawyer. But she did not. She had calls with Personal Family Lawyers who she has personally trained, who offer the same level of service that she did, and got their commitment to take on her clients and give them the highest level of service possible. She is abandoning no one and her clients will get everything they were promised and the service they have come to expect.
(Oh, and she is getting no compensation for this.)
Alexis loves coaching, she loves teaching, and she loves helping people, this is where her heart lies. That is the common thread that runs through everything she has done and is doing. That is why she is closing down her firm. It is her calling and one she must heed.
Most people are afraid to follow their calling and listen to the still small voice inside that is telling them what they should do. They stay trapped in their little box that society says they should be in.
Breaking out of that box and continuing to grow can be painful. And Alexis is experiencing that now. But she is doing it with with compassion, heart centered love , grace and a boatload of guts and determination.
Yes, I deeply love Alexis Martin Neely but I also respect her and marvel at all she is doing and who she is a woman, girlfriend, mother and entrepreneur.
Dave Dee
Chelsea Moser
· 10 months ago
Lex - you are an amazing woman, and I look up to you in many different ways. You are making the right decision - never second guess yourself. You are rocking this world and I'm so happy to be supporting you all the way! I'm here for you. Lots of love! -C
Candice
· 10 months ago
I don't get what the problem is, when you have extensively trained people to operate the same type of practice that you operated and got them to agree to take your clients. It's like expecting Ronald McDonald himself to serve you your burger forever and ever. Would your clients never let you retire?
Your plan seems very well thought out.
Jamie Parks
· 10 months ago
You can't satisfy everyone all of the time. Keep unlocking yourself.
Jennifer Johnston
· 10 months ago
The problem is that Alexis is acting a bit like an egomaniac, and the only one she seems to be "serving" is herself. I was a fan of hers until I saw where she was heading, as in down and dirty, with no hope for redemption.
Machiavellian plans of power do not jive with the responsibility of the law. She brings shame onto the legal profession and she is stepping all over people on her trip to the top of the money pile. The trouble is we are feeding her need for attention, we shouldn't even be reading her blogs. Karma will be a painful teacher for her. -- Jennifer
Courtney Martin
· 10 months ago
Alexis (aka Machiavelli!)-
I'm proud to be your sister. Remember that the higher your climb, the more people who will be looking from below and trying to pull you back down.
I love you. Rock on.
Courtney
PS I think Dave Dee might really like you ;)
Naz Bhujwala
· 10 months ago
Alexis,
Your courage, in choosing the right path for yourself, has set a brilliant example for me. Thank you.
As another lawyer, I take issue with Jennifer Johnson's comments regarding your choices. 'Shame on the legal profession'? Seriously? I certainly do not share those views.
You were called to practice law for a time in your life. In so doing, you helped countless families plan for their futures. Now, you are called to do something else, to help others in other ways. From what I gather, it would be easier for you to continue practicing law successfully. However, you've recognized that, in so doing, you would also be doing a great disservice to your clients because your heart's calling lies elsewhere. Naturally, your former clients will miss you and the level of dedication you brought to your work. Some may be taking it personally, but they shouldn't. Ultimately, they will be fine. You know it, and they know it. You certainly seem to be doing everything you can to make the transition smooth for your clients and your efforts should be recognized in that regard.
Continue to follow your heart through these dark days, her light leads you to the greatest good.
- Naz
Lisa
· 10 months ago
My neighbor used Kids Protection Plan. No one thought of a legal service like this before. You call up and they refer you to nearest office. The office staff really know law- they handle everything from beginning to end.!! Very easy for families with busy lives. My neighbor, tho, is rich and not pregnant. Its super expensive but totally a good idea. Can someone explain why Alexis fired the pregnant client --because that is wierd?
Lindsay Griffiths
· 10 months ago
Alexis, you inspire me. It seems that whenever I read your blog, I find something that I need to hear and it motivates me to keep on keeping on. I really admire you, think it takes huge guts to follow your dreams with no real safety net, and go for it even when you're scared. I also think it's great that you're talking about the "darkness" - that's definitely something I needed to hear today. Good luck - it's been a joy to get to know you through Twitter and your blog, and I wish you all the best!
Amy Miyamoto
· 10 months ago
It was very helpfult o me when i gained clarity around the fact that there are ultimately two statesof being either fear or love. And when someone is "sahowing up" in their lives in a less than loving way it is usually because they are experiencing fear on some level and they are doing the best they can with the tools they have at the time. When i finally got this, it enabled me to take things less personally and connect more deeply to compassion for even those who may be outwardly hurtful. It looks like you have the right perspective on things. BRAVO! ;) Amy On twitter @LotusAmy
All Comments
I think a big reason why people don't make the choices their heart and soul are screaming at them to make is because we allow other people's feelings and fears to hold us hostage. Perhaps we are afraid of the angry and hurt people on the other side. Yet when we do choose, we find out who was really for us anyway. We may get surprised by who that is, but I think it is a gift to know the truth.
I'm reminded of something that happened to me the other day - I was waiting for a bus and had been waiting for a while when a bus that was supposed to stop passed right by. There was a woman standing near me and she was FUMING! She was stomping the ground and going on and on. I just kind of nodded and did my best to ignore her. I knew that ruining my day would not bring the bus back! Then another woman came up and asked me if a bus had recently come by. I told her what had happened and she actually laughed! She just smiled and said oh yes they do that some times, it is so frustrating!
The bus passing you is always going to be a somewhat disappointing experience, as is losing someone that you thought you had hired for life. But it really made it clear that there are some people that choose to make the worst of everything, and others that choose to make the best of everything. You can't control how other people react, but you can go back to yourself and choose if YOU will choose to make the best or worst of their reaction.
I have to say, from the outside, it looks a bit flaky. You had a practice where you claimed you could finally be the lawyer you wanted to be, and then unsuccessfully tried to transition that so you can go be what God has called you to next. But what if attorneys sign up for a year of your coaching and then you break up with DaveDee or God calls you to do something else and you have to go do that and hope people will understand. Same with the people who've signed up for your PFL program - are they going to be left in the lurch when you decide to move on?
As a friend who was listening to your last call said "If she has all these coaches, why is she so scattered?"
And these questions are coming from someone who thinks your methods are great, and has gotten good info from you, and is all in favor of living your dream, but maybe just be mindful of the promises you are making along the way. And realize that if you drop one thing that was so close to your heart, people might think you'll do the same with your Next Big Thing, and the one after that.
There is nothing "flaky" about what she is doing. She has a very well thought out plan that we've discussed deep into the night many times. Her decisions were not made lightly.
Alexis did build the practice of her dreams because she deeply cared (and still cares) about her clients. That, more than anything else is why she was successful.
I remember one beautiful Saturday afternoon, she was on the phone all day helping one of her clients find another lawyer for a serious matter outside of her expertise.
She kept her law firm open 18 months too long, against my advice. She always said to me, "I have clients that are counting on me and my firm."
The reality is she could have closed down the firm and told her clients to find another Lawyer. But she did not. She had calls with Personal Family Lawyers who she has personally trained, who offer the same level of service that she did, and got their commitment to take on her clients and give them the highest level of service possible. She is abandoning no one and her clients will get everything they were promised and the service they have come to expect.
(Oh, and she is getting no compensation for this.)
Alexis loves coaching, she loves teaching, and she loves helping people, this is where her heart lies. That is the common thread that runs through everything she has done and is doing. That is why she is closing down her firm. It is her calling and one she must heed.
Most people are afraid to follow their calling and listen to the still small voice inside that is telling them what they should do. They stay trapped in their little box that society says they should be in.
Breaking out of that box and continuing to grow can be painful. And Alexis is experiencing that now. But she is doing it with with compassion, heart centered love , grace and a boatload of guts and determination.
Yes, I deeply love Alexis Martin Neely but I also respect her and marvel at all she is doing and who she is a woman, girlfriend, mother and entrepreneur.
Dave Dee
Your plan seems very well thought out.
Machiavellian plans of power do not jive with the responsibility of the law. She brings shame onto the legal profession and she is stepping all over people on her trip to the top of the money pile. The trouble is we are feeding her need for attention, we shouldn't even be reading her blogs. Karma will be a painful teacher for her.
-- Jennifer
I'm proud to be your sister. Remember that the higher your climb, the more people who will be looking from below and trying to pull you back down.
I love you. Rock on.
Courtney
PS I think Dave Dee might really like you ;)
Your courage, in choosing the right path for yourself, has set a brilliant example for me. Thank you.
As another lawyer, I take issue with Jennifer Johnson's comments regarding your choices. 'Shame on the legal profession'? Seriously? I certainly do not share those views.
You were called to practice law for a time in your life. In so doing, you helped countless families plan for their futures. Now, you are called to do something else, to help others in other ways. From what I gather, it would be easier for you to continue practicing law successfully. However, you've recognized that, in so doing, you would also be doing a great disservice to your clients because your heart's calling lies elsewhere. Naturally, your former clients will miss you and the level of dedication you brought to your work. Some may be taking it personally, but they shouldn't. Ultimately, they will be fine. You know it, and they know it. You certainly seem to be doing everything you can to make the transition smooth for your clients and your efforts should be recognized in that regard.
Continue to follow your heart through these dark days, her light leads you to the greatest good.
- Naz
;)
Amy
On twitter @LotusAmy