Debra L. Bruce, JD, PCC., Author at Lawyer-Coach

1 01, 2002

Leap of Faith

2002-01-01T11:17:25+00:00By Debra L. Bruce, JD, PCC.|1 Comment

A forty-something mid-life crisis tightened its long fingers around my neck, slowly suffocating me. I had practiced law for 18 years in big firms, small firms, on my own, changing the configuration every few years. My life had the outer hallmarks of success. I liked my clients personally, and they gave me good work and paid their bills promptly. I was my own boss in a reasonably secure position. I cherished my beautiful new home designed to my specifications. My teenage son, Brandon, was smart, handsome and happy. I had a relationship with Jim, a loving and considerate partner who would talk through conflicts with me.

Yet, discontent haunted me and sucked the energy out of me. Sometimes I felt guilty for not appreciating my good fortune. Often I felt crazy, because I didn’t know what I wanted to do instead. What was I even qualified for? Would I have to go back to school again? I had tried to find a new career for years. I was afraid to let go of what I had in order to start something new. What if I couldn’t make a good living at it? Or worse, what if my new career also turned into “Just a Job”.
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Decision & Faith

2001-06-01T11:18:08+00:00By Debra L. Bruce, JD, PCC.|1 Comment

How Vision and Faith Orchestrated Events for a “Leap of Faith“

I enrolled in a French class. I examined my financial situation and determined that, if I leased my house for enough to cover the costs on it, I could manage for a year or so without working. I could just relax in France and see what answers would bubble up in that old eight-ball. I consulted Jim and Brandon. Brandon, who was just graduating middle school, salivated at the idea of living in France for a year. Jim was a at career crossroads himself, and declared his willingness to follow my lead. Now to my ex. After a few discussions, Bob generously put aside his desire to be with his son in order to give Brandon a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Nearly miraculous solutions materialized to solve the lingering problems. I leased my treasured house to people I knew and trusted. They just showed up at the door with a real estate agent, not previously knowing it was my house. Bob acquiesced to take possession of our elderly dog and the other dog broke out of the yard during a thunderstorm and made friends with strangers who wanted to keep her. Using the nacent Internet, we finally found a suitable temporary apartment in Paris. As each hurdle fell away I felt reassured, and I faintly recognized the work of some other hand in this process.
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A Few Tips for Business Start Ups

2019-06-25T16:28:34+00:00By Debra L. Bruce, JD, PCC.|Comments Off on A Few Tips for Business Start Ups

New business owners frequently experience feeling overwhelmed. They feel a sudden need to be experts in many fields that have little to do with the product or service they sell. They may believe their budget does not allow for even one non-owner employee. Here are a few tips on ways to lighten the load.

1. Choose Experienced Advisors.

Although good professionals can be found at a range of prices, there is a lower level at which “you get what you pay for.” In choosing a lawyer or accountant, look for someone with at least 5 to 10 years experience in a business practice, unless someone of greater experience supervises that person. Be wary of generalists. Don’t hire the same lawyer to prepare your will, set up your corporation and handle your litigation! For some questions to ask about a prospective accountant, see www.toolkit.cch.com/text/p06_1220.asp.

If you are not the sole business owner, be sure to have an agreement providing a mechanism for getting out of doing business with your partner in the future. Although you get along well now, circumstances may change later due to death, divorce or disagreement about the best direction for the company. Expect the legal costs of setting up your corporation, Limited Liability Company or other entity, including state filing fees, to be at least $1000 for a sole owner, and more for multiple owners. Don’t be tempted to use a do-it-yourself kit. It won’t be tailored to your needs, and do you really know what you need without advice?
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About Debra L. Bruce, JD, PCC.

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