What They Don’t Teach You in Law School: The Power of Finding Your People

There’s a lot you learn in law school.
Case law. Bluebook citations. How to argue both sides of a hypothetical until your brain short-circuits.

But here’s what you don’t learn — and likely won’t fully realize until years into your legal career or startup journey:

Your network will shape everything.
Not just your opportunities.
Not just your clients.
But your mindset, direction, and long-term growth.

I Flew Across the Country for One Night. Here’s Why.

This past week, I left San Diego early — in the middle of the INTA conference — to fly back to Atlanta for just one night: the GAPABA Gala.

Some might say that’s inconvenient. I call it aligned.

Because that room wasn’t just a networking event — it was filled with my people:

• The mentors who lift me up

• The peers who push me forward

• The clients who’ve become collaborators and friends

• The group chats that double as both legal and life support

These are the people who make the hard days lighter and the good days even better.

Professional Growth Isn’t Just About Skills — It’s About Proximity

We often treat professional development like a checklist:
✅ Be the smartest
✅ File the best patents
✅ Say the right thing in the right room

But here’s what I’ve learned: your circle shapes your trajectory.

You become the average of the people you spend the most time with. So choose:

• People who are where you want to go

• People who inspire and challenge you

• People who will call you forward when you’re shrinking back

GAPABA has been that for me. Eight years ago, they invited me to a dinner. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was walking into a room that would shift the course of my career.

Why This Matters for Founders

If you’re building something — whether it’s a startup, a firm, a movement — don’t underestimate the power of:

• Showing up to events (even when you’re tired)

• Saying yes to community

• Building real relationships that extend beyond business

Because personal development is professional development.
And you don’t have to do it alone.

Thank You

To GAPABA: Thank you for the legacy, the leadership, and the community you’ve built.
To firm Barnes & Thornburg: Thank you for always supporting me — not just as a lawyer, but as a leader.

And to anyone wondering if it’s worth it to fly back for one night, to go to that dinner, or to DM someone you admire?

It absolutely is.

Follow along @PatentForStartup for more thoughts on patents, community, and the real behind-the-scenes of building something that matters.