Stephanie A. Sailer

I attribute my success to being intentional in how I approach my work and my decisions. I regularly step back and ask whether something is moving me closer to the kind of life I want to build or pulling me away from it. Having a clear set of core values has guided everything—from the cases I take on to how I manage client relationships. At the same time, success hasn’t come without hard work and patience. Building a practice takes time, and I’ve learned to trust the process while continuing to invest in my own personal and professional development. Over time, I’ve also become more comfortable recognizing that I don’t need to say yes to everything. With experience and a strong demand for services in my community, I’m able to be more selective and focus on the work that truly aligns with my goals. That combination of intentionality, consistency, and growth has allowed me to build a practice that supports both professional fulfillment and a healthy work-life balance.

The best advice I’ve received is that you can’t take money with you, so don’t build your career around chasing it. Instead, focus on doing meaningful work, building strong relationships, and creating a life you actually enjoy along the way. Success isn’t just an end point—it’s how you experience the process.

My biggest advice is to have the confidence to go after what you want—even if you don’t feel completely ready—and not to underestimate yourself. Trust your abilities, be willing to take opportunities when they come, and don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith. Often, things have a way of working out when you’re willing to take that step. It’s also important to check in with yourself along the way and make sure your decisions are aligned with your long-term goals. In a demanding field like law, it’s easy to lose sight of that if you’re not intentional. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want the best for you and support your growth, and learn not to people-please. At the same time, don’t try to do it alone—finding a mentor is invaluable. Having someone experienced to turn to for guidance, to talk through decisions, and to offer perspective can make a significant impact, especially early in your career. Confidence, clarity, and the right support system will take you further than you think.

I see both challenges and opportunities in the field right now. One of the biggest challenges is managing the overall volume of work. The demand for legal services can be significant, and learning how to grow a practice in a way that is both sustainable and intentional is an ongoing process. At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities. With many attorneys in my area nearing retirement, there is a growing need for the next generation to step in and serve those clients. There is also a lot of potential in leveraging technology, including AI, to improve efficiency and expand access to legal services. As I continue to build my practice, I’m focused on identifying where I can provide the most value and, over time, narrowing my focus to a few key areas to develop deeper expertise. I’m approaching that growth thoughtfully—staying grounded in my core values and making sure I’m building something that aligns with the kind of work and life I want long-term.

I’ve come to believe that a career should support your life, not consume it. It’s important to have a full life outside of work—time with family, strong relationships, and prioritizing your health and overall happiness. I also value surrounding myself with people who respect and support those priorities. In the legal profession, there’s often an expectation to put work above everything else, but over time I’ve realized that isn’t the path I want to follow. Opening my own practice gave me the opportunity to be more intentional about how I structure my time and the kind of work I take on. Growth is another core value for me—both personally and professionally. I’m always working to become more well-rounded, not just as an attorney, but as a person. To me, success means building a career I’m proud of while also creating a life that feels balanced, healthy, and fulfilling.