How this Lawyers Reinvented Herself After Almost Losing Her Firm
What Do You Do When Everything Falls Apart?
This is the question my latest podcast guest, Renee Bauer, faced head-on.
Renee had been practicing family law for 20 years, leading her own firm, and managing a growing team of lawyers. Like many of us, she thought she was on the path she was meant to follow. But when COVID hit, Renee realized she was burnt out. While she still loved running her business, she felt called to explore new challenges.
So she shifted her focus. She took a more managerial role, threw herself into writing a book, hosting live events, starting a podcast, and speaking on stages across the country.
But then, one day, everything changed.
Renee walked into her office to speak with one of her key attorneys, only to be blindsided by an announcement that her team of lawyers was leaving to join a fully remote firm. Within five minutes, her practice was gutted. She had no caseload, no idea if any clients would remain, and no clear path forward.
As she made the slow walk back to her office, the natural reaction would have been to panic, cry, or feel defeated. But instead, she paused and asked herself one simple question: “Now what?”
And that’s where the story begins.
In the span of a year, Renee didn’t just rebuild her firm—she transformed it. Her practice is now stronger, more profitable, and thriving in ways she never expected. She’s found balance, reclaimed her caseload, and is more aligned with her values than ever before.
Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
- Stop and Reevaluate: Don’t wait until things feel unbearable. Regularly take a step back and ask yourself, Am I in alignment with what I truly want?
- Embrace Reinvention: Sometimes, the plan changes. The path you’re on might not be the one you envisioned, and that’s okay. Be open to adjusting and reinventing yourself.
- Take Action One Step at a Time: You don’t need to have all the answers today. Start by taking one intentional step, and then the next. Momentum builds from there.
- You Are Always Winning When You Take Action: Even when the outcome looks different from what you expected, taking action and moving forward is a win. You grow, you learn, and you evolve.
Renee’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of taking intentional action—no matter how daunting the circumstances.
So here’s my question for you: When was the last time you evaluated where you are in your life and business? Do you wake up excited about the work you’re doing every day, or does life feel like an uphill battle?
If the latter sounds familiar, this episode is your permission slip to pause and ask yourself, What do I really want?
You’re not alone in feeling like something’s got to give. Tune in to this episode and let Renee’s story inspire you to take the first step toward your own reinvention.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
About the Author: Erin, founder of Powerhouse Lawyers, is passionate about creating spaces where women lawyers feel empowered to create lives and careers they love. Through her podcast, retreats, and coaching programs, she is dedicated to helping female attorneys connect, collaborate, and elevate each other in their journeys. Connect with her here.
Contact Renee:
Email: [email protected]
IG: @msreneebauer
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rbauer1
Buy Her Book: She Who Wins https://a.co/d/goeEamW
Firm Website: FamilyLawyerCT.com
Website: msreneebauer.com/
