My 4-Part Framework to Solving Any Problem (Yes, Even That One)

Let’s be real—practicing law isn’t for the faint of heart. We’re trained to analyze, argue, and advocate, but nobody hands us a playbook on how to navigate overwhelm, build a thriving practice and a fulfilling life, and actually feel good in the process.

But here’s what I know: every problem—yes, every single one—can be tackled with the right strategy.

That’s why I teach a simple, powerful four-part framework that has helped my clients go from drowning in stress to designing careers (and lives) they actually love. And guess what? This week I am sharing it on the podcast so you can use it, too.

Meet My Client (Who Proved It’s Possible)

Let me introduce you to a powerhouse lawyer I recently coached. She was a solo practitioner, a mom, and completely overwhelmed. She wanted to work fewer hours without taking a financial hit—something that, let’s be honest, sounds like a legal unicorn.

She was convinced that success in law had to mean grinding nonstop. Because that’s the narrative we’ve all been fed, right? Work harder, sacrifice more, and maybe you’ll earn the life you want.

Spoiler alert: That’s a lie. And we proved it.

By applying my four-part framework, she not only reduced her hours—she met her financial goals. And now, she’s looking at even bigger possibilities for 2025.

So how did she do it? How can you do it? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Clarity is Your Superpower

If you don’t know exactly where you’re going, how can you build a plan to get there?

I always start my clients with a Life Audit—a brutally honest assessment of what’s working, what’s not, and what you actually want. This isn’t about what you should do or what everyone else expects. It’s about getting clear on what success looks like for you.

Ask yourself:

• Where is my time actually going?
• What parts of my work/life are draining me the most?
• If I could change one thing tomorrow, what would it be?

My client had never slowed down long enough to even consider that she could change her reality. Once she did? Everything shifted.

Step 2: Reverse Engineer the Solution

Once you know the goal, stop fixating on how you’ll get there all at once. Overwhelm happens when we try to jump from Point A to Point Z without mapping out B, C, and D.

The key? Break it down into tiny, doable steps.

For my client, that meant: ✔ Identifying high-impact tasks that drive revenue ✔ Setting firm work boundaries (and actually sticking to them) ✔ Delegating anything that wasn’t her job

Small, strategic shifts led to huge results.

Step 3: Simplify Everything

Lawyers love to overcomplicate things (don’t fight me on this—I know you). But success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter.

Where can you streamline?

• Automate repetitive tasks (because your time is valuable)
• Delegate what doesn’t need your expertise
• Cut the fluff (because busyness ≠ productivity)

When my client embraced simplicity, she found hours she didn’t even realize she had. And she made more money. Let that sink in.

Step 4: Accountability Changes Everything

Here’s the truth: You can read all the productivity hacks in the world, but without accountability, nothing changes.

We all fall back into old patterns when nobody’s holding us to our commitments. That’s why my client’s transformation didn’t happen in a vacuum—it happened because she had coaching, support, and someone to remind her of her vision when doubt crept in.

So ask yourself:

• Who’s keeping you accountable?
• Who’s challenging your excuses?
• Who’s pushing you toward the life you actually want?

If you don’t have that person, find them. A coach, a mastermind, a mentor—someone who won’t let you stay stuck.

Your Turn: Put It Into Action

You can design a career that works for you—not one that drains the life out of you.

Start here: ✅ Do a Life Audit—what’s working, what’s not? Look at your life holistically (finances, career, family, health, relationships) ✅ Identify one big goal and reverse engineer 3 tiny steps to get there. ✅ Find one thing to simplify this week. ✅ Get an accountability partner (because success doesn’t happen in isolation).

And if you’re sitting there thinking, Okay, Erin, but I need help figuring this out—good news. That’s exactly what I do.

I’ve opened up Powerhouse Strategy Sessions for women ready to stop spinning their wheels and start making moves. If that sounds like you, let’s chat. 

Listen to the full Powerhouse Lawyers Podcast episode