Going Solo: AC Rieman Breaks Away From the Large Firm Life

Timing Is(n’t) Everything

Amanda opened the doors to her law practice in March 2020. In spite of that timing, Amanda still advises anyone considering starting their own firm, “don’t wait for the right time, there isn’t one”, but also, “have some startup finances, if possible”. Not knowing what was to come with the pandemic, she said, was a blessing; had she known, it might have scared her into staying in a position she wasn’t happy in. She’d also advise, “don’t seek approval and don’t listen to naysayers”. The flexibility she now has allows her to fit work around her life and not the other way around. As a mother with two small children, this is a priceless gain.

Time v. Everything Else

There are pros and cons to every sincerio. Working for a large firm does have some advantages, financial being one. Though for Amanda, and others who choose the path of solo practice, autonomy outweighs dollars. Things like: being in control of their time, being able to choose who they surround themselves with (both clients and coworkers), and not being another “cog in the wheel”, are significant factors in the quality of (work)life.


Now, this doesn’t mean starting your own law practice is easy. For Amanda, this meant building it from the ground up. Without an influential name in the community, or family with a law background, and as a female in a “good ‘ole boys” industry, she met hurdles along the way. But where there is a will, there is a way. Her core passion of helping others, drove her to open her practice, sustained her through the trying first two years of business, and continues to motivate her as she grows into a thriving firm.