117. Elise Buie — Running a Virtual Firm with Engagement and Accountability

The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill

"I want people who are thrilled to be here and happy to do the work. I have no interest in hostages. We're going to stop on the moon here. You can exit or you can strap in." - Elise Buie

• How did Elise Buie build a rocket ship firm of the future?
• After working for a federal judge and ultimately a litigation firm, why did Elise decide to temporarily retire and homeschool her children?
• When Elise un-retired, why did she set up a remote-first family law practice?
• Why are an overwhelming number of women initiating divorce?
• How does Elise address the challenges of a fully remote firm?
• What is work-life integration, and how does it shape Elise's firm?
• What is a culture call, and how can it unify teams and accelerate growth?

Take No Hostages

The beating heart of a “unicorn rocket ship” firm is culture. Each “astronaut” must share inherent values: innovation, growth mindset, and deep care. The rest can be taught. The virtual firm of the future requires a special strength: one built on a foundation of flexibility tempered with accountability and radical candor. During periods of growth, culture calls solidify this alignment between the firm and staff.

Elise Buie, Founder and CEO of Elise Buie Family Law, is a visionary for virtual law firms. The self-appointed Ms. Frizzle/cheerleader invests tirelessly into her team — who will in turn pour into her clients. Building a robust culture in which a fully remote team knows one another deeply may take time and effort — but the reward is well worth the investment.

Today, Elise reveals the crucial elements for a successful marriage and what makes her such a successful leader. She explains that fully saying YES to something requires joyful and frequent NOs to everything else, and how un-retirement set her on a path to change the game in practicing family law.

Ultimate Freedom

Work fuels our lives. In life and in work, emergencies happen. Just as we should be able to take our child to the doctor without it feeling like a favor, we should be able to answer emergency work emails from their soccer game without feeling guilt. Focus on work-life integration over an elusive and unattainable balance. Successful virtual firms set up an environment in which team members are empowered to work a schedule that fits their lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Say what you need. Inequity in relationships is almost unavoidable. However, when the feelings around inequity are not communicated, the growing resentment has the potential to dissolve a relationship.
• Invest in the team. Remote and in-person teams alike require training, development, and deep connection to produce the best work.
• Get still. Take time each day to quietly focus on the essential tasks that will move your big goals forward. Push the rest to the side.

Links and Resources

• The Game Changing Attorney Podcast
• Michael Mogill Facebook
• Michael Mogill Twitter
• Michael Mogill Instagram
• Michael Mogill LinkedIn
• Crisp Website
• Crisp Facebook
• Crisp Twitter
• Crisp Instagram
• Crisp LinkedIn
• Elise Buie Website
• Elise Buie LinkedIn
• Elise Buie Twitter
• Article: "Thinking About Employees' Lives and Ambitions Outside of Work Can Improve Law Firm Culture"

Author

Michael Mogill, Crisp, and Elise Buie