In a recent episode of Above the Law’s The Jabot Podcast, Conn Maciel Carey Co‑Founder and Labor and Employment Chair Kara M. Maciel shares a candid look at what it really takes to build a legal practice that aligns with your life — not the other way around. From the early financial decisions that gave her long‑term flexibility to the intentional design of a boutique firm that prioritizes culture and client partnership, Kara reflects on the choices that shaped her career and the practice she leads today.
During the conversation, she discusses how she and her co‑founder, Eric J. Conn, realized Big Law’s traditional platform was not compatible with the kind of professional and personal lives they envisioned. Their solution was bold: create a national boutique firm grounded in collaborative leadership and a people‑centered approach to both clients and employees. Twelve years later, that vision has become a thriving practice with a distinct model and a clear identity.
Kara’s insights offer a thoughtful roadmap for lawyers considering alternative career paths, and a reminder that designing a fulfilling legal career is both possible and deeply worthwhile.
Listen to the full conversation on The Jabot Podcast to hear Kara’s story in her own words.
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