#33: From Associate to Practice Group Leader: Lessons from Cannabis Law Trailblazer Sarah Blitz

In today's episode, I am joined by Sarah Blitz, a senior associate at Sheppard Mullin and co-founder and leader of Sheppard Mullin’s Cannabis Industry Team. She shares her journey from law school to becoming a recognized leader in the legal cannabis space, offering insights into how she merged her personal interests with her professional ambitions. We delve into the challenges of building a practice in a nontraditional area, the importance of being aware of broader industry trends, and the value of staying flexible and proactive in your legal career. Sarah’s story demonstrates the power of entrepreneurial thinking in BigLaw and provides valuable guidance for associates looking to carve out their own niche.

At a Glance:

• 01:20 - 02:08 Introducing Sarah Blitz and her role at Sheppard Mullin

• 02:08 - 04:00 Sarah's path from law school to Sheppard Mullin

• 04:00 - 06:07 Discovering her passion for litigation and personal development

• 06:07 - 09:02 The intersection of personal interests with professional practice

• 09:02 - 12:16 Building a cannabis practice: From idea to implementation

• 12:16 - 14:23 Overcoming resistance and planning for pushback

• 14:23 - 16:09 Making the business and ethical case for a cannabis practice

• 16:09 - 18:22 The importance of understanding market trends and client needs

• 18:22 - 19:21 Advice for associates on career development and flexibility

• 19:21 - 22:52 The importance of identifying and cultivating a unique expertise

• 22:52 - 24:00 Balancing litigation work with advisory roles in the cannabis sector

• 24:00 - 27:06 Navigating the complexities of legal services in a new industry

• 27:06 - 30:20 Diversity in the cannabis industry and client engagement

• 30:20 - 32:05 Sarah’s vision for the future of her career

• 32:05 - 35:56 Sarah’s approach to balancing professional and personal life

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How to reach Sarah Blitz

sblitz@sheppardmullin.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahakblitz

www.sheppardmullin.com/sblit

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com 

laura@lauraterrell.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/ 

Show notes: https://ww