You built a firm because you wanted freedom — so why does it feel like you're more trapped than ever?
If you're a solo or small-firm attorney caught between doing work you love and running a business nobody taught you how to manage, this one's for you.
Criminal defense attorney Monica Ishak launched The Ishak Law Firm in Palm Beach County with no client base, no playbook, and a laptop that barely worked. She and Coach Gary Miles talk honestly about what it took to go from breaking even at $10K a month to more than doubling her revenue — and why the hardest part wasn't the business. It was learning to stop being her own worst critic, ask for help, and see herself as a firm owner instead of a solo practitioner just getting by. Whether you're thinking about going out on your own or you're in the thick of it, Monica's story is both a mirror and a roadmap.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize that fear of putting yourself out there — not lack of skill — is often what keeps a new firm from growing
- Reframe your perceived weaknesses (youth, gender, non-traditional background) as the very things that differentiate you
- Invest in coaching and mentorship before you think you're ready — waiting until crisis hits costs more than starting early
- Shift your identity from "lawyer who owns a business" to "business owner who practices law" — it changes every decision you make
- Build your referral network through genuine relationships, not just marketing spend — the work that energizes you often produces the best results
- Give yourself the same grace you'd give a colleague — showing up imperfect still beats not showing up
Monica Ishak is a criminal defense attorney, firm founder, Super Lawyers Rising Star, and co-host of Come Back with a Warrant. Her perspective matters because she's living the journey most attorney-entrepreneurs are either starting or stuck in the middle of — and she's candid about all of it. Find her on social media @lawyer.monica or at theishaklawfirm.com.
If Monica's story resonated with you, take The Free Lawyer Assessment at garymiles.net — it's free, takes about ten minutes, and shows you exactly where you stand. Subscribe wherever you listen, and leave a review if this episode helped you see your own practice differently.
[00:00] — Welcome and Monica's story[02:42] — How criminal defense became her calling[08:49] — The leap from corporate to solo firm[13:33] — Early days with no clients or plan[15:55] — Hardest business lesson nobody warned about[18:42] — What actually drove revenue growth[21:10] — Navigating the lowest moments honestly[27:08] — Why she invested in coaching[30:24] — Identity shift from surviving to owning[36:31] — Five-year vision for the firm[38:28] — One piece of advice on alignment
Monica Ishak, Esq. is a criminal defense attorney and founder of The Ishak Law Firm, P.A. in Palm Beach County, Florida. She represents individuals facing criminal charges across South Florida, bringing a client-centered approach rooted in her years as an Assistant Public Defender. A first-generation American and the first lawyer in her family, Monica has handled over 500 criminal cases, including a first-degree murder jury trial. She was named a 2026 Rising Star by Super Lawyers, serves on the board of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and co-hosts the podcast Come Back with a Warrant. Find her on social media @lawyer.monica or at theishaklawfirm.com.
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