Every Big Law attorney eventually faces a defining moment—whether they talk about it openly or keep it quietly tucked away. It’s the point where the partner track feels closer than ever, yet somehow less appealing. Titles loom. Expectations shift. Compensation math stays murky. And the question becomes unavoidable: Is this really what success looks like?

In this episode of Inventive Journey, host Devin Miller sits down with attorney Matthew Fornaro to explore that exact crossroads. Matthew shares his candid journey from Big Law associate to firm owner, unpacking the realities most attorneys don’t learn until they’re already deep inside the system.

The conversation pulls back the curtain on partnership economics—how bonuses are calculated, why firm-wide performance can outweigh individual results, and how “making partner” often comes with strings attached that aren’t discussed in recruiting brochures. Matthew explains why the prestige of Big Law doesn’t always translate into autonomy, clarity, or control.

From there, the discussion shifts to what happens when attorneys choose the exit ramp. Starting a firm doesn’t mean instant freedom—it means responsibility. Revenue resets to zero. Systems disappear. You become the attorney, marketer, operations manager, and strategist all at once. Matthew walks through what those early years actually look like, including lean periods, uncomfortable learning curves, and the slow process of building momentum.

A major theme of the episode is the business education gap in law. Law school teaches legal analysis, not client acquisition or firm management. Matthew shares how targeted entrepreneurship programs and hands-on experience helped him close that gap, turning trial-and-error into systems and sustainability.

Technology also plays a key role in modern firm ownership. Matthew discusses how tools—especially when used responsibly—can dramatically reduce overhead, improve efficiency, and allow solo and small firm attorneys to compete without recreating Big Law infrastructure. He’s also clear about the limits: AI is a tool, not a replacement for judgment, and careless use can do real damage.

This episode isn’t anti–Big Law. It’s pro–intentional decision-making. Some attorneys thrive on the partner track. Others realize that ownership, flexibility, and equity matter more than titles. The real risk isn’t choosing one path over the other—it’s drifting into a future by default.

If you’re an attorney questioning the long-term tradeoffs of partnership, curious about firm ownership, or simply trying to define success on your own terms, this conversation offers an honest, grounded perspective from someone who’s lived both sides.

To chat about this one-on-one, grab a free consult at strategymeeting.com