#40 Perfect Timing: How a Law Firm Dissolution Led to an Ideal Career Path

Join David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, on this Lawyers Who Learn episode as he reconnects with former law school classmate Fanny Ferdman after nearly 20 years. In this authentic conversation, Fanny shares her journey from commercial litigation to employment law, highlighting a pivotal moment in her career development.

During her time at her first firm, Robertson Freilich Bruno and Cohen, Fanny enrolled in a 10-month personal development course with Landmark Education called the "Wisdom Course." Her fiancé (now husband) Ilan, who was a coach at Landmark, suggested they take the course together with friends. Despite enjoying her colleagues at the firm, Fanny wasn't feeling fulfilled by commercial litigation work. The course provided a structured opportunity for self-reflection, prompting her to remember how much she had enjoyed her employment law class in law school.

Through this process of introspection, Fanny made an internal declaration to pursue employment law instead of continuing with commercial litigation. Remarkably, just weeks after making this decision, her firm announced it was dissolving - a rare event that forced her to seek new opportunities and ultimately led her to Epstein Becker, where she began practicing the employment law she was passionate about.

Now serving as Counsel at BakerHostetler and co-lead of their Wage and Hour Compliance Team, Fanny discusses her deliberate career choices that prioritized work-life balance. She reveals how personal development helped clarify her professional path and how she secured a rare part-time arrangement at a major law firm that she maintains to this day.

The conversation explores continuous learning through CLE courses, the challenges of business development, and finding fulfillment in one's career. David and Fanny exchange insights on setting intentions, making career pivots, and creating the professional life you truly want.