A Thankful Year
“Be present in all things, and thankful for all things.”
— Maya Angelou
At this time last year, most people couldn’t believe we were expanding our firm amidst a global pandemic. It seemed risky, and yet, ‘no risk, no reward,’ so full steam ahead we trudged.
As our marketing director, I had a front-row seat and a helping hand in everything that went on behind the scenes. We started out with a search for a second attorney, hopeful that we would find someone passionate about estate planning. The stars aligned. We hired associate attorney, Laura Laskey, and legal assistant, Corinne Kelly, to be the faces of our new Tillamook office. (And what a dynamic duo they have proven to be!).
Meanwhile, Scott Barbur, our firm's founder and fearless leader, commuted from the city to the coast tirelessly to make sure nothing would slip through the cracks of our now two-office firm. But with so much time newly dedicated to the community of Tillamook, our Milwaukie office needed more attention. So, again, in the face of uncertainty, we began a second search. (I might mention that our interviews had to be juggled around the freak ice storm that hit the Portland area in February). So, without power and in masks, we hired associate attorney, Eric Smith, to be a full-time presence in Milwaukie. Together, we have navigated the newness, learned and grown as a team, celebrated successes, and slowly but surely, found our footing.
With Thanksgiving upon us, it seems a perfect time to recount the year we have had and to express gratitude for every growing pain that has led Barbur Law to this exact moment. I am thankful to participate in the relationships we are forming with the wonderful people that make up our communities in both Milwaukie and Tillamook. I have witnessed a team of talented people work hard and tackle big challenges, and I am so proud of each of them. I am proud of the commendable job Scott has done to transition us gracefully from a solo practice to a small firm, the exceptional work Laura and Eric have done learning their crafts as our new attorneys, and of the entire staff of our burgeoning company.
As I sit in reflection, I can’t help but look ahead to the exciting things we are planning for 2022. For starters, Barbur Law turns 10 – TEN! – with the new year. I have known Scott since he began this law firm from a very humble start. To say that I am proud of him is an understatement. It is a privilege to take part in building the team, the culture, and the energy of Barbur Law. We have traveled far, and we have taken risks, without which, we would not be the team we are today. Thank you for being on this journey with us. We look forward to sharing more milestones with you as they unfold. We wish you a joyful holiday, and may your heart be filled with gratitude today and always.