When I walked through the doors of The Law Office of Bryan Fagan in September 2018, I had just graduated college with a degree in criminal justice and a head full of ambition. My goal at the time was simple: get a foot in the door, start my legal career, and hopefully work my way into a paralegal role someday. I always envisioned working under a criminal defense attorney, but family law would do for now—at least that’s what I told myself with a laugh.
Little did I know, that “for now” would turn into an incredibly rewarding journey that’s shaped my career in ways I could’ve never imagined.
The Humble Beginnings
I was hired on the spot as an intake specialist after interviewing with my then-manager. At that time, our department was just four people strong, tucked away in a quiet corner of the office. We didn’t even have the full floor yet—walls were being knocked down for expansion around the time I joined. It was a bit chaotic, but there was something exciting about being part of something that was clearly growing fast.
I quickly learned the ropes on the phones, answering calls and scheduling consultations. My manager wasn’t in the office much, which meant I was often left to manage the backend of our processes. That ended up being a blessing in disguise—it gave me the opportunity to dive deep into our systems, understand how things worked, and self-teach a lot of the operational knowledge that I still use today.
In fact, learning not just what she did, but more than what she knew, still stands as one of my proudest accomplishments. It taught me to take initiative and truly own my role, even if I was technically at the bottom of the ladder.
Stepping Into Leadership
When my first manager left, a new one stepped in—and by that time, I was already taking on more of a leadership role naturally. Our intake department had grown to about 5–7 employees, and I wanted to make sure the new manager understood that I wasn’t just a team member—I was already leading. He recognized my efforts and made it official by designating me as the team lead.
That period was a turning point. Just a few months later, in early 2020—right as the COVID pandemic hit—he also left the firm. Without missing a beat, I stepped into the intake manager role. It felt like the position came to me organically, and I was ready for it.
From there, everything snowballed—in the best way possible.
Building Something Bigger
I started hiring and building a team that would help take the intake department to the next level. We hit some major milestones together, especially when it came to scheduled consultations. We didn’t just meet our goals—we crushed them.
One of my favorite success stories is how the intake manual I created became something of a blueprint for the entire firm. Bryan himself came across it by accident, and it ended up being a model for how things should be done across departments. It was a moment that reminded me how valuable behind-the-scenes work can be.
A New Chapter: Marketing
In the spring of 2022, I was invited to attend a law firm conference in Miami—a total pinch-me moment. That trip lit a fire in me. I came back inspired and approached Bryan directly about expanding my role to include marketing. I’d realized how closely intake and marketing were tied together, and I knew that with my experience talking to potential clients every day, I could help bridge the gap between our leads and our growth strategy.
Bryan was open to the idea, and just like that, I was managing both intake and marketing. It was a lot, but I loved it. I got to see the full picture: where our leads were coming from, what they were looking for, and how we could reach more people who truly needed our help. My experience in intake gave me a unique advantage—I wasn’t guessing what our clients needed. I knew because I’d been speaking to them for years.
Growing the Firm
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping the firm expand across Texas. We opened new offices in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and even more in Houston. I got to be part of the process—finding the right spaces, hiring the right people, and making sure each office had the culture and support it needed to thrive.
One thing I’ve always believed is this: if we’re going to spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at work, we need to at least like the people we’re doing it with. You don’t have to be best friends, but the workday goes by a lot faster when you enjoy the environment and the people around you.
The firm gave me the freedom to create that kind of environment in my departments. I focused on keeping people engaged, supported, and always learning. I’m proud to say that my departments haven’t had the kind of turnover you’d typically see in roles like intake specialists. I worked hard to build a team that sticks around—and that sticks together.
What I’ve Learned
Working here has taught me more than I ever expected. It’s taught me patience, leadership, and the importance of believing in people before they fully believe in themselves. It’s shown me that when you give someone a chance—like I was given back in 2018—they can grow into a role they didn’t even know they were capable of.
Nearly seven years later, I’m now part of the management team. I get to help make decisions that directly affect the growth of the firm, and I don’t take that lightly. I still remember what it felt like to be the new person, nervous on the phones, just hoping I could make it through my first week. That experience grounds me, and it motivates me to keep helping others grow too.
Why I Stay
This firm has been good to me. Bryan is a business-minded leader, yes, but he’s also incredibly thoughtful. He remembers birthdays, checks in on people, and makes sure we know we’re not just employees—we’re part of something bigger.
I genuinely believe in the vision of this firm. I support the business model, and I’m excited for where we’re going. Being part of the growth—not just witnessing it, but actively shaping it—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
So, if you’re considering a role here, whether in intake, marketing, legal, or anything in between—know that this is a place where you can build something. Where your voice matters. Where hard work gets noticed. And where you just might find yourself, like me, on a path you didn’t expect—but are so grateful to walk.