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Consumer Protection Lawyer Interview: SaraEllen Hutchison of Seattle

Last updated on January 18, 2020 By D 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through my links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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STARTING LAW PRACTICE PIN

This week our guest is SaraEllen Hutchison, a consumer protection lawyer and entrepreneur from Seattle who opened her own law practice. Let’s jump right in to learn more about this unique combination.

 

What is your business? 

I have a solo law practice doing consumer protection law; see Seattle Fair Credit and my personal website.

My practice focuses on consumer credit issues– credit reporting errors, identity theft, debt collection abuse, and credit card billing errors. I run a low-overhead, frugal law office.

 

What did you do before you started your own consumer protection practice? 

I worked in nonprofits and, prior to that, I worked in criminal law.

I have a big heart, but a frugal head, and so I had to start my own business (even with no business experience) because I was tired of seeing how inefficient and dysfunctional many workplaces are in law and nonprofits.

 

Who were some influencers in your decision to be an entrepreneur? 

I’m a “cusper” — a late gen-Xer born in ’78.

I got all the eye-rolling, reality bites cynicism of the X generation, combined with the individualism of the millennials.

I’m unsuited to work for others. My dad also changed careers several times in his life even though that’s unusual for his generation.

CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWYER

How did you prepare to take the leap both financially and in your business? 

I practically lived on popcorn and paid off the ~$5k credit card debt built up from my broke-ass nonprofit days.

Then, with only some student loan debt left, I opened a practice.

I took cases in Seattle while living in Spokane and did a lot remotely and virtually.

Now I have no student loans, and save money by living in Tacoma, while still doing a lot virtually and remotely…and I still eat a lot of popcorn.

Related: 28 Simple Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2017

 

Were you already making money on the side before you decided to quit your job to start a solo law practice? Tell us about that. 

It was October 2010. I went cold-turkey on working for others. Gave a notice and quit.

It still feels good when I think about it.

 

Who else works in your practice with you? Did you hire anyone to help? When did you decide to bring that person on and how did you find them?

I occasionally have co-counsel because it is fun and smart to team-up on bigger cases.

 

Can you share any financial details about your business?

I make a good living and can afford to be selective with the clients I take.

 

What was your worst day so far as an entrepreneur and what was your best day? What happened on those days?

Best day was getting a $200k verdict against a collection agency.

Worst time was when I was running it while my mom had cancer (and only a couple weeks left).

I can’t remember the details, but someone was hard on me about my not getting back to them as fast as they wanted. Some people  are difficult.

 

What is one small “trick” or piece of advice that you have learned about reaching customers or making sales? Please be specific and provide something actionable for us.

Find a niche within a niche!

And occasionally team up with someone more experienced and visible, as that will get you a bit of a running start.

 

Give us two truths and a lie about yourself so we can get to know you better personally!

I’m a double black diamond skier.

I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer.

I never watch cat videos.

 

Thanks to SaraEllen for taking the time to share her story! I don’t know about everyone else, but I think the lie is the cat videos; she definitely must watch them 😉

Stay tuned for the next Feature Friday. If you’d like to share your story, sign up on our ‘Get Featured’ page!

Related: 10 Rites of Passage You Should Skip in Your Twenties to be Rich in Your Thirties

  • About
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D
D is a health and fitness expert who has a Masters Degree in Kinesiology and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He tracks his financial goals with the free app Personal Capital.
Latest posts by D (see all)
  • Why Teach Your Kids About Finances and Money? - September 16, 2019
  • How to Start Eating Paleo for Beginners and Not Hate It - July 19, 2018
  • Consumer Protection Lawyer Interview: SaraEllen Hutchison of Seattle - July 7, 2017
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Filed Under: Feature Friday

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alexander Miller & Associates says

    August 11, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Thanks for the interview!
    Would be really great to learn some cases from SaraEllen’s practice!

    Reply
  2. Cannon Law says

    August 3, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    There are so many talented lawyers who actually succeed in many other areas like Sara, usually it’s sport

    Reply
  3. Tyler Flood says

    August 7, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    What a great feature! So interesting to learn about SaraEllen’s background in nonprofit and her inspiration for starting her own business.

    Reply
  4. Alexander Miller & Associates says

    October 1, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    Excellent interview!

    Reply

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About Millennial Boss

Julie paid off nearly $100k of debt and is on her way to financial independence. She is the creator of the Make Money with Printables side hustle course where she teaches people how to sell printables on Etsy and blog as a side hustle. Learn more..

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About Millennial Boss

Millennial Boss is a lifestyle and personal finance blog created by Julie, who paid off six figures of student loan debt and is now on the path to financial independence and early retirement through side hustles. She lives in Seattle and teaches others how to start blogging and sell printables on Etsy.
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