In a recent episode of the Founding Partner Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Laurice Rutledge Lambert—founder and CEO of Aligned Health Law. Our conversation was packed with energy and authenticity as she shared her journey from big law to launching a values-led, healthcare-focused firm. I left the conversation inspired, and I want to share some of that inspiration with you.
## From Big Law to Breaking the Mold
Laurice’s story begins nearly two decades ago right here in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in healthcare law. She started out as a consultant in Washington, D.C., and later worked as an associate at prominent firms like McKenna, Long & Aldridge, and Baker Hosteller. While she specialized in regulatory matters, transactional work, and M&A deals, Laurice also faced the relentless demands of big law. I was struck when she recalled, *”I was chasing partner status for so long, and when I got it, I just looked at the ceiling and wondered, is this it?”* Her story reminded me that even at the peak of a successful career, something as fundamental as alignment can be missing.
## The Spark of Alignment and the Power of a Coach
A turning point for Laurice was when she realized that success wasn’t just about billing hours or climbing the partner ladder—it was about aligning with clients and building a cohesive team. That insight led her to name her firm **Aligned Health Law**, a nod to the importance of “rowing in the same direction.” I loved her passion when she explained, *”I decided to build what I needed… and I realized along the way that alignment—internally and with our clients—is huge to success.”*
Laurice also shared how her experiences as a Division I lacrosse player at William and Mary shaped her resilience. She told me, *”Being on the field taught me that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose—but you always get back up.”* It was clear that the lessons from her athletic days still fuel her drive today.
## Key Moments: Hustle, Heart, and Hard Decisions
Throughout our conversation, Laurice recounted several defining moments that illustrate her relentless hustle. Early on, while still in law school, she hustled to secure a position on Jim Rawls’s team. Despite the odds, she persisted with follow-up emails and determination, eventually landing a role that would change her trajectory.
Later, as she transitioned to an in-house role, she encountered both the strategic perks and the pitfalls of corporate legal work. I was particularly moved when she admitted, *”I was in a role where legal was truly looked at as a cost… and that didn’t align with what I wanted.”* Her willingness to let go of clients—even at the risk of losing revenue—highlighted a deep commitment to her values.
## Building a Values-Led, Team-Oriented Firm
After returning to private practice, Laurice leaned on her network of former clients, colleagues, and connections from groups like Chief to rebuild her practice from scratch. She explained how one connection led to another: *”I started with the original clients who already liked me and then slowly, one connection after another started to roll in.”* Today, Aligned Health Law is a thriving, team-oriented firm with full-time partners, contract specialists, and administrative support. Laurice confidently stated, *”I am the CEO of a hundred-million-dollar business in the making,”* but what really struck me was that her vision isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about creating a culture of empowerment, teamwork, and respect.
## The Daily Hustle and the Role of Self-Care
Laurice’s schedule is nothing short of intense. With workweeks sometimes exceeding 100 hours, she’s learned the hard way that building a firm takes relentless effort—and a serious commitment to self-care. I was impressed when she shared how she’s leaning into meditation, journaling her “I am” statements every morning, and trusting that good energy attracts good things. Even when overwhelmed by tasks like managing chaotic email systems or juggling family responsibilities, Laurice remains focused on what matters: her vision and her team.
## Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For anyone thinking about forging a similar path, Laurice’s advice is both simple and profound: **Trust your gut, invest in yourself, and delegate.** She reminded me, *”You have to spend money to make money,”* and that building a strong team is essential for long-term success. Her journey—marked by hard-won lessons and moments of vulnerability—serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come from knowing when to pivot and align your actions with your core values.
## A Future Written in Bold Strokes
As our conversation wound down, Laurice’s vision for the future was unmistakable. She sees Aligned Health Law growing into a landmark institution defined by its values and commitment to excellence. In her own words, this journey is not just about creating a law firm; it’s about building a legacy where every team member is empowered, every decision is guided by integrity, and the pursuit of excellence never stops.
Listening to Laurice’s story left me not only inspired but also more convinced that real success is about the journey as much as the destination. Her hustle, heart, and unwavering commitment to her values are a call to all of us: to trust our instincts, to invest in our dreams, and to build the future we envision—one aligned step at a time.
