The Hidden Reason You’re Not Making More Money as a Lawyer

“When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.”

— Oprah Winfrey

If you’re undercharging or struggling to attract the right clients, the problem isn’t your skills—it’s your mindset.

At Female Lawyers’ Club, we’re committed to helping female lawyers not just succeed in their careers but also feel confident in their worth and financial success. This month, we invited Michele Walsh, a financial abundance and confidence coach, to deliver an inspiring masterclass titled “Claim the Confidence to Soar: How to Attain Financial Abundance as a Female Lawyer.”

Michele’s session focused on shifting mindsets around money, confidence, and self-worth—an area where many female lawyers struggle (myself included, for most of my career).

I wanted to share some powerful insights from the session that could help you start claiming your value and building financial success on your terms.

1. Confidence is not external—it’s already within you
   Confidence isn’t something you gain from external validation; it’s already inside you, buried under self-doubt and limiting beliefs. One practical way to reinforce this is to actively gather evidence of your expertise and successes—whether it’s client feedback, case results, or praise from colleagues. Save this somewhere and refer to it often as a reminder of your worth and capabilities. The key is to recognize your value and own your expertise.

2. Your energy attracts your clients
   Michele emphasized that your mindset and energy determine the type of clients you attract. If you’re undervaluing yourself, you’ll continue to attract clients who do the same. Instead, focus on raising your standards and aligning with premium clients who respect your worth. Setting strong boundaries is essential in this process. Be firm with those who continuously seek free advice with no intention of ever paying for your expertise. Protecting your time and energy will allow you to focus on serving clients who genuinely value and invest in your services.

3. Get clear on what you want
   Success starts with clarity. Michele encouraged us to ask: What do I truly want? Who is my ideal client? What financial goals do I have? If you’re vague about your desires, it’s impossible to bring them into reality.

4. Break the cycle of over-giving and under-receiving
   As female lawyers, we often give way more than we receive—whether in time, energy, or money. Michele urged us to shift this pattern by setting strong boundaries, investing in ourselves, and being open to receiving financial success in proportion to our expertise.

5. Own your fees – the price is the price
   When you believe in your worth, you stop second-guessing your fees. Michele shared a powerful mindset shift: Your price is your price. You don’t need to justify it. The right clients will pay for your expertise.

6. Upgrade your daily mindset practices
   One simple but powerful exercise Michele shared is: Wouldn’t it be nice if…? Each day, write 3-5 things you’d like to happen. This trains your brain to expect success, making you more open to receiving it.

7. Small changes lead to big results
   Transformation doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. Start with small shifts—set boundaries, track your wins, practice gratitude, and step into the energy of the success you desire.

Your next step

Your success isn’t about working harder—it’s about believing in your worth, setting boundaries, and owning your expertise. Take some time today to reflect on what you truly want from your career and how you can step into that next level of confidence and abundance. What’s one thing you’ll do differently starting now?

 If this email has resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—let me know your biggest takeaway.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

 Rachel