A New Era in Law: Family-Friendly Law Firm
I had the privilege of photographing Christina Bost Seaton, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP. She shared some of her journey.
“I am co-chair of the litigation department at Pierson Ferdinand, a tech-driven, full-service distributed global law firm. Since our launch in January 2024, we are over 170 lawyers strong. It has been a monumental effort, and I’m proud to have been part of what is being called the largest law firm launch in U.S. history and one of the fastest-growing law firms worldwide. The tremendous amount of press opened a fire hydrant of new work.
Our clients know our strong identity, how we practice, how we treat them and each other. I love working with this collaborative and supportive group of attorneys and legal professionals, it is incredibly unique for a law firm, but we believe a rising tide raises all boats, and the proof is in the extraordinary financial metrics we have seen since our launch. Everyone has a passion outside of work, pets, hobbies, and leisure time. Our fully remote model allows our attorneys and professionals to be involved in their family’s lives.
Like many working parents having worked in other legal environments, I have experienced the stress caused by rushing home for children’s bedtimes, while worrying (or knowing) you are being judged for not working late in the office – even while working late into the night at home. Our model markedly increases well-being as we regain the time spent commuting and I am so proud of our radical transparency, which eliminated counter-productive competition among partners. Our culture committed to wellness, transparency, and equity, minimizes anxiety and frees up mental space.
For me, having children made a huge difference in my path. I still wanted to provide innovative strategic pathways for my clients and draft winning motions, and I also wanted to be present in my children’s daily lives. My Firm’s business model threads the needle between sophisticated work and being a whole, fully realized person. It’s been incredible, and every lawyer I work with wonders why they didn’t make the move sooner.
I would tell my younger self (and my children!) that when you are young, there are times when you must do hard things, things you don’t like to do. Doing hard or boring things is necessary to build a foundation for your career. If you never handle hardship, you never grow.
I had my second daughter in January 2020 and then was locked in with her and my older daughter for two years during COVID-19 in my Brooklyn apartment. I learned I can do the hardest things because I am supported by my firm and a truly collaborative team.
About my headshot, I cried when I saw the pictures. I didn’t know I could look that good! I spent the time in Alissa’s studio feeling silly because at first, I was laughing in initial discomfort at what felt like awkward posing, and then crying when I saw myself on her screen.
She helped me show the world my best self. It was amazing!”