Sephora: Ditching Courtroom Chaos for Estate Planning
Before joining Oath, Sephora's career as an attorney was a demanding whirlwind in criminal defense, a role she candidly admits she "did not like that well." Her days were consumed by frequent court appearances, trial preparations, and the high-stakes pressure of representing clients often facing their worst moments. "Work-life balance then was almost non-existent because trials and preparing for trials took a lot of my time," Sephora recalls. It was a far cry from a traditional 9-to-5, with workweeks regularly stretching to 70 hours.
Looking for a change, Sephora transitioned to estate planning with Oath, embracing the F3 (Firm Future Formula) method and tech stack. This decision marked a turning point, transforming her professional life and personal well-being.
Reclaiming Time and Peace
Sephora has reduced her workweek by approximately 25 hours, a significant change that has positively impacted her life. "Now, I definitely have more of a nine to five schedule," she notes, emphasizing her newfound control over her schedule. "There are things that can wait until Monday instead of having to work through the weekend." This freedom has allowed her to prioritize herself and her family. She can now attend family events, like her nephew's birthday party, and dedicates more time to personal wellness, including working out—a luxury often unavailable in her previous role.
Beyond the hours, the nature of the work itself has evolved. "I smile more," Sephora says, a simple yet powerful testament to her improved well-being. She now anticipates and prepares for stressful moments, rather than being "thrown to the wolves" as she often felt in criminal defense. "I am a lot more content. I'm happier and I'm able to enjoy what I do because of that."
Helping Clients Plan for The Future
The contrast in client interactions has also been a major factor in Sephora's newfound satisfaction. In criminal defense, she often saw people "at their worst," navigating unfortunate circumstances. With estate planning, however, the dynamic is entirely different.
"With estate planning, you're usually seeing people that are happy to have you help them," Sephora explains. "People who are excited to finally get things done. People who are thinking about their children, about their future and trying to make things easier for them." This shift from crisis management to proactive, positive planning has brought her career fulfillment. She recounts a recent experience helping a terminally ill client, recognizing the honor of being trusted to help secure a loved one's future. "Being a part of people's lives in some of these most sensitive moments is something that I really value and appreciate," she shares.
Empowered by F3 Training and a Supportive Culture
Oath's training and supportive culture have been pivotal in Sephora's professional development. She credits the guidance from multiple trainers and mentors, saying, "I'm able to take nuggets of information from all of them, mix it all together and use what works best for me." The consistent availability of support, even from colleagues outside her immediate team, has fostered an environment for growth.
Sephora's approach to client conversations has also evolved. Initially, she admits to being "afraid to get the sale," subconsciously doubting the client's need for estate planning. Now, thanks to the F3 training, she believes in the value of the service she provides. "I understand what it is that they're getting. I understand what would happen if they did not get it," she states confidently. This conviction allows her to approach every meeting with confidence, focusing on helping clients rather than simply making a sale.
The Tech Engine behind F3
The technology used in the F3 method has revolutionized Sephora's daily operations and client interactions. It streamlines crucial aspects of the process, from engagement agreements to pricing information. "I don't have to pull anything out or bring any paperwork," she explains. The system automatically populates plan pricing, eliminating the need for memorization and ensuring consistency.
The tech enhances client understanding and trust. "They're not just having to take my word for it," Sephora says. Clients can visually follow along as she inputs their information, seeing the documents and pricing displayed clearly on the screen. This transparency builds confidence and reinforces the value of the service.
Unlike other software that requires extensive manual input and hand edits, "I just put in exactly what I need and it'll populate all the information for me." This automation saves her hours every week, allowing Sephora to focus on meeting with more clients.
Her advice to other attorneys considering the tech we use is straightforward: "It will make your life easier...it will make something that could take hours take 10-15 minutes."
Sephora's story illustrates how the F3 method can empower attorneys to reduce their workload, enhance their well-being, gain professional satisfaction, and build a thriving, client-focused estate planning practice.