What It Takes to Run a Law Firm feat. Sean Olson
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Sean Olson is a trial lawyer and founder of Olson Law Firm in Colorado. In this episode, Sean shares how he transitioned from journalism into law, built a personal injury firm from a solo practice into a growing team, and why he still makes time for the courtroom even as a CEO.
About This Episode
Background
Sean Olson’s path to law was not linear. Before becoming an attorney, he built a career in journalism, working as a photojournalist in television and eventually moving into production and writing. But over time, the work stopped being fulfilling, and he made a decision that would change everything. Instead of staying in a career that no longer fit, he gave himself the space to explore what could come next.
“I’d always promised myself that when it stopped being fun, I would find something else to do," shares Sean Olson on You Are A Lawyer.
That period of transition was intentional. Sean spent time researching careers, talking to people, and figuring out what aligned with his strengths. Law ultimately stood out because it allowed him to continue telling stories while also advocating for people. That combination of narrative and impact became the foundation of his legal career.
Why Law School
Law was not Sean’s first instinct, but it quickly became the right fit. After taking time to evaluate his options, he realized that a legal career would allow him to merge his storytelling background with something more purposeful. Instead of simply reporting on events, he could step into them and influence outcomes.
“I still got to tell stories… and I got to actually advocate for people," explains Sean Olson on Episode 241 of You Are a Lawyer.
That realization reframed everything. Law school was no longer just about acquiring knowledge. It was about building a skillset that could be applied in meaningful ways. For Sean, the decision to pursue law was rooted in both curiosity and a desire to do work that mattered.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree
Sean’s career demonstrates that a law degree can evolve with you. He began by representing police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, then transitioned into personal injury work after a pivotal case showed him the direct impact he could have on someone’s life. Over time, he expanded from solo practice into building a full firm, balancing both legal work and leadership.
“You get to choose whether you want to be a trial lawyer or whether you want to be a CEO," shares Sean Olson on Episode 241 of You Are a Lawyer.
Rather than accepting that limitation, Sean chose to challenge it. His experience reflects the reality that a JD is not a fixed path. It is a flexible foundation. Whether practicing law, building a business, or leading a team, the degree supports multiple directions, even when those roles compete for time and attention.
Lawyer Side Hustles
What started as a solo practice eventually became Olson Law Firm, a growing personal injury firm with multiple attorneys and a full support staff. Sean built the firm by continuously learning, investing in himself, and developing skills beyond traditional legal work, including marketing, business operations, and leadership.
“I didn’t understand what was possible,” Sean Olson expresses in Episode 241 of You Are a Lawyer.
That growth required humility and adaptability. Sean spent years attending conferences, reading, and refining his approach to both law and business. His work today reflects that evolution. He is not just practicing law. He is building systems, leading people, and creating opportunities for others within his firm.
About Sean Olson
Sean is licensed to practice law in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.
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