For more than four decades, Sharla Frost built a distinguished career as one of the nation's premier trial lawyers. After spending years as first-chair counsel in high-stakes litigation, she has successfully reinvented her career as a settlement consultant, mediator, expert witness, author, and business development coach. In this episode of The Attorney Post, Frost shares the lessons she learned from decades in the courtroom, why she stepped away from full-time trial work, and how attorneys can build sustainable careers beyond litigation.
Frost's legal career spans over 35 years of courtroom experience, handling complex litigation for major corporate clients and Fortune-level companies. While many attorneys define success by the number of jury verdicts they obtain, Frost explained that her current work focuses on helping clients avoid unnecessary trials whenever possible. Today, she serves as settlement counsel, using decades of litigation experience to guide negotiations, evaluate risk, and help parties reach practical resolutions before disputes escalate.
Her transition away from courtroom litigation was intentional rather than forced. After years of constant travel, unpredictable trial calendars, and the demanding lifestyle that accompanies first-chair litigation, Frost decided she wanted greater control over her schedule and a better quality of life. Surprisingly, she admitted she doesn't miss trying cases nearly as much as she expected. Instead, she has found fulfillment in helping clients resolve disputes efficiently while continuing to apply the same strategic thinking that defined her trial practice.
One of the most valuable themes throughout the conversation is Frost's belief that successful lawyers must evolve throughout their careers. Rather than viewing change as a setback, she embraced new opportunities that aligned with both her professional strengths and personal priorities.
Business development is another area where Frost has become a recognized authority. She authored Power at the Table to help attorneys—particularly women lawyers—develop sustainable books of business through intentional relationship building rather than relying solely on referrals or technical legal ability.
According to Frost, many attorneys mistakenly believe excellent legal work alone will generate clients. In reality, she argues that business development requires consistent effort and disciplined habits. She recommends scheduling dedicated time every week specifically for networking, client outreach, speaking engagements, and relationship maintenance.
Rather than aggressively selling legal services, Frost encourages attorneys to first identify what unique value they offer. Building credibility through education, thought leadership, and meaningful connections ultimately creates stronger business opportunities than constant self-promotion. Her book presents this philosophy as a practical twelve-step framework that lawyers can implement throughout their careers.
Earlier in her career, a major client unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy, significantly impacting her firm's financial stability. The experience reinforced an important business lesson: never become overly dependent on a single client or revenue source.
Instead of allowing that setback to define her career, Frost used it as motivation to diversify her client base and strengthen her business model. She believes failures often provide the most valuable professional education, provided attorneys are willing to analyze what happened, adapt, and move forward.
Even after decades of courtroom success, Frost emphasized that every case teaches something new. Winning verdicts is rewarding, but long-term success comes from continually improving advocacy, refining strategy, and always putting the client's interests first.
Frost also shared several unforgettable courtroom stories, including experiences with unconventional jurors and unusual judicial conduct. While these moments often become humorous in hindsight, they also illustrate the unpredictable nature of trial practice and the importance of remaining adaptable under pressure.
She acknowledged that defending large corporations against plaintiffs who have experienced significant medical suffering can present emotional challenges. Effective advocacy, she explained, requires balancing compassion with the responsibility to present the client's legal position fairly and professionally.
Beyond her legal work, Frost has developed another passion: writing children's books.
Her Frogville Quest series now includes seven published books, with an eighth installment scheduled for release soon. Written for elementary-age readers, the chapter-book series blends entertaining stories with meaningful life lessons.
Writing, speaking, consulting, and mentoring have become natural extensions of her career. Rather than viewing retirement as slowing down, Frost has simply redirected her energy toward helping attorneys grow professionally while inspiring younger audiences through literature.
Throughout the episode, Frost consistently returns to one central idea: careers are built through continuous growth.
Whether discussing litigation strategy, client relationships, business development, or personal reinvention, she encourages professionals to remain curious, embrace change, and never stop investing in themselves.
For attorneys looking to expand their practices, young lawyers building their reputations, or experienced professionals considering the next stage of their careers, Sharla Frost offers practical guidance grounded in decades of real-world experience. Her journey demonstrates that success isn't defined solely by courtroom victories—it is measured by the ability to adapt, continue serving others, and create lasting influence both inside and outside the legal profession.
Sharla J. Frost, Attorney at Law, P.C.
Online at: Sharla J. Frost, Attorney at Law, P.C.
