Evolution shaped by entrepreneurship
Strength doesn’t come from staying the same; it comes from growing with integrity. Every evolution in my practice — and in the businesses I serve — has been an act of renewal. This merger is no different. It’s the natural next step in expanding what’s possible, while protecting the personal counsel my clients trust most. When I set out to start a law firm in 2017, I had no intention of starting other businesses. It genuinely didn’t even cross my mind (and never thought about “entrepreneurship”). My love for entrepreneurship caught me off guard, entirely, and occurred as a means to an end- seeing gaps in the market where my advocacy for my clients could be even more effective. And then, of course, you’ve heard the rest of the story- my passion for entrepreneurship shaped the way in which I practice law.
I’ve had the opportunity to walk in lockstep with my clients in this near-half decade, and I’ve watched so many follow a similar path. In my case, what started as a professional services-based business, requiring my expertise (the law firm), spun into a product-based business (the Creative Law Shop®), a handful of other of other companies (LLC 123™, Fairway Stables®), and then my 501(c)(3), the Special Forces Support Fund™, all between the years 2017-2022. And then, the biggest evolution of them all: entering the arena as a tech founder with the Creative Law Foundry™ in 2023.
While I was growing in my prowess as an intellectual property practitioner (and focusing a great deal of my time and attention on studying AI legality, to provide my clients with the most cutting-edge information available), even I was seeking outside counsel.
In the same vein, I’ve watched nearly all of my clients walk similar paths over the last near decade.
As an example, over the last 6 months, I’ve been working with a client who has had a successful business for the last half-decade or so. When we began working together, her company was doing great, and she was beginning to see some payoff from those years of hard work, building a business from the ground up. Namely, her speaking career was taking off, and she was routinely hopping around the country, speaking on stages about this unique methodology she had created.
And as the saying goes, “new levels, new devils”. With this newfound exposure, and more (literal) eyes on her brand she found herself routinely facing two repeated frustrations:
- She had to repeatedly turn down requests by other founders asking for help implementing her methodology into their businesses- the framework to do so didn’t exist. As any savvy business owner knows, having to repeatedly turn down business opportunities is ingratiating.
- Not all of those “new eyes” on her business had altruistic intentions, of course. Competitors began to try to copy her business; close confidants went so far as to betray her generosity with (attempted) direct replicas.
When we met, she was a dichotomy of hope for the future, frustration with the present, and knowing that there had to be a better way.
There was a singular solution to both of her issues. This is why I love practicing law through the filter of also being a businesswoman. Not only could we protect her business; we could extract that intellectual property, flip it, and license it out.
We started with securing her intellectual property, so that she owned what she had created. Then, in a span of just months, we crafted licensing packages (with multiple options for monetization). Instead of just sending out cease and desist letters, we were sending invitations to license; which not only brought in financial success, but salvaged working relationships and reputations. Instead of having to turn down deals, she now had something to offer those who had asked for her training/ assistance.
This all occurred in just a span of months, and is going to continue to have an explosive effect via her tech platform in the works, built upon the licensing framework we created.
Her story is one of many — nearly 80% of our clients are experiencing similar inflection points. There is nothing but growth on the horizon- and with a trained eye on the future, I see how her legal needs will expand as well. As she continues in this upward trajectory, her legal team will now be able to match her, stride for stride. This merger will deepen the ability to serve entrepreneurs and organizations like her, both locally and internationally.
Legacy renewed, capacity expanded
Entrepreneurs don’t just grow, they expand. This expansion isn’t always a matter of “adding to the business portfolio”; oftentimes (as my own experience demonstrates), the winding road of entrepreneurship leads to outside opportunities. To put it simply, some of the most generous business owners I have ever known are those who start from the most humble beginnings; with nothing outside their own wild grit and ingenuity.
Oftentimes, the expansion of entrepreneurs includes starting nonprofits, and giving back to their communities/causes. Those who have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps don’t take opportunities for granted, and have a unique appreciation on how to “pay it forward”. This merger with Winters & King brings me so much joy, in part, because we’ll be able to match that generosity with progress without comprise. For example, now there is an adept, and high-integrity colleague who provides 501(c)(3) counsel, and can match these types of movements stride for stride, without missing a step. And this doesn’t just apply to nonprofits, of course: my clients will now essentially have an outside counsel firm ready to step in for all business needs.
Like the clients we serve, we’re growing into what’s next. And no matter how much I relate to my clients on a literal level, alone, I cannot wear every hat that a growing business needs. Honestly, I reached a level where I knew in my core that it would be out of integrity to attempt to do so. This merger allows for an evolution, rather than a conclusion of the work I get to do with my clients, and allows for the evolution that’s on the horizon for my clients. Businesses aren’t built to end- they’re built to evolve, entering a new chapter with the same dedication (amplified).
The next chapter of my counsel
As I’ve announced this merger, I’ve received two repeated questions:
- Will clients still be able to work with PHL in the “long haul”?
- Am I “nervous” to work with a firm, rather than on my own?
The prevailing point is this: for the first time, to the best of my ability, I can now confidently say that for the first time, I’ll now be able to provide the advocacy that the needs of clients like those I described above will need. Sound advocacy requires not only anticipating the needs my clients will have in the future, but also, honestly assessing whether or not I alone can provide that support. From a place of integrity, I know that the vast majority of my clients will need the assistance of both myself, and my colleagues.
From the day I opened my firm, I knew I would eventually outgrow the model I built. The choice would be to either stay small or find a way to expand sustainably. I never wanted to build a firm I wouldn’t choose for myself. Staying solo forever would have meant stagnation — which isn’t how I serve best. I considered two paths: growing vertically (hiring associates under me) or growing laterally (merging). Merging was the path that preserved integrity, sustainability, and depth. With this merger, I am proving that entrepreneurial law can be both deeply personal and globally expansive — without the trade-off of being absorbed into a faceless institution.
Law is called a practice for a reason — it’s never static. While we aim for black-and-white clarity, lawyers work in shades of grey, learning constantly. For me, merging meant restoring the ‘iron sharpens iron’ environment I admired in traditional firms, but without the bureaucracy. It ensures my clients benefit from collective wisdom while still working with me directly.
If I did my job well, my clients wouldn’t stay ‘entrepreneurs’ forever — and they haven’t. They’ve grown into new stages — licensing, scaling, expanding sectors of law. Their needs are evolving, and with this merger, they can be confident we’ll walk that path together — with expanded capacity and a dedicated team supporting their growth. My goal has always been to grow alongside them, not become a bottleneck they’d outgrow.
My clients will always be able to work with me, directly. The direct counsel, white-glove service, and personal advocacy that clients of Paige Hulse Law expect and experience will continue, under a new name.
In regards to the second question– as a lifelong entrepreneur, even though I always knew I would at some point outgrow the solo-firm model, it was going to take a special set of colleagues for me to merge. And honestly, choosing to do away with the name “Paige Hulse Law” was not easy-but holding on would have been nothing but ego. Integrity required change.
Integrity is the measure of growth. I knew this was the right next step because I had never experienced so much collective integrity in one room. Aside from the high level of integrity demonstrated by my colleagues, Winters & King is unique in that they respect the fact that I bring the perspective of an “entrepreneur with a law license” to the table. They know that I will be continuing with my entrepreneurial endeavors.
I am still an entrepreneur and the owner behind my work, with a brand portfolio outside of Paige Hulse Law, now strengthened by the legacy of Winters & King. I believe in the power of renaissances. Businesses, like people, are meant to evolve. The law firm name served its purpose, and the story we built together has not only started a new chapter but is etching a new novel entirely. Rest assured: that part of my identity remains at the heart of everything I do. The work simply continues through my merge with Winters & King — where, together, we can pair my entrepreneurial perspective with their decades-long legacy, offering both legal guidance and the philosophy of enduring service that underpins it.
What you might be wondering/ If you were sitting across the table
When will the merger occur?
Merging a law firm is, as you could imagine, a highly-technical process, riddled with many ethical and legal procedures. In order to create the least amount of disruption to our clients’ projects as possible, we are holding a loose grip on the official date, but intend to merge by the end of the month. We will keep our clients updated!
What is the biggest change a client should expect with this transition?
The biggest change you’ll notice is that there will be faster turnaround times. This is a true merger, meaning I’m maintaining my same “modus operandi” — the digital-forward, highly communicative experience my clients are used to — within a long-established firm. My 1:1 client experience now exists within a full “outside general counsel” practice, giving us greater resources and capacity. That allows me to spend more time where it matters most: executing your legal matters efficiently and strategically.
“Will I still be able to hire you for legal services?”
Yes, the heart of my work will remain the same; what’s evolving is the structure through which I serve. The home for my practice now exists within Winters & King. I will continue to offer intellectual property support, trademark support, and outside general counsel through Winters & King. With this merge, you as an entrepreneur building a lasting and enduring legacy will also have support that I couldn’t provide alone. With this merge, my scope of support grows with your continued upleveling. Within Winters & King, the merger provides access to: seasoned professionals regarding 501C3 nonprofits, litigation, estate planning, contracts/general transactions, and a specialist in book deals.
“What happens to Paige Hulse Law?”
Paige Hulse Law’s brand will remain live as an archive. For updates, resources, and direct contact, my personal brand is where you’ll find me now, as well as, www.wintersking.com.
“What about The Creative Law Shop, Fairway Stables, and The Special Forces Support Fund?”
Only Paige Hulse Law is merging into Winters & King. All client services and legal matters will now operate through Winters & King. Paige continues to independently own and operate her other ventures:
- The Creative Law Shop® — contract templates, resources, and AI-powered guidance for entrepreneurs.
- Fairway Stables® — for equestrian lifestyle and equine law education.
- The Special Forces Support Fund — a nonprofit Paige co-founded, which continues its mission to serve actively deployed Special Forces soldiers.
- LLC 123™-
These remain separate from the merger, while Paige Hulse Law is the only entity joining Winters & King.
“Why is this shift occurring?”
Just like the entrepreneurs I serve, I believe in embracing seachanges and renaissances. The merge with Winters & King reflects the way I’ve always worked — with in-depth attention, enduring support, precise speed, and distinct clarity — but this next chapter gives us more space to evolve together, with intensified white-glove client work and white space that allows me to be truly innovative, like when I first brought The Creative Law Shop to market, and then The Foundry to CLS.
From the day I opened my firm, I knew I would eventually outgrow the model I built. The choice would be to either stay small or find a way to expand sustainably. I never wanted to build a firm I wouldn’t choose for myself. Staying solo forever would have meant stagnation — which isn’t how I serve best. I considered two paths: growing vertically (hiring associates under me) or growing laterally (merging). After trialing the vertical model, I realized managing associates didn’t tap into my skill set and pulled me away from the work that draws on my highest skill set.
Merging was the path that preserved integrity, sustainability, and depth. With this merger, I am proving that entrepreneurial law can be both deeply personal and globally expansive — without the trade-off of being absorbed into a faceless institution.
“Will your process be different?”
My process remains the same: tailored to you, strategic, and steady/speedy/fast. The only change is where you’ll find me, how we’ll communicate moving forward, and the scope of support growing by way of merging with other seasoned professionals seeking to support clients such as yourself for your continued evolutions. I’ve always believed in speed without sacrificing precision, and that won’t change. When you sign an agreement, the wheels turn immediately — because timing matters, especially in trademark law and outside general counsel work.
“Will pricing or contracts change?”
All existing agreements remain valid. If adjustments ever occur, I’ll communicate those clearly before any new engagement begins. Existing agreements stand as they are. Future engagements will be introduced clearly and transparently, as they have always been.
“Where should I contact you now?”
You’ll find me directly through my personal brand – www.paigehulse.com, @paige.hulse on Instagram, and via www.wintersking.com. The Paige Hulse Law website and socials will remain online as an archive — as part of the story we built together — but they will no longer be updated.
Will the team be moving with you?
Yes! I am thrilled to say that our team will not change. My “right hand”, Alesia (who you currently know as our “Client Liaison”) will be merging with Winters and King alongside me. This was an integral piece in my decision- Alesia has brought an even higher level of caring and kindness to our clients, and I am so grateful that her support will remain a mainstay throughout this merger.
“Will my records/contracts still be accessible?”
Nothing is lost in transition. Yes, all past client records and agreements remain securely stored and available upon request. Our work together still remains in safe hands.
“Will my current matter (e.g. a trademark filling) be affected?”
No. All active matters will be carried out as originally agreed and completed without interruption.
“Will client systems be changing? How will this affect me?”
All active clients will receive personalized instructions. The workflow of your project will not be affected; however, you will need to sign a new client agreement with Winters & King to transition with us.
“How is this different from working with a traditional law firm?”
Traditional firms often divide the work, placing it in the hands of associates you may never meet. I take the opposite approach. Over the past 8 years, I’ve worked with more than 1,500 creative entrepreneurs through Paige Hulse Law, and you’ll continue working with me directly, with the same steady support and strategic clarity you’ve come to expect. My aim is not just to file paperwork, but to equip you with confidence in the legal foundation of your business. Where many traditional firms rely on unseen associates, I’ve built a reputation for white-glove, one-to-one counsel. Paired with Winters & King’s four decades of serving more than 5,500 organizations, this merger expands scope without sacrificing personal connection.
Are you quitting entrepreneurship/ scared of “working for” someone else?
This is the most common question I’ve received since announcing this merger, and was my first question for W&K. Frankly, yes, this was my initial hesitation with any merger, and I voiced this concern very bluntly. However, W&K and I have been very transparent about this from the get-go: all of my other companies (The Creative Law Shop®, the Foundry™, etc) will all remain active and independent. From a law firm perspective, everything that nearly 1500 clients across the world have come to expect over the last 8 years continues; my direct counsel and the entrepreneurial flair to legality will continue. Now, however, it will be amplified by Winters & King’s four decades of experience – expanding my capacity while preserving personal connection, allowing my advocacy to pioneer into the next chapter.
“Where should I follow for updates?” My personal brand website and social channels will be the home for all updates, resources, and ways to work together moving forward. As well, I will be available for outreach through www.wintersking.com
