BeIngasoLoPraCtItIonerIsnotforthefaIntofheart
Diversity , Equity & Inclusion Committee Chairs : AntinaMobley — PublicDefender ’ sOffice , ThirteenthCircuit & AmyCasanova-Ward — FLDept . ofFinancialServices
theopportunitytoserveclients whofindagreatfitwithafirm whoseleadershiptheycan identifywith , havesimilar backgroundsorlifeexperiences with , isagreatreward .
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart , and neither is the practice of law . Despite this , a large number of practitioners combine the two by launching firms as solo practitioners . I myself am one of them .
As solo practitioners we practice law , perform technology fixes , and manage clients . Some of us also answer the phone and must clean our own offices . A truly complex experience is lived for those of us who are underrepresented persons in our profession because of our nationality , minority status or background .
“ Are you really the lawyer ?” is question I am frequently asked , often with curiosity , sometimes with enthusiasm , and occasionally with suspicion when I meet new prospective clients . I always answer the question with a smile . I am well accustomed to the inquiry and anticipated it so far in advance that after entertaining several crafty trade names , I ultimately named the firm after myself to ease potential confusion !
Nevertheless , anticipating and adapting are key in law , in entrepreneurship , and some say in the minority experience . And in my personal experience , I have to say that launching a law firm has caused me to strongly agree .
Naseem Akel , of Akel Law — an estate planning firm in Tampa , calls the process “ growing pains ,” sharing that entrepreneurship as a female minority solo practitioner “ has its challenges ,” but it ’ s all in the name of growth , including growing professionally and learning new areas of law . Akel goes on to say it is also important on a “ personal level to learn my limits and when to set them .”
Thankfully , there are a variety of resources that exist for those who are on , initiating , or considering this path . One of those resources is LegalFuel : The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar . It is a website which provides information on law firm management , startup , marketing , and more . As prospective solos from underrepresented groups or communities build their network , resources such as these can be utilized to bridge any gap of knowledge , connections , and resources they may face . Having these tools can secure an equitable experience for the minority lawyer who becomes an entrepreneur and ultimately improve the lives of their future clients .
“ I know people looking for someone just like you !” is a statement that I have been fortunate to hear often . This statement , or a variation , is a familiar refrain for underrepresented solos and for some is their reason for also becoming entrepreneurs via solo practice . The opportunity to serve clients who find a great fit with a firm whose leadership they can identify with , have similar backgrounds or life experiences with , is a great reward . This is especially true when the client needed these comforts and relatability in order to actually gain an understanding of their case , thus helping them recognize and appreciate the value of counsel .
As we all know every matter is a big deal to the client . Leaning into the challenges and enduring the tough days allows for positive impact to be made . In conclusion , although being a solo practitioner causes me to wear many different hats , I wouldn ’ t have it any other way . n
Author : Tiffani K . Thornton – The Law Office of Tiffani K . Thornton
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