Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Merissa V. Grayson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Merissa V., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

One thing that my parents have done right that’s profoundly shaped my life and career is their unwavering support. I’ve always been a big dreamer, never one to conform to “standards” or the expected path and I’m known for coming up with these grandious ideas that many deem unattainable. Despite this, whenever I’ve shared my ambitious visions — no matter how outlandish they seemed at the time or how many times my goals shifted — my parents’ immediate response has always been, “Okay, what’s the plan? How can we assist?”

Their support has manifested in numerous ways:

At around 12 or 13, I expressed my interest in becoming a lawyer. My parents found a “teen court” program where I could work with the local juvenile court department, “trying cases” and defending troubled kids. This experience ignited my passion for law and kick-started my vision.

In high school, when I wanted to graduate early and head to college, my mom’s response was, “Okay, talk to your Principal and figure out what’s needed.” I took that guidance, worked tirelessly, earned scholarships, skipped a grade, and graduated a year early.

I replicated this in college and completed my degree in three years instead of four.

During college, I became passionate about the entertainment industry and I wanted to move to pursue acting/modeling while attending Law School. To many, it might have seemed random, but my parents helped me apply to law schools, supported my acceptance, and moved me across the country to California so I could chase my Hollywood dreams.

Merissa V., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My decision to pursue law was deeply rooted in a personal experience—a close, teenage family member was sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. Witnessing that trial highlighted for me the critical need for effective representation, support, and the opportunity for rehabilitation, elements I felt were lacking.

Ironically, despite my initial focus on criminal law, life took an unexpected turn when my husband, with a child from a previous relationship, faced an unforeseen custody battle while I was in law school. Enduring that experience was immensely challenging. Although family law wasn’t initially my focus, life had other plans and despite my initial reluctance towards practicing family law and my attempts to steer clear of it, my journey eventually led me to become well-versed in it. Over time, my firm has evolved into a full-service Legal, Life, Business & Crisis Management Team, centered around Family, Personal, and Business Development.

What I’m most proud of transcending mere legal practice to work that extends far beyond law allowing us to assist clients on a more profound level. Our team doesn’t just handle legal battles; we’re dedicated to preventing, minimizing, and solving various life issues. Unlike the conventional approach where lawyers conclude cases and move on, we offer a holistic service. With our in-house team of experts in Crisis Management, Mental Health, Personal Development, and various other areas, we establish a deep connection with our clients.

Clients aren’t just cases to us; they become like family, staying connected even after their cases/legal matters conclude, and trusting us as a reliable source and team that has their back in every aspect of their lives

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve got a story to tell about perseverance and resilience in my journey to becoming a lawyer.

While I know a lot of people who passed the bar the first time…I am NOT that girl.
Passing the California bar exam wasn’t a one-time victory for me. It took four attempts and two years of relentless effort. Picture this: facing the bar exam while pregnant and battling severe morning sickness for two attempts. The final round required relocating with my infant and toddler to Florida so my family could help with them while I studied, while my husband remained in California to work and care for our oldest son. It was an incredibly stressful and trying period, but I was determined not to give up, despite the challenges.

Despite my setbacks, I’ve achieved a lot professionally since my bar exam days:
-I established my own successful practice straight after receiving my license.
-I’ve helped hundreds with family law cases, resolved business affairs, expunged criminal records, and conducted numerous pro bono legal events.
-I’ve been featured in countless publications and media outlets, published a book series, traveled the country to speak at national events, and founded a groundbreaking Legal & Crisis Management Firm alongside 15 incredible women.

My journey is vastly different from many in my field, but I’ve learned to embrace it and always share my story to inspire others because people often perceive the success they see today and think it’s due to luck or that it happened overnight- the reality is, it’s the result of relentless prayer, hard work, and numerous failures. I might just hold the title of the ‘QUEEN of failing,’ but my ability to bounce back is my strength and my journey is a testament to embracing the process.

You only truly fail when you stop trying. I could have given up after the first, second, or third attempt, but I persisted. Ignore those who say you can’t and keep pushing towards your goals. Adapt your plans if needed but never lose sight of your aspirations. Believe in yourself, even when others don’t. Keep going, and one day, you’ll look back and be grateful you didn’t heed the naysayers.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Early in my career, I briefly tried conforming to the societal norms of what a ‘Lawyer’ should be. I was advised to stick to traditional suits, maintain a certain “professional appearance” with hair, and tone down my social media presence to fit within prescribed boundaries. I experimented with this approach, reflected in some of my earlier content, but it didn’t resonate with who I truly am. It felt forced and I yearned to educate and engage without sacrificing my personality or how I presented myself.

Then came a moment of realization—a decision to disregard these standards and present myself unapologetically in all settings. I walked into court with my natural hair proudly displayed, started creating content in comfortable attire like t-shirts, and let go of the idea that I must constantly alter my communication style. It turned out to be the best choice I’ve made. Embracing my authentic self led to an increase in both my following and business.

It was only when I embraced my true identity that I saw a positive shift in my professional journey. The decision to be genuine, to be myself without reservation, opened doors I never imagined. It’s proof that authenticity and individuality are not hindrances but strengths that foster connection and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecollectivelcm.com
• Instagram: @merissavgrayson or @thecollectivelegal
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/merissavgrayson

Image Credits
Leah Rae Photography