We were lucky to catch up with Kimra Major-Morris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kimra, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?
I’d like to see basic intellectual property lessons introduced to students much earlier. Society consumes intellectual property in every environment, and kids should have an awareness of the basic concepts. I didn’t learn about intellectual property law as a practice area until I was in law school. I had never heard of it and had never met an IP attorney until I was almost 40! With earlier education, kids will be more informed as they watch television, engage on social media, participate in talent contests, and share creative ideas at school and in other environments. I would think that earlier awareness about intellectual property rights would lead to younger business leaders and more fulfilling lifestyles for younger intellectual property owners who monetize their assets.
Kimra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I couldn’t answer the ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ question until I was 37. I have always been artsy and loved to write. I rejected the thought of becoming a teacher, because my mother’s job as an elementary school teacher didn’t look appealing! It’s hilarious now, because I am passionate about educating others about the effect of intellectual property law on business, social justice, and generational wealth.
I was born in Wilmington, Delaware and moved so much as a child (because my dad was a pastor), that I went to 11 different schools by the time I graduated from high school. Being the youngest and only girl helped me to find my independence at an early age and relocating so frequently provided great training for my social skills and my ability to let go of things and situations when necessary. Letting go is really a skill set!
I provide valuable education and representation to owners of copyrights and trademarks (creative content and brands). Specifically, I advise entrepreneurs, entertainers, and athletes as to how to secure their brands and how to protect the original images, writings, and art they create. Protecting creative work and brand identity is critical to our ability to monetize our gifts and enforce our rights.
I went to law school after searching for the right gig in the entertainment business for over a decade. When I became a mother, I was looking for financial stability and a career around creatives. At 37, I applied and was accepted into law school. Initially I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer, but I soon realized intellectual property practice would provide me with a broader client base to include small business. IP was a great choice and I now realize the impact I can have through education and advocacy.
What sets me apart from other service providers is that I have lived the life of a creative – first as a recording artist, then as a red-carpet photographer for major entertainment events, and later as an HBO video editor for almost five years. I’ve built a strong inside circle over the years, and those connections help me to better advocate for my clients.
I’m most proud of my 14-year-old brand that was built with 100% of referrals. I don’t win if my clients don’t win! People forget that law practice is community service. Intellectual property education and protection can provide life-changing financial gains to business owners and communities. I could not be more excited to serve in this capacity.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
When I first began my practice, although I preferred to work with entertainment clients, I didn’t have enough entertainment-related business to sustain my practice. As a result, I was taking anything that came my way. Although I handled each new matter with the assistance of experienced attorneys, each one of them was stressful because I was on a serious learning curve.
As a member of The Florida Bar Intellectual Property Committee, I was exposed to highly successful, top-rated attorneys who were solely handling intellectual property matters. They showed me it was possible, and I niched down my practice to intellectual property and entertainment matters only. Narrowing my practice area helped me to attract the clients I want. People remember what I do and that feeds a steady flow of referrals and professional opportunities. We often hear people say less is more, and this is one example of that.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Showing up to support and celebrate other business owners has been the most effective use of my time. Every time I attend a legal conference or business mixer, I leave knowing I have exposed my services and my interpersonal skills to the people who will either hire me directly or refer my services to someone else. These authentic but strategic appearances have elevated my brand and expanded my platform.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://majormorrislaw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimraesq/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimraesq/