We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren McAlpin Miller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

After graduating law school I made the decision, like most of my peers, to start working for a law firm. During the first several years of practice I represented athletes and entertainers in everything from their business contracts to their complex divorce matters. I drafted trust agreements and assisted with complex copyright infringement cases in federal court. I’m glad I took the time to work in a law firm environment prior to starting my own firm. Through these experiences, I was able to learn from other successful Entertainment & Business Attorneys and work on complex cases that I otherwise would have had to wait years to experience. I knew I wanted to start my own firm, however, I was gaining unparalleled experience watching brilliant attorneys work and run their business. I learned how to attract clients and how to litigate cases. I also had a front row seat to observe the business side of launching and running your own law firm. I learned what to do, and what not to do. These are things they don’t teach you in law school. Many people who go off and start their own business have to learn many things the hard way. I was able to observe and not make some of the same mistakes others have made.

Lauren, 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 knew I wanted to be a lawyer since I was about 8 years old. The type of law I wanted to practice changed over time, but the core values that my parents instilled in me kept propelling me towards a life of service as an attorney. As I scroll through my social media I find so many men & women stepping out on faith and becoming entrepreneurs. However, I notice many of them aren’t setting up their businesses on solid legal foundations. So many individuals are now focused on creating generational wealth for their future great-grandchildren but they are not taking the proper precautions to protect that wealth. I launched my law firm with those entrepreneurs in mind.

My firm helps entrepreneurs protect their assets. I focus on Trademark & Copyright Registrations to help businesses protect their brand and their creations. I help entrepreneurs limit their liability by drafting and negotiating legally sound contracts. I help business owners ensure that their generational wealth is adequately protected with my estate planning services including wills, trusts and power of attorney documents. I also protect my clients in court through zealous advocacy and litigation should the need arise. I wanted to give my clients the same experiences that I saw entertainment clients receiving early on in my career. A one stop shop for all things business.

More than anything, my goal is to educate other like minded entrepreneurs through speaking engagements. I understand some small business owners may not be able to afford legal representation at the moment. However, I want to make sure that all business owners receive the information so that they have an idea where to look when problems arise.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2019 I married the love of my life who just so happened to be active duty military. Until we got married, my life was completely dictated by me and my career goals. In December 2019, I relocated to a brand new state and found a job with another law firm. Needless to say, in 2020, the pandemic hit, and everything changed. Prior to relocating, I already had it on my mind and in my heart to launch a law firm, but I was so afraid of what that looked like. I was comfortable working for law firms, it was familiar territory and I always knew when my next check was coming.

In 2021, we received notice that the military was moving us once more to the other side of the country. I absolutely panicked. The thought of starting over and finding a new job at a new firm caused many sleepless nights. After a lot of prayer and mediation, I realized that this was exactly the push I needed to do what I have wanted to do for almost ten years, launch McAlpin Firm, LLC. That is exactly what I did, and I never looked back.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

It’s simple, I have never been afraid to be my authentic self. I try and lead with authenticity so that my clients know exactly what they are getting with me. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. More than anything I try and help people without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Whether I’m helping one of my peers launch their own firm, or giving general advice about my experiences in business and the law, I try my best to be a vessel of knowledge and mentorship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcalpinfirm.com
• Instagram: LegallyLaurenEsq
• Facebook: McAlpin Firm, LLC

Image Credits
TAlan Photography