We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Ewing recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I have practiced law in the Atlanta area for over twenty years with a primary focus on business litigation and contract disputes. I spent my career working for law firms until late June 2023 when I decided to step out on my own and take control of the direction of my law practice. It was a huge leap, and I haven’t once looked back! Each day is a new opportunity to assist clients and grow both professionally and personally.
The big leap came after a year of reaching several personal goals and challenges, including an empowering solo road trip down the California coast, completing my first half marathon, performing in dance showcases, obtaining gallery representation for my artwork, and putting on my first art and fashion popup shop. After much reflection, I decided it was time to apply the same energy to my career and embark on a new professional challenge by starting The Ewing Firm.
My law firm provides legal services to individuals and small business owners primarily in areas of business and general litigation, residential litigation, and contract review and analysis. My mission is to provide a holistic approach to the practice of law where each client is equally important and appreciated. I want to empower clients to protect and defend their legal rights and be their trusted advocate so they can focus on work, life, family, and other priorities. I also want individuals and small businesses, including creatives and startups, to view legal representation as an accessible and valuable tool not only for disputes but also as a proactive measure to understand and protect their rights and understand obligations to help manage risk and avoid problems. In addition to my legal practice, I am a registered general civil mediator in Georgia and enjoy facilitating communications between disputing parties and exploring creative solutions to resolve conflicts and avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of the legal system.
Melissa, 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?
No two law firms are alike, and I am excited for the opportunity to shape my law firm based on my unique background and personal approach to providing legal services to clients. My professional path has not been traditional, and I am not your typical attorney. I am creative and artistic while also being detailed and analytical in my approach to practicing law and assisting clients.
Art and creativity have driven and influenced my career. I took up abstract painting after becoming inspired while studying abroad during law school. What started as a fun experiment turned into a passion that continues today and provides balance to my law practice. In addition to painting, I rediscovered dance as an adult which provides a means of self-exploration and expression and increased confidence. For a period of time, I also managed an independent film and video production company through which I co-wrote and produced short films, documentary projects, a music video, and several internet branding videos for local businesses while maintaining my law practice. I still continue to write screenplays.
My path has led me to a place in life where I now have the experience, vision, and ability to focus on a client-based and strategic approach with the goal of tailoring services specific to each client (rather than a canned approach) and striving for efficiency in solving problems with fresh solutions without sacrificing quality and while maintaining professionalism and integrity. In counseling clients, I listen to understand the underlying issues, needs and goals. I am honest and direct in my assessments and try to consider all facets of a situation in advising on potential options. You can count on me to be trustworthy and responsible. When dealing with others, I act in a professional and courteous manner and, while I can be firm and aggressive when needed, I believe you don’t need to be a jerk to get results.
My creative background and mediation training allow me to think out of the box and see issues through another perspective when advocating for clients and also pursuing solutions to a dispute with the goal of remaining committed to effectiveness and efficiency. I value creativity and innovative thinking and am open to new perspectives and ways of doing things that may thwart tradition. When presented with a new area of law or a new industry, I jump in and quickly learn the ins and outs of the situation.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My resilience has been tested numerous times over the years, but one time that stands out occurred while I was studying abroad during college. Even now when times get tough, I remind myself “you overcame that, you can do this!” It was after my sophomore year, and I was studying abroad for the summer in Paris. As someone who grew up in a small town in South Georgia, my confidence increased tremendously that summer after conquering the metro transit system and navigating a foreign country on my own. After my study program ended, I embarked on the backpack portion of my summer experience beginning with a stop in Amsterdam. After I got off the train in Amsterdam, I stopped by the hostel where I had planned to spend the night and immediately recognized it would not be a good place for me to stay. I decided to see the sights during the day and travel overnight to my next stop.
Later that evening someone offered to help locate my train cart as we were boarding. The exchange lasted a matter of seconds. After the train departed, I couldn’t locate my smaller bag. I realized someone must have taken it during that exchange, or I possibly dropped it at the station. I was crushed! The bag contained a journal I wrote throughout my summer program with the intent of sharing with my grandmother to read when I returned home along with the one pair of Ray Bans I have ever purchased. In the middle of the night, the train conductor woke up the passengers as the train crossed over the Germany border. We had to show our passports as a formality. I always kept my passport in a purse around my neck but panicked when I couldn’t find it. The worker made me exit the train and walk across the tracks at a stop in the middle of nowhere and wait for a train to return to Amsterdam. On the ride back, after sobbing uncontrollably for a good while, I found my passport in the purse. When I got back to the Amsterdam train station, it was the middle of the night. The help desks were closed, and cell phones did not exist then. I was tempted to sleep on a bench, but the speakers announced you would go to jail. A kind taxi driver took me to a “Christian hostel” and it turned out to be very comfortable. I never found that backpack, but I did regroup in the face of what seemed dire straits and bad omens to enjoy the rest of my trip. I learned a lot about myself during that trip and found an inner strength that continues to grow as I embrace new challenges and opportunities to overcome adversity.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Around the time I was in flux about the direction of my career, a friend of mine and brand strategist, David Norwood (NYH Media), recommended I read “The Mountain is You” by Brianna West. This powerful book was the final piece that solidified my plans to move forward with a new chapter in my career. It is an easy yet informative read with practical exercises to help you break through the barriers to pursuing your personal and entrepreneurial goals. My plan crystalized after reading this book.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theewingfirm.com
- Instagram: @theewingfirm | @melissaewingart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaewingatl/
Image Credits
@Alexandra_zak Alexandra Zak