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

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

In January 2020, I took a leap of faith and left my previous firm, where I had started as a law clerk before becoming an attorney, to start my own practice. With zero clients and no book of business, I was taking a big risk. Just two months later, the world shut down due to the pandemic. Travel to the United States came to a halt, embassies closed, and immigration processes stopped. It was a challenging time to start a new firm, as the only cases we could handle were for individuals already in the U.S., either extending their tourist visas or transitioning from work visas to green card applications.

Despite these obstacles, we persevered and gradually built a niche, especially with high-profile clients from Argentina seeking extraordinary ability visas. Today, I am proud of the unique space we’ve carved out and the incredible clientele we continue to grow. It’s true what they say—while I worked long hours at my previous firm, running my own business is a whole new level. I’m constantly working, responding to clients’ emails and messages, and striving to provide the best service possible.

We aim to be a forward-thinking law firm, integrating technology to enhance transparency and service. The journey has been challenging but rewarding, and I am excited about what the future holds as we continue to grow and innovate.

Starting your own firm is not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to take a big bet on yourself. My advice is to stay persistent and be prepared to put in the hard work to attract clients. Get out there as much as possible—network, build relationships, and create a presence for yourself. You need to be proactive, adaptable, and ready to face challenges head-on. Success won’t happen overnight, but if you’re committed and passionate, it’s a rewarding journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m originally from Miami and grew up in the North Miami area. I attended Miami Country Day School and later received a scholarship to study at the University of Miami. My passion for foreign languages has always driven me—I’ve studied Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Arabic, and I’ve always aspired to be a polyglot. This love for languages naturally led me to a career in immigration law, where I could combine my passion for communication with international legal work.

At my firm, we set ourselves apart by genuinely caring for our clients. The biggest complaint I hear from people seeking a new attorney is that they want to feel accompanied and not just like another number. That’s why we prioritize a personalized approach, ensuring that our clients feel supported every step of the way. We’re constantly refining our processes to make them more user-friendly, integrating technology, and maintaining transparency to offer an experience that’s modern, accessible, and warm. I’m proud of the unique firm we’ve built and the strong client relationships we continue to foster.

Ultimately, we aim to be the “un-lawfirm law firm”—breaking the mold of traditional legal services by focusing on client care and transparency.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Our most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been word of mouth. One happy client can lead to ten referrals, but one unhappy client can cost you twenty potential ones. This keeps us on our toes, always striving to provide the best possible service. While we’ve been investing a lot of time in social media lately, nothing beats the impact of a personal recommendation. Happy clients are our best advocates.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

The great thing about starting a law firm is that the initial capital requirements are relatively low. To begin, you just need to make sure you’ open the appropriate trust account pursuant to Florida Bar rules, and have a reliable laptop. With virtual meetings being so common now, there’s no need for a fancy office when starting out. This allows you to focus on building your practice without a huge financial burden upfront.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abeckjerrlaw.com/
• Instagram: visasconmichelle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-abeckjerr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCysvAYa57QG8U2lp2qRcvLA
• Other: TikTok: visasconmichelle

Image Credits

Jennifer Cardiff