We were lucky to catch up with RENITA FORREST recently and have shared our conversation below.

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

I started my own firm straight out of law school. I had zero start up cash and worked out of the basement of my home. I always believed that my business would progress because of my work ethic so I stepped out on faith.

My main priority was making sure I was being an effective advocate for my clients. That helped build my confidence to stand firm on my fees and be selective about cases that I took on. Once business was steady, I was able to get secure an office space and hire a full time assistant.

I am blessed to have worked in the legal field for 12 years before I became an attorney so I was able to establish and foster relationships with attorneys in my field. Those relationships has brought me tons of business and enabled me to have a support system when I encounter a complex case or simply need some encouragement.

I would advise any young lawyer to have a business plan before starting a firm or any business. This includes having start up funds, the ability to obtain loans if necessary and a budget. Also, be intentional about establishing your network because it truly does take a village. I would also suggest attending as many networking events and join local bar association so people can get familiar with you because if no one knows you, how would they think to send you a referral?

Another thing that has helped me in my business is me taking advantage of technology. Working with and around lawyers for so many years allowed me to observe and tweak methods to aid in my efficiency. For example, accepting electronic payments from clients, using case management software for electronic files and billing, creating a website to market my business as well as accept payments and schedule paid consultations, and using docu-sign for clients to execute documents via email versus requiring that they come into the office. All of these methodologies have afforded me true work life balance and the ability to earn full time pay without being in the office from sun up to sun down.

Lastly, believe in yourself. I’ve gone up against attorneys who work for large firms and have won. It isn’t about the size of the firm or even the popularity of the person- Its about your overall professionalism and skillset. As an attorney, your reputation precedes you and the reality is: you will not win every case. Clients want to feel comfortable that you are knowledgeable and can advise them in the most cost efficient manner.

RENITA, 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 am a native Detroiter, a first generation college graduate, and the first lawyer in my family. I dropped out of college after my first year due to lack of financial support from my parents and was on my own at 19 years old. I come from a family where higher education is not valued or even celebrated.

I landed a job in the records division of the Wayne County Probate Court in 2007 (when I was 21 ) simply because I needed health insurance. My exposure to black female attorneys practicing in the court intrigued me. They were professional, articulate, and fabulous- and I wanted to be just like them. That job in the records division that paid me $24,000 per year changed the trajectory of my life.

I continued to work for the court full time and developed a plan of action to return to school when I was old enough to claim myself as an independent student. I enrolled in and ultimately graduated from Wayne State University at 29 years old in 2014. I then applied to Thomas M Cooley Law School and was accepted.

Today I am a solo practitioner who specializes in all probate law matters, elder law, and estate planning. What sets me apart is my 12 years of practical experience in the field prior to becoming an attorney. I have more legal experience that the average new lawyer fresh out of law school. I am most proud of my persistence-it was a long road to get this point and I never let anything or anyone get in my way. I love helping people and I am a huge proponent of mentorship. I am also a huge proponent of of entrepreneurship. Being my own boss the most rewarding feeling ever. Higher education was my escape from poverty and I am forever grateful.

I am also proud to share that I recently accepted a part time adjunct professor position at Oakland Community College teaching probate law terminology to paralegal students.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Maintaining my professionalism and treating every client like they are the only client I have. Because my clients are satisfied they regularly recommend me to their friends an family. I basically treat my clients how I would want to be treated.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

word of mouth referrals from current/former clients

Contact Info:

• Website: www.forrestlawpllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrestlawpllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FORRESTLAWPLLC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renita-l-forrest-esq-4a7a80b0/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/forrest-law-southfield?osq=forrest+law