We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tala Achi Mueller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tala below.
Hi Tala, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
I believe some attorneys may disagree, but I prioritize kindness towards opposing counsel because it upholds the integrity of the legal process. Building a reputation as a pleasant and collaborative attorney is important to me, and I am committed to fairness in all interactions. I find that those who resort to aggression and insults often lack confidence in their positions.
I prefer to engage in productive discussions; when conversations become hostile without reason, I choose to disengage. So far, my approach of kindness and respect has facilitated quicker resolutions to disputes. Additionally, I often encounter the same attorneys in different cases, and the positive rapport we have built serves us both well in future interactions.
Ultimately, being kind does not mean compromising my client’s interests. I see it as a professional way to conduct myself while remaining effective.
Tala, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From a young age, I was drawn to law because I witnessed so much injustice around me and wanted the power to make a difference. My background in customer service enables me to offer innovative solutions to my clients while maintaining open lines of communication with opposing parties. I take pride in the professional and personal growth I have achieved so far and am excited to continue my development in this field.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Work-life balance was something I used to overlook entirely. Since I was 14, I have held a job while managing internships, extracurricular activities, and a demanding academic schedule, including a double major in my undergraduate studies and law school. I dedicated myself fully to my studies and career, often at the expense of personal time. However, I began to unlearn this ingrained belief and realized the importance of valuing time with my loved ones above all else. Our time on earth is limited, and I now recognize that nurturing relationships is essential for a fulfilling life.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I always dreamed of becoming an attorney, but I frequently heard that it was impractical since I did not personally know any lawyers. Skepticism came from my peers, teachers, and even my extended family. During law school, a dean once told me I was not cut out for this profession and suggested I consider a different career path because I was still young. Despite that, I succeeded in law school and passed the bar exam, demonstrating my capabilities and achieving my goals while choosing to prioritize my own perspective, rather than being influenced by external opinions. I am glad I remained undeterred and committed to pursuing my goal with professionalism and determination.
