LawHer - Ep 06: Kimberley Wallace, Wallace Turner Law | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Public defender-turned-law firm owner Kimberly Wallace is on a mission to address systemic problems and be a voice for the voiceless in her community.

Key Insights

• 🫚 Opening a law firm rooted in community development allows for addressing societal issues at their root.
• 🤩 Education and access to resources are key to helping individuals succeed and become productive members of society.
• 🧚 Representation and diversity in the legal field are crucial for ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities.
• 🇯🇲 Kimberly's own journey from Jamaica to the U.S. showcases the resilience and determination often required to overcome challenges.
• ❓ Technology and automation can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in legal proceedings and everyday operations.
• 💪 Building a strong support system and having mentors can significantly impact one's success in the legal field.
• 👨‍💼 Kimberly's focus on real estate, business, and criminal law highlights the importance of treating the disease rather than the symptoms.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Kimberly to open a law firm focused on community development?

Kimberly saw the recurring problem of repeat offenders and realized that addressing the root issues required a different approach. She wanted to provide resources and support to help individuals become productive members of society.

Q: What challenges did Kimberly face when transitioning from Jamaica to the U.S. for college?

In addition to adjusting to a new education system, Kimberly faced challenges related to her accent and feeling like an outsider. She eventually connected with peers and built lasting friendships.

Q: How was Kimberly's experience in law school different from what she expected?

Initially, Kimberly had misconceptions about the formality and professionalism of law school. However, she found that it was not much different from college, and as long as she applied herself, she could succeed.

Q: Who were the mentors and influential figures in Kimberly's journey?

Kimberly had a professor named Bobby Garbenia who guided her and provided recommendations for law school and job opportunities. She believes that having a strong support system, whether it's professors or peers, is crucial in the legal field.

Q: How does Kimberly's law firm utilize social media and technology?

Kimberly conducts thorough research on individuals involved in her cases and utilizes social media to gather evidence or insights that can support her clients. From real estate to criminal cases, technology and automation play a significant role in their firm's operations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kimberly Wallace, a former public defender, recognized the broken system causing repeat offenders and decided to open a law firm focused on community development.

• She partnered with another black female attorney, Rachela Wallace, to open the only law firm in the capital area run by two black women.

• Their mission is to address societal issues by providing education, access to capital, and assistance in areas like homeownership and business creation.