Today we’d like to introduce you to Maresa Talbert.
Hi Maresa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started Talbert Law Office because I couldn’t find a job after law school. During my job search, I was asked to be a panelist on a legal education seminar speaking about microaggressions, and when asked how I wanted to be introduced, I didn’t know what to say. My bio consisted of “Navy Veteran and California-licensed attorney.”
I was so embarrassed that I didn’t have any better to say for myself as a panelist for this speaking engagement. But equally important, people were so impressed with me after the training that they wanted to refer potential clients to me.
As a result, I knew I needed to do something to establish myself as a legitimate attorney. Previously, I’d never set out to be an entrepreneur, but Talbert Law Office, APC was born out of necessity. It was a means to an end until I found my “perfect job.”
18 months later, I thought I had found my perfect job when I finally got a job at a law firm. After 2 months, I quit. I hated the corporate law environment, and I knew that I could deliver legal services better. So, I decided to make my side hustle my main hustle and place all my efforts in building a successful law practice.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Did I already say, “NO?” Entrepreneurship has not been an easy or smooth road, and it still isn’t. I am learning, growing, and evolving every single day.
I’ve struggled with adequately charging for the value of my services — for the first three years of practice; I was basically running a pro bono law firm because I wasn’t making a profit — not because I didn’t have the clientele, but because I was afraid to charge market value rates and alienate my community.
I have struggled with saying NO. No to bad clients. No to unfavorable circumstance. No to inopportune invitations. It has taken me five years to realize how expensive my YES is! And I still struggle with saying NO!
I have struggled with maintaining clear boundaries with clients — not answering emails after working hours, or rushing to get something completed for a client when the delay was their fault, or even collecting on my invoices.
I have struggled with clients paying me on time, over and over and over again!
I have struggled with building my team and finding good help! Oh, so many struggles!
While it has been more rewarding than heartbreaking, entrepreneurship is NOT for the faint of heart.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Talbert Law Office, APC?
Talbert Law Office is the “go-to” legal resource for visionaries, entrepreneurs, small to mid-size businesses, creatives & influencers, and nonprofits.
TLO helps clients start their business, establish trademarks & copyrights, draft bulletproof contracts, protect their intellectual property, maintain legal compliance, and build legacy. Additionally, we offer VIP days, where we spend three-hours hyper-focused one a specific outcome, completed in real-time, and monthly subscriptions, which include monthly scheduled check-ins, planned strategy sessions, live Q&As, access to contract templates, and more!
Unlike other law firms, TLO does not just exchange goods and services. We’re redesigning the practice of law by dismantling the traditional attorney/client relationship and creating relationships in which successes are celebrated and frequent, needs are anticipated and met, and peace of mind overflows with every experience. Talbert Law Office is more than just a business; it’s my ministry.
We are advocacy in action. We are proud of our service to clients and more proud of our service to the community.
What matters most to you? Why?
My family. They were with me in the beginning and will be the last ones standing with me in end.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.talbertlawoffice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talbert_law_office/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfB2ZoZJ-x8DCPrkDOO6Qsg?
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maresatalbert/
Image Credits
Angie McPherson
