Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Montgomery.
Hi Zachary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Well, before college, I knew that I wanted to be a Texas attorney; however, I also wanted to ensure that I had a firm business background before I started my legal journey. I attended Texas A&M University where I earned two degrees: a bachelor’s in Business Honors and Accounting and a master’s in Management Information Systems. While at Texas A&M University, I served in Christian Business Leaders and the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets.
I then attended the University of Virginia School of Law, where I earned my juris doctor. While at the University of Virginia, I served in Law Christian Fellowship and also served on the Virginia Tax Review.
I have earned multiple credentials. I am a licensed attorney, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Following law school, I accumulated diverse work experience at multiple companies, including: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and a boutique law firm. More importantly, I met my wife through the Gift of Christmas at Prestonwood Baptist Church. We have been married for over five years, and we have one daughter and another baby on the way.
My decision to start my own law firm was not made lightly but based on conversations with trusted mentors, a lot of research, and relentless prayer. I owe a ton to my wife, Bethany, for her encouragement and to Paul Michel, who spoke truth into my life over several months. I’m honored that I also get to serve with Paul as CFO of the business he started several years ago – Provident Financial Planning, LLC.
In 2022, I officially opened Provident Legal Counsel, PLLC to serve my local community. I would never have imagined that my career would have taken the turns that it has, but I am excited to see what lies ahead for Provident Legal Counsel.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every story includes struggles. None of my family members were attorneys, and I didn’t come from money. I worked hard to get to where I am and have overcome various obstacles along the way:
• Multiple rejections from law schools I applied to;
• Financial obstacles in attending law school;
• Barriers to returning to Texas to start my career;
• Layoffs due to corporate downsizing and the COVID-19 pandemic (once right after I got married and once just weeks before my daughter was born); and
• Discouragement and depression in previous positions.
Fortunately, I believe we are tried by fire, and certain doors are closed for a reason. It may take some time, but the doors that eventually open are generally better than I could imagine.
As you know, we’re big fans of Provident Legal Counsel, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Provident Legal Counsel, PLLC is a law firm located in the North Dallas area and serves clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The firm’s legal services are primarily related to the following: federal tax planning and preparation; federal tax controversy and litigation; business planning, formation, and structuring; estate planning; forensic investigations; and ongoing business services and litigation.
Provident Legal Counsel is notably different than the typical law firm:
(1) The firm offers consultations for free.
(2) Fees for most services are fixed, so the firm is not incentivized to nickel and dime clients for every little task.
(3) As the owner of the firm, I can pull on my experience as both an attorney and a CPA to look at clients’ situations more holistically.
(4) The firm is also flexible with client meetings and can meet clients in multiple locations throughout the DFW area.
What makes you happy?
I love helping people solve problems. I have always enjoyed puzzles, logic games, etc., since it’s an opportunity to resolve an issue, and the fact that I can do that as a job to serve people makes it all the better. Seeing people go through terrible legal situations that are totally outside of their control and having the skill set to help them through their journey and find hope brings me joy.
Writing and teaching are also a passion of mine. While I like teaching on various topics related to my profession and evoking the “a-ha” moments from my audiences, I love teaching each week at my local church on topics related to Jesus, the Bible, theology, ministry, and marriage.
I also find happiness when I get to spend time with my wife and daughter and our families. Time is precious, and I don’t want to be remembered by my family for how many hours I spent at the office.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.providentcounsel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/providentlegal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090095253213
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-montgomery-jd-cpa-cfe-5351aa1a/
