Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Montgomery.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a business attorney and advocate for women, and I’ve been licensed for over ten years. I’ve always known I wanted to work in a job where I could protect people and guide them through tough times. I came to my solo practitioner life by a circuitous route. For the first half of my legal career, I worked in civil litigation, and then, around four years ago, I started working with small business owners. Litigation workloads are frequently high stress, so helping entrepreneurs was a delightful change of pace. I quickly became addicted to the gratification and feeling of accomplishment that came with helping people who were just starting out. I think having knowledge of the law is one of the most powerful attributes a person can have, so part of my job is always working to educate entrepreneurs so that they have a foundation of knowledge to grow from.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing is ever smooth when it comes to starting your own business! I started my solo practice in July 2018 because my mentor/supervisor decided to retire after a big case ended – it was an impromptu start, to say the least. I left my firm with two clients and just hit the ground running. I now have over twenty-five clients, and it’s been through sheer force of will. My biggest advice to others is to take all the help that is offered to you within your talented and wonderful network. I lucked out in life with my dear friend, Kandice Hemenway, who generously took my firm photos and designed my logo and website. I’m not sure where I would be without her. I’ll be returning her kindness in large and small ways for years to come! I’ve also turned to other entrepreneurs and solo practitioners to run ideas and experiences by them.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I represent small business owners, creatives, and startups and I help them in a variety of ways. I help with entity formation, contract drafting and revision, payment disputes, and even trademarks. I love educating business owners on their contractual and intellectual property rights with the hope that they’ll be better equipped to protect themselves in the future. I’m known for my Contract Tips Tuesday series that I post every Tuesday on my @amontgomerylawyer Instagram account. These educational posts started out as a weekly routine to encourage me to post more consistently and now they actually have a following. It’s the greatest compliment to me when a potential new client tells me that they love tuning into #contracttipstuesday each week!
I think what sets me apart is I’ve seen how high-level contracts are negotiated and drafted, and I have always wanted that knowledge to be shared with everyone that’s outside of the C-suites. I also want my clients to consider me as their go-to person they can turn to and trust when they have made a misstep or misjudged a business relationship. There should be a sense of relief after speaking with your attorney, and my hope is that’s how my clients feel after our calls and meetings.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
As far as the perfect mentor, I think you should find someone who looks at business the way that you do. (You won’t be able to stand taking their advice if their worldview is completely the opposite of yours.) This person will likely be older and more experienced, but even younger mentors have so much to give as far as perspective. I chose my mentor because I strongly agreed with the integrity he brought to cases, clients, and the overall practice. I’ve always known how I wanted to practice law, and it was gratifying to see that it was possible and even rewarding. As you search for your mentor, look for individuals with generous hearts who have achieved enough success in their own work to allow for ample time and energy to dedicate to others. Time is a privilege for so many, so be mindful of who has it and who does not.
Since we’re talking about being mindful of time, I will also suggest that you rely on your mentor as a sounding board for issues that are tough calls or unknown territory for you. If you develop a friendship that gives you the freedom to just call and chat up your mentor, that’s terrific, but I would always consider their time and its value.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1601 Elm Street, Floor 33, Dallas, TX 75201
- Website: amontgomerylaw.com
- Phone: 972.638.7305
- Email: amanda@amontgomerylaw.com
- Instagram: @amontgomerylawyer
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-montgomery2008/
Image Credit:
Image with the houses mural and hands working at the desk: Joe Childress; the purple dress photo and blue dress: Kandice Hemenway
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
