Mom Owned Law Firm Interview with Teresa Messer
When Teresa made the choice to leave her major immigration firm and go off on her own, she was motivated by the opportunity to spend more time with her children. Throughout her solo journey, even though there is the niggling feeling that she could always be doing more to grow her practice, the Law Office of Teresa Messer, the flexibility to be there when her children need her has been precious and invaluable.
Quote: “I believe it has allowed me to choose my own clients and narrow in on specialties that interest me. However, as a true solo with no other employees, you have to wear many hats.”
What is your name?
Teresa Messer
Law School attended and year of graduation.
South Texas College of Law, 2012
Name, location(s) and URL of Law Firm.
Law Office of Teresa Messer, Houston, Texas, www.teresamesser.com
How long has your firm been in operation?
4 years
Summarize your work experience, if any, prior to opening your firm. Both as a lawyer or prior to becoming a lawyer.
I worked at a large immigration firm prior to starting my own practice.
Why did you decide to start your own law firm?
I had my daughter and I wanted to spend more time with her.
What practice areas does your firm concentrate on?
Immigration
How large is your firm?
Just me
Do you practice full time or part time?
Full time
How many children do you have and what ages are they? I have 2 children. I have a 4 year old daughter and a 2 year old son.
Has becoming a mom influenced your decision to start or continue to operate your own law firm? If so, how?
Yes, definitely. It is the main reason I wanted to go solo.
What is your marital status?
Married
If you are married, what role has your spouse played with respect to your practice and mutual family obligations and conversely, what impact has owning your firm had on your marriage and role as a mom?
We share in the family obligations and participate equally in raising and caring for our children. My husband is also a lawyer so he understands how stressful the legal profession can be.
What are the pros and cons of law firm ownership as a mom with respect to attaining work-life balance?
The main advantage is flexibility in work hours and schedule. For example, both of my children are sick right now so I am able to stay home and care for them. The con for me is there is always more you can do to grow your business and once you own a business, you never feel like you are doing enough.
What are the pros and cons of law firm ownership from a professional standpoint?
I believe it has allowed me to choose my own clients and narrow in on specialties that interest me. However, as a true solo with no other employees, you have to wear many hats.
You can find more Mom Owned Law Firm Interviews by clicking here.