Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Yolofsky.
Thanks for sharing your story with us AJ. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My practice is about the positive. I help people build strong foundations and larger structures. Together, we plan for their future and the future of their loved ones.
I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to give something back to my country. I didn’t want to just sit behind a desk; I wanted to challenge myself, lead an elite team of warriors, and travel the world. I was active duty from 1995–2001, then reserve from 2001–2010. But during my second deployment to the Middle East (1998–1999), I began looking ahead to the next phase of my life. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I started researching higher education. Law became my focus because I saw a parallel between litigation strategy and military strategy. It seemed to be the natural extension of my career path at that point in time.
Fast forward through my legal education and first decade of practice as a commercial litigator to the summer of 2016. That July, my wife was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. We were catapulted into a treatment program that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Throughout her treatment, I realized that the law practice I had was not fulfilling. Indeed, we were not prepared.
As a result, I changed my focus to the transactional side of corporate law and added estate planning as a practice area. I am passionate about helping people prepare for every possibility and protect their assets for the next generation. My wife is doing well and is cancer-free. The practice is growing and we’re helping more people every month.
Great, 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?
Running one’s own business is never a smooth road. There’s a difference between working on and working in the business. As an attorney, should I do more work for clients or go find more clients? There’s one of me, so I can’t do both (at least not at the same time).
Another major challenge was rebranding. I originally established myself in South Florida as a commercial litigator. No one knew me as a transactional attorney. I had to completely rebrand and start learning how to market in order to get my name out there.
Finding people to help in the middle of a booming economy is not easy. Fortunately, we’ve developed a process to find GREAT people to help build the firm and provide service to our clients.
Please tell us more about your practice.
Yolofsky Law provides planning, consulting, and legal services for small business owners and professionals. We focus our practice on estate planning and corporate law. We are known for providing innovative solutions to clients. Our colleagues and clients report that we help them find answers to questions they didn’t even know they had.
We are most proud of the referrals that our clients and colleagues provide. Getting the job done (and well) is one thing. Leaving people with a feeling of confidence and with a smile on their faces is something more.
What sets us apart is our commitment to education. Law is an ever-changing field. It might be slow to catch up sometimes, but it isn’t static. In fact, two major pieces of legislation just went into effect. Florida updated its Corporations Act for the first time since 2003. The federal government passed the SECURE Act, which changes how retirement plans are passed to beneficiaries after the death of the account holder. We have been learning the new techniques available to our clients after the passage of these laws. Everyone in the firm is required to do their own professional development.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Haven’t had it yet. We are doing good work for many people, their businesses, and their families. The fact that we continue to enjoy the trust and confidence of the community is rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Address: 100 SE 3rd Ave.
Suite 1000
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 - Website: www.yolofskylaw.com
- Phone: 954.237.4011
- Email: info@yolofskylaw.com
- Instagram: @YolofskyLaw
- Facebook: @yolofskylaw
- Twitter: @ajyolofsky
- Other: LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/ajyolofsky
Image Credit:
Luis R. Feliz
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