Today we’d like to introduce you to Erian White.
Hi Erian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts in Overtown. Whenever I’m asked to describe myself or tell my story; I start there because it’s one of the most important parts of who I am. It shaped my worldview and sharpened my mind in a way that I can never truly put into words. Both of my parents and both sets of my grandparents are from Overtown. Much of my identity surrounds my experience there and the culture and traditions of the community. I also make a point to mention it in every room I’m in because the heart and legacy of the community are being erased as both Wynwood and Downtown expand and push my family and friends out of the neighborhood.
Even as a child, I knew I would be a lawyer, I’ve never had any other dreams or goals. My friends and elders have always had undeniable faith in me and in return, I’ve always felt that I have to maximize my potential in a way that returns that energy to them. The passion that I have came from watching so many of my family members and family members of friends be arrested. I wasn’t sophisticated enough to communicate why it felt so wrong at the time, but over the years I realized that this country’s criminal justice system rewards wealth, not innocence. So, after I began my career, I began to consider ways that I can make changes not only in the Criminal Justice System but to empower them economically. Real Estate was the only right answer for me.
I started my legal career at the Public Defender’s Office in Miami. I’ve always been aware of the stigma associated with PD’s but believe me when I say the Miami PD’s office is one of the best law firms in the country. The training program is unbelievable and no other place could have prepared me the way the PD’s office did. There was no other place I wanted to be. It was the only job I applied for out of law school because not only is it an excellent firm, I knew that the folks I needed to help would not have access to me otherwise.
Deciding to leave was very difficult for me, but over time my vision and goals changed. I became a Real Estate Agent with Elite Realty Partners, one of the fastest-growing and Black-owned brokerages in the country. The uncertainty of the pandemic made me want to have complete control of my career and most importantly, my time. So, I also began planning to launch my own firm. In December of 2020, Whitehouse Law Group was born. In the spirit of both my passions, Whitehouse Law Group offers services in Criminal Defense and Real Estate Closings. Our mantra “Bend it Toward Justice” is a goal to bring Criminal and/or Socio-Economic Justice to everyone we serve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about it was smooth. For starters, Whitehouse Law Group was born of the pandemic. There was so much uncertainty and adjustments in the criminal justice system and the economy that any new firm would struggle to adjust. It has not been easy, so I don’t take any wins for granted.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an attorney and Realtor. I own my own Law Firm, Whitehouse Law Group which is located at 5126 NW 7th Avenue, Miami, FL 33127. My firm offers criminal defense and real estate closing services. In addition to my law practice, I am a Realtor with Elite Realty Partners. As a Realtor, I offer services in residential property purchases and sales.
I am most proud of being a fierce advocate for my clients. My biggest asset is my passion for justice of all kinds. To me, “brand” is not a good enough word to describe where I am. I’m a change agent.
I have a significant advantage as an attorney and realtor. When working as a realtor, I am able to protect my client’s legal interests because of my knowledge and experience with contracts and property law. In Florida, despite the fact that purchasing and selling property is a legal transaction with significant rights, responsibilities and consequences, you don’t have to be an attorney to close a deal. My experience and credentials allow me to provide additional services to my clients that protect them and advise them of their rights, responsibilities and the potential consequences.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is freedom. My autonomy is the most important part of my career now. I am in a position to seek change on my terms. I don’t have to constrict my goals or my plans to meet anyone else’s expectations.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@whitehouselawgroup.com
- Website: www.whitehouselawgroup.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/e.s.quired
Image Credits
@jeffshotya; @cslphotography_hd
