Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Harrison.
Hi Natasha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Telling “my story” is almost always a struggle because I only recently discovered I have one. I mean of course, I busted my butt and outworked everyone around me to accomplish what I have thus far but have always been the type to accept the hand I’m dealt and play to win every time! My story, though, is that my journey is often traveled via the toughest terrain, not by choice but by necessity. I recently recognized that my purpose was always to be an advocate, always speaking up and out for those that could or would not for themselves. I was successful and content practicing at a prominent civil litigation firm for half of my career but knew that I needed to pave my own way in order to leave a more level path to be traveled by those to follow.
Born from the recognition that no matter how many wins, how professional my attire, or how tight my bun may be… I will still never fully “fit” into the good ol’ boy legal field. While I never really tried to conform, I knew I would need to build my own table one day and I did just that! The future is female, and the modern lawyer does not have to fit into a “box”!
My law firm, Harrison Advocates, is a full-service law firm that focuses on who before what. Meaning I work with life-long clients in several different areas. This allows me to avoid a lot of the stress associated with the stressors of any service-lead field and to constantly learn and develop new areas of focus while also making time to pour back into my community and focus on my other interests!
A little more to help understand my platforms and outlook- I was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school and was told that I had to figure it out. So, I always viewed medication as a crutch and not moving at the speed of light as being lazy. I have sense learned that is not at all the case and now I speak out often about work-life balance, mental health, and eliminating stigmas and double standards both professionally and personally.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wish I had read the questions first because I touch on this in the previous question. But I will share a quote that I heard about a decade ago when I first started practicing, “the road to heaven is always under construction.” This is true for the road to success as well. So no, it has not…
At this age, we can skip past childhood, but after college, I took some “time off” before going to law school. Ironically, I spent my “time off” teaching mathematics. I enjoyed teaching, but the politics in the education system was draining and it was always supposed to be temporary. After a few years of telling kids to follow their dreams, I knew it was time for me to do the same.
Law school was a major eye-opener because, while I excelled in school my entire life, I had never really studied until law school. My 1L year was a bit of a struggle and I was re-diagnosed with ADHD, but after I understood the assignment, it was a wrap.
After sitting for the bar exam, I started applying to government positions because I wanted trial experience, but it was a no every time. However, this was just another reminder that everything happens for a reason because I started working with a top civil litigation firm and was literally thrown into the deep end of the courtroom and I loved it. We won’t go into all those struggles because they weren’t related to my professional experience and it all truly shaped the person I am!
All of this while literally maneuvering through the deplorable dating scene in (south) Florida and dodging all the questions about my non-traditional personal life. Not what you’re thinking, but I have been single almost all of my ten years of practice and no children.
As you know, we’re big fans of Harrison Advocates. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Harrison Advocates is a full-service law firm driven by passion, advocacy and experience. While our primary practice areas are Motor Vehicle Accidents, Property Claims, Contracts, Probate/Estate Planning, and General Litigation, the reality is that a Harrison Advocate client often becomes a forever client. We provide reliable and professional representation through trusted advice from a skilled legal advocate. If you have a potential legal matter, inquiry, or want to protect your rights you are in the right place.
I am most known for my work in Tobacco Litigation, which is part of the reason for the nickname “Lit Lawyer.” My humble, fun-loving nature that transforms when the advocacy cape goes on! I am extremely proud of my firm that I built up and took my time to ensure it truly matched me and my vision. I am also proud of my personal brand, the lit lawyer… because I have always preached about the importance of focusing on what actually matters in various scenarios and showing up as your authentic self.
My main areas of practice are car accidents, contracts, and general litigation. More information is available on my website, www.harrisonadvocates.com, and I personally review all inquiries. I would suggest reaching out as soon as possible for a free consultation to avoid being time-barred on any claim.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Shadow an attorney or attorneys in various fields to make sure it is what you want to do. Then ask one of them or another attorney you know to be your mentor. You should do this as soon as possible to avoid wasting time or missed opportunities to properly align yourself for optimal success as an attorney. If already in law school, network and find a mentor!!
I wish I understood the importance of mentorship!!!
Pricing:
- Initial Consultations are Free
Contact Info:
- Website: www.harrisonadvocates.com
- Instagram: @harrisonadvocates
- Youtube: @natashaharrisonYT
- Other: IG: @thelitlawyer
Image Credits
CSL Photography, LLC
