Today we’d like to introduce you to Sareena Beasley.
Sareena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Before I became a lawyer, I was in radio/television/public relations and nonprofit management. In a way, I fought to go to law school for over ten years because I felt passionate about the entertainment and non-profit arena, but when my father got really sick, he asked me to consider going to law school and I promised him that I would. My father has since passed, but I am so grateful that he saw something bigger in me that I didn’t see in myself. As a first-generation/black/female attorney, it has been challenging, but I wouldn’t change anything about my story. I truly believe God called me to this field and has been directing my path.
Looking back, I appreciate the wide array of legal experience I gained in the criminal and civil world as a trial attorney. Before starting Bridge Forward Solutions, I was as a criminal prosecutor and an associate for multiple small/mid-sized law firms where I specialized in automobile law, premises liability, general negligence, insurance defense and business law. I have also had the amazing opportunity to work for a Judge, which provided me an in-depth look into the complexities and nuisances of the legal system and how Judges carry a heavy load when making decisions. Now, as an entrepreneur, these experiences help to provide key essential services to my clients on the legal and community side. I think differently and work hard to resolve legal issues for my clients.
Bridge Forward Solutions is also dedicated to working with our communities. I use a lot of my pr/nonprofit skills to help businesses build and enhance sustainable and cultivated relationships with their target clients through community and faith-based initiatives. Bridge Forward Solutions provides a unique and fresh perspective to increase partnerships, visibility and funding. We serve as the bridge between the needs of a community and a business. I have also worked with government agencies, universities, churches and nonprofits to research, design and develop recruitment and retention campaigns; fuel collaboration between nonprofits, businesses and government entities to gain private/public funding; manage orientation programs to increase volunteer participation; orchestrate diversity training for seminars and workshops; manage budgets of any size, and diversify your donor outreach. I also enjoy working with entrepreneurs and businesses that want to make a difference in the communities they serve.
Whether I’m speaking at a conference about the importance of protecting your brand or to a group of high school girls about law school, I know this is the space I’m supposed to be in.
Has it been a smooth road?
I struggled with believing in myself! Like, who is going to hire this young black girl to represent their company for a contract dispute or to handle their criminal case. Now, I’m like who wouldn’t hire me! It all comes down to prayer, patience and preparation. Of course, I think I’m supposed to be further along in my career by now, but I’ve learned that I’m only in competition with myself. My path and purpose is unique and what is for me is just for me. I’ve had my run-ins with racist attorneys who made me question my intelligence. But now, I refuse to give my power away. I embrace the opportunities to learn and grow daily, but I will always be a Black Girl that rocks!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bridge Forward Solutions story. Tell us more about your practice.
Bridge Forward Solutions is a boutique legal and community relations consulting agency that specializes in listening to our clients’ concerns, challenges and business objectives. We strategically position our platforms to deliver tailored solutions that matter to our clients. These are solutions our clients can trust because of our commitment to high-value work and excellence through an uncompromising approach to upholding our pledge to put the client first and provide excellent client service, Deliver effective and efficient results and Provide insightful and innovative solutions.
Simply put – We are solution-oriented. In a world with legal and community issues/problems, we focus on solutions that matter and deliver solutions you can trust.
Legally – I practice in three main areas. (1) Business law (trademarks, copyright, business formation, contract formation/review and civil litigation). (2) Construction law (we represent both homeowners and contractors for matters dealing with negligence, contract issues and mechanic’s liens and materialman’s liens.) (3) Personal Injury (We represent plaintiffs (injured parties) and defendants (businesses) in car wrecks and premises liability lawsuits.) We take pride in providing personal attention and clear communication throughout the entire process. Because we have experience representing both sides, we have a thorough understanding of the best strategies to use to maximize our client’s compensation and/or representation to get them the justice you deserve.
Community Relations – We help you build and enhance sustainable and cultivated relationships with your target clients through community-based initiatives that advance awareness of your company’s brand. Bridge Forward Solutions provides a unique and fresh perspective to increase partnerships, visibility and funding. We assist with Corporate Branding/Identity; Developing and managing a strategic plan and budget for community relations activities; Identifying important community issues and develop appropriate analysis to produce policy and action recommendations; and Plan and execute community outreach programs.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We are a virtual based firm. This has certainly helped to reduce overhead costs and keep fees reasonable for our clients. Since the rise of the pandemic, a lot of business is now happening online. I think this will definitely shift how we conduct legal proceedings and handle various matters going forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridgeforwardsolutions.com
- Phone: 678.439.5808
- Email: Info@BridgeForwardSolutions.com
- Instagram: @BridgeForwardSolutions
Image Credit:
Decarlo
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