Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralston Jarrett.
Hi Ralston, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am currently a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, Georgia. With both parents being in the military, I grew up a military brat so I moved around a lot.
While in college, I met a professor who saw something in me a thought I should go to law school. I took the test and got into only one school.
I went to law school where I struggled with discrimination, racism and other struggles.
After graduating and passing the bar, I worked at a law firm and eventually opened my own law firm and other businesses including a party bus business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t say the journey was a fairly smooth road , I would actually say the opposite. It was rough, but what in life worthwhile is easy? I’ve dealt with jealousy and hateful things said in my own community, discrimination while in law school and even back home when I tried to join the legal work force after graduating law school.
On top of that, I also suffer from Sickle Cell Disease so that’s a whole different type of fight I manage silently when I’m not in the courtroom.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
“Don’t be a one trick pony.” My success came from a silly quote from a very influential professor while I was in law school. Not knowing what he meant at first it went over my head. Then when it finally clicked I understood what he meant. To not be so one dimensional. Have more than one trick (hustle).
Currently I’m an entrepreneur as well as an attorney. My Law firm opened up November 2020 , after I departed from a local law firm. Shortly afterwards I opened up a party bus business in Columbus, Georgia and an air bnb rental. These things as well as the law office have caused me to establish a great rapport in the community.
At my law firm I specialize in criminal defense and personal injury law. I’m known for being the young, cool fresh face in Columbus where there is hardly any black attorneys. I’m known for my swag/dread locs/ glasses.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Stubbornness, never taking no for an answer, not being content. I’m really hard headed I like doing things people say I can’t do or can’t be done. A gentleman once told me “you know you can’t be a lawyer with dreads, right?” I just made it my business to prove him and whoever else thought the same wrong. And now that I’m in the door I think it may help that I’m relatable, people want someone that can understand them and where they are coming from especially when looking for an attorney so I think that plays a big part in my very fast take off as an established attorney here in Columbus.
Contact Info:
- Email: Rdj@jarrettlaw.net
- Website: www.Jarrettlaw.net
- Instagram: Mr_challenger_
