Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Simmons.
Tiffany, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I knew since I was five that I would be an attorney. Due to a childhood incident, I felt as though I needed to speak on behalf of those who couldn’t speak for themselves. Growing up I saw injustices that I wanted to do something about. Additionally being a lawyer would allow me opportunities to be behind the scenes in entertainment, and to be creative yet powerful. I always knew I wanted to be in a business position of power.
I am a graduate of Florida A & M University, and a law grad of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. I passed the bar exam on the first time as I was eager to get my law career started. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs I knew that I would open Simmons Law. Simmons Law started with a dream and determination. No loans or handouts from family. I started the firm with the same focus areas as I have now. Business as a result of coming from a family of entrepreneurs. Criminal defense due to my passion to help those facing criminal charges, and entertainment law due to my personal experience in the industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hell no! It hasn’t been a smooth road. (laughs). First, lawyers have the most high stress filled careers, behind doctors. Second, entrepreneurship isn’t easy by far. The life of an entrepreneur is like “getting knocked down nine times, but you get up for the 10th time.” Anything worth having doesn’t come easy, and remaining “undefeated in all of my cases taken to trial” hasn’t been easy at all, but living my dreams makes the struggles I face worth it. I do have a “testimony” that often encourages people from all walks of life.
I find it challenging facing the perceptions of young female lawyers, especially being black/native American. It is often a “show and prove yourself” situation before you get the same respect that male counterparts get from the beginning. The law is male-dominated and times it’s hard to remember that it’s okay to be a girl. Finding that balance is sometimes challenging. Additionally, it can be a struggle to balance what I do as a lawyer, and what Tiffany does creatively. In addition to practicing law, I am an author (working on my 5th book) and I am an actor. But when you are living your purpose/passion its all love. Overall, if something comes easy, it won’t last; I was made for this, so I am okay with going down the road less traveled.
Simmons Law – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Simmons Law is the law business of this generation. Although considered a boutique law business I have always modeled Simmons Law after a major corporation. Simmons Law specializes in business, criminal defense, and entertainment law. I am known as “The Plugs Lawyer” mainly because of my success in criminal defense, and of course its the title of my 4th fiction book. I am most proud of the fact that Simmons Law has a track record of consistency, hard work, winning, authenticity, and being reliable. I am known in the community for my philanthropic efforts. We are more than just lawyers, we are the community that we serve. I am proud to be here almost ten years later as a female-owned law business. I am proud that we offer services such as the “Young Lawyers Club Boot camp” which I created to give back to the next generation of up and coming attorneys/law students. I am here because of those who came before me, so it is important for me to invest in those coming after me in the legal profession. I am set apart from others because I am unafraid to be the best ME!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
People envision me as “successful,” and in so many ways I am just that. But the success I seek is more than just accomplishments and accolades. Success to me means that I am creating a legacy for my family; I am changing lives through the profession and the knowledge I obtain/have access too. Success to me is truly building economic independence. Success to me is inspiring my own family, and breaking the “poverty cycle.” The poverty cycle is more than just “I don’t have food to eat.” I strive to change the poverty mindset, starting with myself. I saw my family members work very hard but really didn’t create wealth. I would always say “I don’t want a paycheck to paycheck life.” Even though I have a “profitable career” the lack mentality will leave you stuck. As I prepare to create my own family, success for me is getting past the “I am lacking” mindset to the mindset of abundance. Abundance in mind, body, spirit, finances, family, and more.
Pricing:
- My books can be purchased through Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Nobles price $10-17. Legal services vary based on the case consultation.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4044618422
- Instagram: @officialsimmonslaw or @theplugslawyer
- Twitter: @iamsimmonslaw
- Other: https://simmonslawblog.wordpress.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
