Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetria L. Graves.
Hi Demetria L., we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a Certified Family Law Specialist and the Founder of The Graves Law Firm, serving Los Angeles county, I handle all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, modifications, paternity, visitation rights, and other related legal issues in California. I am a family law advocate that is committed to getting my client’s lives back on track in a way that is both efficient and affordable. I guide my clients through the legal process with compassion and personally attend to each client. Born and raised in Pasadena, CA, my parents were dedicated to my success and always encouraged me to strive for greatness and knew early on, I would most likely go to law school. From a very early age, it was always instilled in me to follow my dreams and always reach back to assist as many others as possible. Inspiring others, especially women, has now become my life purpose! I want to make it as easy as possible for young girls to feel inspired and go after their wildest dreams.
A graduate of UC Berkeley and Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, I learned how to own and operate my business at just 25 years old, right out of law school, without much guidance. Over the years, I have strengthened my management and ownership skills and I am honored to operate my law practice and assist other women in doing the same. When I opened my firm, there wasn’t a guide to show me how to establish a sustainable practice, so I wrote a book -during the pandemic- to help aspiring women firm owners on their journey. It includes a step-by-step guide to law firm ownership and interviews with seven successful law firm founders. The book “When Women Run the Firm: How to successfully launch and manage your law practice with confidence” will be available for purchase on Amazon in June 2021. I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience both founding and running a successful law firm with other women.
In addition to my book, you can catch me hosting my weekly podcast ‘Legally Uncensored’, available for download on Apple Podcast. The podcast is perfect for those that are curious about navigating the legal system or just curious about celebrity legal drama, as I break down the latest celebrity legal headlines and discusses how listeners can best handle these types of legal challenges should they arise in their own lives.
A firm believer in giving back, I have Co-ChairEd the African American Alumni Association at Loyola Law School, where I mentored several law students and young attorneys. I have Chaired and Co-Chaired the California Women Lawyers Judicial Selection Committee and I am a Past President of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. Currently I serve as the Secretary of Family Law Executive Committee of the California Lawyers Association. During my tenure in each position, I work and continue to work diligently to ensure diversity in the legal profession and I work with my colleagues across all organizations to provide informative programs for lawyers of color and women.
I am the proud recipient of many honors and awards over the years. Some of my accolades include: Daily Journal’s 2021 Top Women Lawyers; Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2021 ‘Most Influential Minorities: Attorneys’ list; Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2020 ‘Thriving in their 40s’ list; National Bar Association’s ‘Top 40 under 40’ in 2018; ‘Southern California Super Lawyer ‘ since 2016, and prior to that, ‘Southern California Rising Star’.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first opened The Graves Law Firm in 2005, as with most industries, family law was dominated by men, primarily white men. I would like to think that the culture is changing due to the “Me too” movement, the inclusion of women and minorities in all industries, and COVID. But prior to this time, I always knew I had to work twice as hard as my sometimes-mediocre male colleagues. What I have learned for sure is that you must understand the ins and out of your business. For me, I had to learn the business of operating a law practice, such as your city licensing, firm management, payroll, systems, and the day-to-day operations that everyone understands. Business is a marathon, not a sprint, and slow and easy is still my current model. You must always be open to learning, sharpening your skills, and becoming the best you can possibly be. We are all ‘practicing’ law which provides space for us to always grow and perfect our skills.
We’ve been impressed with The Graves Law Firm, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a Certified Family Law Specialist and the Founder of The Graves Law Firm, serving Los Angeles county, I handle all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, modifications, paternity, visitation rights, and other related legal issues in California. I am a family law advocate that is committed to getting my client’s lives back on track in a way that is both efficient and affordable. I guide my clients through the legal process with compassion and personally attend to each client. I also assist women in the legal profession to feel empowered to start their own law practice.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Law firm ownership and business ownership, in general, is not for the faint at heart. It sometimes takes 10-15 years to be an “overnight” sensation. Successful business ownership requires commitment, resilience, and patience. When I opened my firm, there wasn’t a guide to show me how to establish a sustainable practice, so I wrote a book (during the pandemic) to help aspiring women firm owners on their journey. It includes a step-by-step guide to law firm ownership and interviews with seven successful law firm founders. The book “When Women Run the Firm: How to successfully launch and manage your law practice with confidence” will be available for purchase on Amazon in June 2021. In the meantime, here is a link to a free action guide for women to jump start their woman-owned law firm: https://firmactionguide.ck.page/a05c31a9fd?fbclid=IwAR2q5e_lo09TtzxUCva6j6exs9043_zZ51bl20T6Bom-jaH4sGffmOSMbqg
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.losangeles-divorcelaw.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graveslawfirm/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCqfpLkZ6qwQvBVsqsT9Etw
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legally-uncensored-with-attorney-demetria-l-graves/id1551191643
Image Credits:
Pasadena Magazine —–> gets photo credit for the two photos of Demetria in the purple dress
