Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Meyer.
Hi Jan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. I immigrated to the United States, specifically to Brooklyn, in 1998, at the age of sixteen. I attended Ramapo College of New Jersey on a merit scholarship after graduating from high school and after taking three years off to raise my children, attended Hofstra University School of Law. I was six years old when I first voiced that I wanted to be an attorney and I carried that dream with me, across oceans, through some trying times and through 3 years of law school. Graduating from law school in 2010 was a little barefooted island girl’s dream realized. I started my estate planning law practice in 2011 in Dana Point, CA focused on providing an alternative experience to what was already around; a law practice run by a young black mom, who wasn’t afraid of technology or challenging the status quo of how legal services were being provided. My practice has evolved to encompass not only estate planning but estate administration as well. The comment I get from clients the most is that planning with me was painless and fun. I believe it is a great accomplishment when death and fun are used in the same sentence. Prior to the pandemic, we were already moving the practice toward virtual services but it was a slow process. The pandemic accelerated this effort where we are largely virtual utilizing technology to deliver services to clients across the state of California with quality and efficient estate planning and estate administration services.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No path is smooth all the way through. During my sophomore year of college, I got pregnant with my son. My boyfriend and I were no longer together by the time I found out I was expecting. It was very challenging trying to balance school and single motherhood but I was very lucky to have a strong support system. With their help, I was able to keep my scholarship, attend full-time and graduate on time.
Starting and running my business has been no different. In law school, we are taught how to think like a lawyer, not how to be a lawyer and definitely not how to run a business. This journey has been a lot of trial and error. For years, I worked on the lawyering part and gained mild successful. There were many years where I wanted to quit my business and just get a job in a firm. My husband was very instrumental in talking me off that ledge and to keep at this. Our family also needed to have one flexible parent around so working for a firm was not a desirable option. About 5 years ago, I read a book, The E-Myth Lawyer by Michael E. Gerber. This book changed my mindset and helped me to view my law practice as a business. I have had to learn how to be a businessperson as well as a lawyer. I have also struggled and continue to deal with imposter syndrome. But I battle the voices in my head so that I can continue to grow this business.
We’ve been impressed with Meyer Estate Law, PC, 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?
We are a boutique estate planning and estate administration law practice that assists families and individuals with creating estate plans that reflect their priorities and preserve their family’s legacy. For families who are left grieving with an unplanned estate to contend with, we come in and assist with the probate administration process; we take care of the legalities so families can focus on the tough job of grieving their deceased loved one. Our approach to estate planning is FAMILY First focused; ensuring that the plan we help create will protect those family relationships and avoid or lessen conflict. We leverage available technological advances and systems to deliver an easy, organized and efficient client service process. This allows us to meet the needs of clients throughout the state of California without sacrificing client service.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely venture, made much easier and more enjoyable by having a tribe who you can share the experience with; who you can learn from and who can learn from you. With the ease of social media, community doesn’t have to be in person anymore. During the pandemic, I was able to connect with lawyer moms on Facebook, who were all on a similar journey as myself. These legal boss ladies continue to be my online community and when we have met in person, it has truly felt like reconnecting with old friends. Don’t neglect in-person networking; however, don’t discount the power of online connections either.
Contact Info:
- Website: danapointwills.com
- Instagram: @meyeresqfamilyprotection
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/meyeresqfamilyprotection
- Youtube: @themeyeruniversity7380
Image Credits
1. Jan working in her home office- Photographer Kait McKay 2. (acr0ss)Jan at the New York launch party of her inaugural children’s book- Luna Eclipse. For more information, visit rumshoppublishing.com, Photographer Daniela Fra 3. New logo after the 2023 rebrand 4. Winning gold for best law firm in Dana Point Times Best of Dana Point competition. We’ve won gold two years in a row.
