Today we’d like to introduce you to Delton Henderson
Hi Delton, 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?
As a child born to teenage parents and raised by a village of extended family and friends, I did not always feel safe, nurtured or understood. I was emotionally intelligent as a young person, which made me appear soft and exposed me to bullying and name calling. At times, it felt like I was being directed to pursue a narrower path than my natural inclination. Through self-reflection I was able to rebel and devote myself to learning as much as I could about as many things as possible to help me better understand myself and other people.
After my high school graduation, I spent one year at Indiana University where I continued to pursue my interest in theater, dance, and music. I also discovered my preference for interdisciplinary studies as opposed to specializing too early in my academic career. Combining this self-discovery with what I learned about study abroad programs led me to transfer to DePaul University. It was here that I had the opportunity to explore multiple subjects while living abroad. As a student, I lived and or worked in Hungary, Japan, Australia, France, Greece, Zimbabwe, and South Africa all before graduating from college. I chose a similar path during law school when deciding to study at Oxford University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Following law school, my work life was likewise full of breadth, diverse experience, and the opportunity to highlight my interdisciplinary thinking.
Five years ago, I established the Law Office of Delton R Henderson during the COVID pandemic in response to a need for outside general counsel services by small businesses, nonprofits and the people who support them. We focus on a broad range of contractual issues, copyright law, as well as basic estate planning. Our virtual office model allows us to pass along some of this saving to our clients and provide more opportunities for pro-bono work.
The Law Office of Delton R Henderson believes in educating and preparing our clients for the transactional legal challenges they may face during a business deal or setting up an estate plan. Additionally, when things don’t go as well as expected, we can provide insights on various approaches to conflict resolution.
In addition to my private law practice, I am a member of the Commercial and Consumer panels of the American Arbitration Association National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators. Each panel is comprised of accomplished attorneys with exceptional subject-matter expertise, former federal and state judges, and business owners who understand the essence of dispute resolution. Arbitrators are appointed as a neutral third-party with the responsibility for reviewing the evidence and issuing a binding award at the end of the process. In contrast, Mediators are selected to assist disputants in an informal negotiation aimed at reaching a settlement. The difference here is that the parties are responsible for coming up with their own solutions – enhancing the likelihood of a continuing relationship after the dispute is resolved.
While the traditional path to a successful life and career in the legal profession may involve specializing in one area, there are many ways to achieve success in this field. Charting a new path can be frightening, but soon you will realize that this is an opportunity to align your passion and life goals. For me, my work in multiple industries or subject areas lends itself to more empathetic communication, making it easier to relate to people of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. This offers professional value for my clients that is distinct from others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I decided to start my own business under the weight of a global pandemic and pressure of no initial capital, these obstacles seemed insurmountable. So I took a step back to reflect on my feelings and then a few days (or weeks) to allow myself to fully embrace them no matter how uncomfortable it became. The next step was to create a business plan and list of available resources. I also participated in several free continuing legal education courses for more background about starting and running a law practice. For social engagement, I volunteered hundreds of hours as an online legal consultant, working with multiple nonprofit organizations to help people respond to both simple and complex legal issues. I found the autonomy and flexibility of working remotely to be a refreshing change to the conventional work environment. So I decided to start my own virtual law practice. Five years later, we are growing steadily in two states – California and New York.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is known for the way we approach clients in hopes of building a long-term relationship. Whether we are involved in drafting/negotiating a commercial theater lease, revocable living trust, or setting up a nonprofit company, our focus is on achieving an understanding of your legal needs from a prospective that is truly unique – your own. This extends to all aspects of any engagement, including personalized billing models for individuals with modest means. One of the greatest benefits to a client-centered approach is getting involved before a problem arises. As fate would have it, talking to your lawyer during the planning phase of any project can result in cost savings and increased efficiency.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Gardening is my go-to hobby. Why? It’s both a workout and mood booster. It also offers insights about things like perseverance, problem-solving, and trust. Eating your own fruit and vegetables and making flower arrangements with plants from your backyards? These are the spice of life for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lawofficedrh.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lawofficeofdeltonrhenderso5802
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/law-office-of-delton-r-henderson-337ab5296/
