We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Hill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.
Justin, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
When I first started my law practice, a lot of people told me that I shouldn’t open a law firm right out of law school. Everyone had different reasons, but there were many more people telling my why I should not rather than why I should. Ultimately, I stuck to my gut, started my law firm, and now I’ve been running for just over two years. I have an amazing paralegal and have successfully represented hundreds of clients in just over two years of being open. And I am only growing and getting better.
My experience with the backlash I received at the beginning taught me a lot, though. A lot about people and a lot about myself.
First, some people will try to discourage you from your goals because they’re just haters. Identify those people and stay away from them.
Second, everyone views the world through the lens of their own perspective. Some people will discourage you from doing something simply because they were not able to do it or because they have not seen anyone do it. That’s fine. Everyone is different. Just because one person can’t do something doesn’t mean the next person can’t. There’s a first time for everything.
Third, sometimes people will discourage you from taking a certain path because they genuinely care about you. They understand how difficult your aspirations may be and they want you to have a safer or simpler route to success. These people can be family, friends, loved ones, mentors, etc. They genuinely care about you and want to see you succeed, but don’t want to see you struggle. However, even though their advice is out of love, does not necessarily mean it’s the best advice for you. Cherish these people and appreciate the fact that they care about your success, but, at the end of the day, know yourself and what you are capable of. If you believe in yourself and have a plan towards accomplishing that goal, don’t let someone discourage you, even if it’s out of love.
Fourth, never take another person’s discouraging words personal. If they’re hating, it doesn’t matter. They’re losers. If it’s out of love, take their concerns into consideration because they may present valid obstacles that you need to be prepared for. But, if you’re serious about your goal, don’t let any discouraging words get you bent out of shape.
Last, you don’t have to share your vision with everyone. When you have a vision that’s extraordinary, everyone is not going to understand it. That’s perfectly okay. There’s no need in wasting your breath trying to convince someone that your vision is valid. Because 9 times out of 10, they’re not going to see it regardless of what you say. Just do it. Keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My practice focuses on criminal defense and personal injury law. I have represented clients in criminal cases ranging from DUI and minor drug crimes to serious felonies such as aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and RICO. I also represent clients who have been injured in car accidents, slip and falls, or injured due to the negligence of a homeowner or business.
I really enjoy practicing law, especially my criminal cases. I almost look at it like solving a puzzle. Each case is a different puzzle to solve and it’s about finding the right piece or that hole in the state’s case. It’s mentally challenging, which is cool, and I am always learning new ways to approach different cases to get the best results for my clients.
I also make music in my spare time. I have music on all streaming platforms, and my most recent project is titled “It’s Cap, to be Honest.” Check that out.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities/skills that have been most important in my journey have been resilience, humility, and networking. Resilience keeps you going. Humility keeps you learning. Your network is your net worth. Networking gives you access to knowledge and clients.
Resilience and humility are intrinsic qualities that have to come from within. To be resilient you just have to make up in your mind that you’re going to keep going. Have a “why” and never forget that. Even when times get rough, remember why you started. To be humble, you just have to understand that you’re no better than the next person. Especially when you’re starting out. You don’t know everything and clients aren’t going to come to you just because of who you think you are. You have to give clients a reason to come to you. And once they come, you have to give them a reason to keep coming back or send you referrals.
When it comes to networking, I recommend finding people who are thriving in the field that you’re in and just talk to them. Ask questions. There were many times when I would be in court and see an older lawyer give a good argument, and I would go up to them and tell them how dope they were and just spark a conversation. I’ve made some lasting connections like that. Everyone won’t be as approachable and willing to help, but that’s fine. Forget them. There will be plenty of people out there willing to help.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Being a business owner can definitely be overwhelming. If you’re all in, it can be easy to forget that you have a life outside of work. It’s imperative to have a healthy release outside of work. Mine is working out. I go to the gym around 5-6 days per week. I prefer going in the evening after work because it’s a way to unwind after the day. Any stress that I’ve had during the day, I can let it go in the gym. Put it back into my body in a healthy way. Just find that thing that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, walking, cooking, playing an instrument, whatever. Make time for it. Your mental health is important. You’ll be able to produce better at work when you keep a healthy release in your routine.
Faith is also important. Faith in yourself, but also faith in God. There will be times, especially early on, when you will wonder where that next client is going to come from or how you’re going to pay your bills next month. But, if you keep faith and keep going, it always works out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jhf-law.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realj.hill/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-hill-esq-269a73132/
