We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samah Abukhodeir. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samah below.
Hi Samah , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My sense of generosity is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I grew up in a family where my parents worked tirelessly, holding several jobs, to sustain me and my two younger sisters. Despite their relentless efforts, hard work and sacrifices we faced a significant lack of opportunities and resources. This challenging environment instilled in me not only a strong work ethic but also a profound understanding of the importance of support and giving back. My parents’ sacrifices highlighted the impact of generosity on a community, especially for those who are struggling. This upbringing shaped my desire to help others and informed my commitment to creating avenues for support and empowerment in my professional and personal life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, we’re passionate about helping the vibrant and diverse communities across Florida. We have a special focus on Miami’s Caribbean and Latin American populations, as well as the extensive Arab and Muslim communities throughout the state. We pride ourselves on our ability to connect deeply with our clients’ varied cultural backgrounds, ensuring we meet their unique needs during life’s toughest moments—like death and divorce. Our approach is all about understanding and empathy. Plus, our work in Collaborative Family Law is really exciting; it’s a more holistic and cooperative method compared to traditional divorce proceedings, helping everyone involved to work together respectfully.
I also teach as an Adjunct Professor at Florida International University and contribute to several key committees, including the Florida Probate Rules Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. These roles help me promote inclusivity and understanding in the legal field. We’re all about creating a team-first approach at our firm, which helps foster a positive and supportive work environment. This way, we can deliver top-notch service to our clients. We’re there for our clients when they need us most, offering not just legal help but genuine support. Looking ahead, we’re excited about expanding our team and services to keep making a positive impact on our community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, empathy has been crucial. It’s about more than just understanding what someone is going through; it’s about genuinely connecting with their emotions and experiences. This quality has enabled me to support clients effectively during their most vulnerable times. For those starting out, I recommend actively working on empathy by listening more and trying to see things from others’ perspectives.
Second, adaptability has been essential, especially in a field as dynamic as law. The ability to adjust to new laws, technologies, and client needs quickly is invaluable. To hone this skill, I suggest embracing change rather than resisting it. Seek out varied experiences that challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, whether that’s through taking on different types of cases or roles, or pursuing continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Finally, a robust foundation in legal expertise is indispensable. This goes beyond just knowing the law; it’s about understanding how to apply it to help your clients effectively. For those early in their careers, I recommend focusing intensely on learning—not just in your specialty area but across a broad range of legal topics. Additionally, finding a mentor in the field can provide insights and guidance that are crucial for your growth and understanding.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe it’s crucial to focus on our strengths and complement our not so strong skills by collaborating with individuals who excel in areas we may not. This strategy maximizes our potential and creates a synergistic environment, where everyone’s unique abilities contribute to the team’s overall success.
In my experience, concentrating on my interpersonal skills has allowed me to forge deeper connections with clients and navigate them through challenging legal situations effectively. Recognizing my limitations with emerging technologies, I involved experts in this field to enhance our firm’s operations. This approach not only improved our efficiency but also enriched our service delivery, demonstrating the value of a diverse and well-rounded team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.floridaprobateandfamilylaw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerladyboss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridaprobatefamilylawyer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-florida-probate-family-law-firm/mycompany/
- Twitter: lawyerladyboss
Image Credits
Jose Mena
