Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lizamarie Mohammed. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lizamarie, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
How I Overcame a Layoff and Reinvented My Career
This is a timely question for me. I started my journey in law school with a passion for reproductive health policy, aiming to make an impact either internationally or domestically. For over a decade, I worked in reproductive and maternal health policy, from established think tanks to startups pushing boundaries and engaging unexpected stakeholders. It was the dream—until it wasn’t.
Amid the pandemic, I left my dream job to recharge, but when I returned to the workforce, I joined a startup that seemed full of promise. Unfortunately, the organization faced funding challenges, and I was part of the first round of layoffs. At that point, I had already seen the writing on the wall and made a bold move: I applied to take the bar exam, despite juggling full-time work, parenting, and late-night study sessions.
When the layoff came, I saw it as an opportunity to focus on studying for the bar and expanding my horizons. Soon after, I learned that I passed the bar—and with it came a pivotal question: What’s next? It was the unwavering support of my family, colleagues, and friends that helped me answer that question with clarity. They reminded me of my value beyond any job and gave me the courage to take risks.
While navigating a major career shift, I was also dealing with family matters, including addressing some lingering issues in my father’s estate. He passed away when I was just 10 years old, and strangely enough, there was still unfinished business that needed to be resolved. Ironically, the part of the bar exam that resonated most with me was estates and trusts—something I never thought would capture my interest! That combination of personal and professional experiences led me to a new direction: founding my own law firm, LM Law, focused on estate planning and asset protection.
I realized that many people, including those without dependents, are intimidated by estate planning and the costs associated with hiring an attorney. My goal is to simplify this process and empower people to make informed decisions, ensuring that their loved ones are supported and their wishes honored, without unnecessary complications later.
At the same time, I leaned into another passion of mine—creating art. I turned to it as both an outlet and an opportunity, launching Made by Lizamarie, my small artist business where I design unique handmade pieces. What started as a side project quickly became another avenue for creativity, balance, and connection.
Starting my own law firm and creative business was intimidating, but it became clear that this was the path I was meant to take. With each rejection from traditional jobs, I felt more affirmed that pursuing this new direction was the right choice—for me and my family.
In the end, overcoming a layoff wasn’t just about finding another job—it was about taking a step back, reflecting on my strengths, and embracing the possibility of creating something new. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was made possible by surrounding myself with a supportive network that believed in me. That gave me the confidence to take a chance on myself and ultimately reinvent my career.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Finding Purpose in Law and Creativity
I wear two very different hats in my professional life—both of which bring me immense fulfillment. By day, I run LM Law, PLLC my estate planning and asset protection law firm. By night (and sometimes in between!), I create art through Made by Lizamarie, my small business featuring handmade designs.
LM Law was born out of both personal experience and professional passion. Estate planning can feel overwhelming, and too often, people avoid it until it’s too late. My goal is to make the process more accessible and approachable, ensuring that individuals and families—no matter their size or financial situation—can protect what matters most. What excites me most about this work is the peace of mind I can provide to my clients. I love being able to help people take control of their legacy, whether it’s through a simple will, a trust, or broader asset protection strategies.
At the same time, Made by Lizamarie allows me to explore my creative side. Art has always been an outlet for me, and turning it into a small business has been both exciting and rewarding. I specialize in handmade, heartfelt designs that reflect joy, resilience, and personal storytelling. Each piece I create is infused with meaning, and I love seeing how my art connects with people in ways I never expected.
What’s New?
Exciting things are happening in both of my businesses!
For LM Law, I am rolling out educational resources and workshops designed to simplify estate planning and help people take proactive steps—whether they’re just starting out or updating existing plans. Estate planning can often feel overwhelming or complicated, but my goal is to make it more accessible and empowering for everyone. I will also launch virtual estate planning consultations and meetings, providing busy professionals and families with a convenient way to protect their assets from the comfort of their own homes.
Over at Made by Lizamarie, I am expanding my collection to include more functional pieces like reading glasses holders, paper towel holders, and dinnerware—while still creating fun, punchy gifts for friends and loved ones. I love blending practicality with personality, making everyday items feel special and unique.
At the heart of both LM Law, PLLC and Made by Lizamarie is my passion for helping people—whether through legal guidance or creative expression. I’d love for folks to connect with me and be part of this journey!
Visit LM Law, PLLC to learn more about estate planning, and explore my art at Made by Lizamarie.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking Back, What Were the Three Most Impactful Qualities, Skills, or Areas of Knowledge in Your Journey?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of empathy. These qualities have shaped not only how I navigate challenges but also how I approach both my legal career and my artistic endeavors.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks—whether it was the layoff or juggling multiple responsibilities—has been crucial. There are times when things don’t go as planned, but it’s how we respond to those moments that define us. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to embrace failure as part of the process. Don’t let a setback deter you; instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Building resilience starts with practicing self-compassion and maintaining the mindset that challenges are temporary.
Adaptability: In both law and art, being able to pivot and adapt is key. For me, switching from reproductive health policy to founding my own law firm and embracing a creative side through Made by Lizamarie required a great deal of flexibility. It’s easy to feel like you need to follow a specific path, but the ability to embrace change and be open to new opportunities has been invaluable. I recommend staying curious and open to different possibilities. Don’t be afraid to shift gears, especially when your interests or passions evolve.
Empathy: Whether I’m helping a client with their estate plan or creating a piece of art, understanding people’s needs and emotions has always been central to my work. In law, this means being compassionate and understanding when discussing sensitive topics like death and inheritance. As an artist, it’s about creating pieces that resonate with others on a personal level. For those early in their journey, my advice would be to practice active listening and seek to understand others’ perspectives. Cultivating empathy helps build trust, connections, and a sense of fulfillment in whatever you do.
Advice for Those Early in their Journey
For those just starting out after a major event or set back, my best advice is to remain open-minded and proactive. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out immediately. Allow yourself to experiment, learn from others, and be okay with taking detours along the way. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and people who inspire you. They can offer invaluable insight and keep you grounded as you figure out your unique path.
Invest in developing skills that align with both your personal values and your professional aspirations—whether that’s resilience, adaptability, or other critical skills. And always remember: your journey is uniquely yours, and the path may not always look linear, but that’s where the magic happens.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Who is Your Ideal Client?
For LM Law, my ideal client is someone who values clarity and peace of mind when it comes to their estate planning. Whether they’re an individual or a family, I work best with clients who understand the importance of planning ahead to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored. My clients often seek a personalized, approachable experience, where they can ask questions and feel heard throughout the process.
I love working with busy professionals and young families who may feel overwhelmed by the idea of estate planning but know that it’s something they need to address. My ideal client isn’t necessarily someone who has a lot of wealth, but someone who wants to make sure that their loved ones are supported and their legacy is secure. I’m here to simplify the process and guide them step by step, ensuring they feel empowered to make decisions that reflect their values.
For Made by Lizamarie, my ideal client is someone who is looking for unique, handcrafted pieces that add both beauty and function to their lives. Whether they’re buying something special for themselves or searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, my clients appreciate thoughtful design and personalized creations. I love working with people who enjoy meaningful, one-of-a-kind items that bring a sense of joy, style, and creativity to their daily routines.
In both businesses, my ideal client values authenticity, creativity, and quality. Whether it’s helping someone secure their future through estate planning or creating a meaningful piece of art, I want to work with individuals who are looking for a personal touch and are ready to take the next step in their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: lmlawdc.com and https://www.etsy.com/shop/madebyLizamarie
- Instagram: @lmlawdc & @handmadebylizamarie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lm-law-pllc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lm-law-washington-2
Image Credits
Headshot credit: District Photog, Saoussen Besrour
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