Meet Angelik “angie” Holloway

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angelik “angie” Holloway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelik “Angie”, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

Empathy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for those navigating the treacherous waters of legal issues. For small business owners, these challenges can be particularly daunting. My approach to empathetic lawyering was forged in the crucible of my own life experiences, compelling me to understand and alleviate the burdens my clients face.
Growing up, I grappled with abandonment issues stemming from my parents’ addiction. This personal struggle instilled in me a keen sense of vulnerability. My sisters and I would spend Thanksgiving Day serving at soup kitchens, where I would listen to stories from individuals without housing. Despite the varied backgrounds, there was a common thread of misfortune compounded by a lack of resources. At a very young age, I understood how easily a single decision could have steered me toward a similar fate.
My first brush with the legal world came as a 20-year-old, embroiled in a landlord-tenant dispute. I learned the hard way that if you don’t write it down, it didn’t happen. Lacking the necessary evidence, I ended up agreeing to a $3,000 payment plan for so-called damages to my apartment after moving out. This experience underscored the importance of documentation and fairness, both of which are often overlooked in everyday legal challenges.
From my childhood days serving at soup kitchens to my adult encounters with legal issues, I’ve always been acutely aware of how crucial empathy is. These experiences, combined with my training in client-centered lawyering at UCLA Law, have shaped my approach to practicing empathetic lawyering.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that lawyering is about providing support to people during their most vulnerable times. Unfortunately, our industry often neglects to teach the soft skills necessary to do this effectively, much to the detriment of the client. Empathy and understanding should be at the forefront of any legal practice, especially when dealing with small business owners who may feel overwhelmed by legal jargon and hierarchies.
Through my own traumas, service to others, and firsthand experience as a non-lawyer, I understand what it’s like to need direction and compassion. Whether you’re unsure about how a law applies to your business, dealing with a lawsuit, or facing an incomprehensible fine, my goal is to offer a different kind of attorney-client relationship—one rooted in empathy, devoid of legalese, and designed to foster collaboration.

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?

Once upon a time, in the heart of Georgia, a small business lawyer named Angie Holloway made it her mission to build a different kind of law office. She spent her days at the acclaimed Edmonds Law Office, and as the heart of this firm, Angie delivered a unique approach to the often mundane world of business law.
Her clients were seasoned professionals, each with a story of determination and resilience that found them at the helm of their own successful businesses for more than two years. These were individuals who had battled multiple legal representatives, been drained by convoluted fee structures, and were now eager to experience a more dynamic, rewarding attorney-client relationship.
At Edmonds Law Office, they found that and much more. Angie offered the bespoke service of a dedicated attorney, who valued clear communication and regular updates. She was committed to proactive legal strategies that protected not only her clients’ assets but their peace of mind.
The cornerstone of her practice was her Outside General Counsel services—a unique offering with limited slots, appealing to those ready to invest beyond basic templates and DIY solutions. However, the true magic rested in the heart of their interactions. Angie was far more than a name on a letterhead; she was a partner in their journey.
Angie’s work in these domains—be it tackling Employment Manuals, Master Services Agreements, or Vendor Agreements—was always executed with a high-touch approach and meticulous detail. Angie is excited to announce the launch of a new signature program: The Contract Rehab Program–a strategic program designed to address all five most misunderstood contracts over the course of 60 days. Edmonds Law Office is also launching an exclusive offer for Georgia medical doctors in Q4 of 2024–a program for doctor owned practices to address the most challenging legal risks of managing a medical practice without malpractice.
What made Edmonds Law Office truly unique, though, was its ethos. Angie endeavored to foster meaningful relationships with her clients, imbued with intersectional lawyering, grounded advice, and a dose of empathetic touch. No overpromises, no underdeliveries, and no vacant promises. Instead, it was honest, straightforward, personalized legal service that put the client’s needs first.
And so, at Edmonds Law Office, the story continues—a narrative of a different sort of law office, committed to building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional services with a human touch.

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?

My entrepreneurial and legal journey has been shaped by three essential qualities: a commitment to exceptional service, the power of pivoting, and continuous learning through coaching. These pillars have guided me through challenges and led to significant growth and success.

When I started Edmonds Law, my goal was simple yet ambitious—to provide exceptional service to every client. I quickly learned that achieving this requires an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Over the almost five-year span of my firm, we’ve audited our systems more than 20 times. This process involves examining every aspect of our operations, from phone systems to case management software and even our scheduling process.
For instance, early on, we discovered that our phone system was inefficient and often left clients waiting for extended periods. We switched providers and implemented a more user-friendly system. This change alone significantly improved client satisfaction. We didn’t stop there; each quarter, we ask ourselves, “How can this be improved to provide a better client experience? How can we better explain this? How can we make it easier for the client?” This relentless pursuit of excellence has been a game-changer for us.
However, embodying this quality has not been without its challenges. For a long time, I wore all the hats—lawyer, manager, marketer, and more. Delegating tasks was another hurdle; I’ve delegated to unqualified individuals, resulting in costly mistakes. These experiences taught me the high cost of ignorance and the importance of hiring the right people for the right roles.
Continuous improvement through regular audits is essential for business growth and client satisfaction. This practice has led to significant operational enhancements and a more streamlined client experience. Through this, I’ve learned that an unwavering commitment to exceptional service is non-negotiable for long-term success. It builds trust and loyalty, setting you apart from competitors.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being able to pivot effectively. At Edmonds Law, we transitioned from focusing on civil rights to business law—a shift that was both challenging and transformative. In business, I believe that the business should serve its’ founders. I found that the emotional toll of civil rights litigation was not sustainable because it was making me ill. So, I elected to choose another path that better aligned with my self-care goals.
During this transition, poor planning led to losing over 50% of our revenue. It was a harsh lesson in the cost of ignoring market trends and the importance of strategic planning. However, this experience also highlighted the necessity of timely execution when making significant business shifts.
The biggest challenge was the financial hit we took due to poor planning. We failed to understand the magnitude of the practice area change. Ultimately, this setback served as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and adaptability.
In my first year of business, I hired a coach who taught me the importance of delegation and schedule blocking. This investment in coaching was invaluable, helping me identify weaknesses and learn effective strategies for managing my time and resources.
Continuous learning is another pillar of my professional growth. Developing expertise is an ongoing journey that requires a dedication to seeking out new knowledge and skills. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study, staying ahead in the legal field demands a commitment to continuous learning.
Coaching has been instrumental in identifying weaknesses and learning effective delegation strategies. It has not only improved my efficiency but also the team’s overall effectiveness. Developing expertise through continuous learning is vital for staying ahead in the entrepreneurial field. As a first generation law firm owner, I elected to pay for expertise in lieu of spending months and months of trial and error. In addition to coaching, business books have been instrumental in cultivating the CEO mindset.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Growing up, I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the lessons my mom and grandma imparted on me. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized how their actions had fundamentally shaped who I am today.
My mom’s struggle with addiction and her subsequent recovery was a profound lesson in resilience. Witnessing her battle was like watching someone claw their way out of a dark abyss, inch by painful inch. She faced unbelievable challenges—finding a job, securing an apartment, and eventually purchasing her first home. Each step was fraught with difficulties, like paying sky-high interest rates for a car from a buy-here-pay-here lot, but she persisted nonetheless.
Through her, I learned compassion for individuals who use drugs to cope with trauma. Her life taught me that everyone has a story, and sometimes their choices are mechanisms for survival. This compassion fuels my work today, helping me advocate for clients with empathy and understanding.
But my mom also instilled in me a love for reading. She organized reading contests for my sisters and me, turning what could have been a chore into a thrilling competition. This love for reading became a bedrock for my academic preparation and remains a vital part of my career in law and my self-care routine. To this day, I read 3-4 books a month to feed my mind and nourish my spirit.
My grandmother, who also raised me, was a woman of immense strength and wisdom. Despite her humble beginnings on a farm in Mendenhall, Mississippi, and her inconsistent access to formal education, she possessed an extraordinary ability to critically evaluate systems and challenge the status quo. She taught me that I could create the life I wanted, regardless of the obstacles in my path.
When I told her at the age of seven or eight that I wanted to have my own law firm, she looked at me with unwavering confidence and said, “Of course you will.” Her words were more than just encouragement; they were a powerful affirmation of my potential. She empowered me to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve those dreams.
Reflecting on these experiences fills me with immense gratitude, deep affection, and appreciation for these two incredible women. Their lessons have fortified my character, helping me become an advocate not just for myself but for others as well.
While I didn’t understand as a child how these lessons would shape my future, as an adult, I am incredibly grateful for the foundations they laid. My mom’s resilience and my grandmother’s empowerment have framed my perspective, allowing me to approach life with both compassion and ambition.
These lessons have made me who I am today—a resilient, compassionate, and empowered individual, ready to challenge the status quo and create the life I want. And for that, I am forever thankful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aedmondslaw.com
• Instagram: @aedmondslaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aedmondslaw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edmonds-law-office1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@edmondslawoffice
• Other: Booking link: https://calendly.com/angie-edmondslaw-newclients