We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Attorney Te D. Smith, Esq.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Attorney Te D. below.
Attorney Te D., we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from the challenges I faced growing up. From kindergarten through eighth grade, I struggled with illiteracy. Every day was a battle to keep up in school, and I constantly felt like I was falling behind. It was frustrating and, at times, discouraging, but it also taught me something valuable: perseverance.
When you’re faced with a challenge that big at such a young age, you either give up or you find a way to push through. I chose to push through. I worked harder, asked for help when I needed it, and refused to let my circumstances define me. That same attitude carried me through college, law school, and into my legal career.
Overcoming illiteracy taught me that no obstacle is permanent if you’re willing to put in the work and believe in your ability to grow. Today, as a lawyer, I carry those lessons with me. Whether I’m solving a client’s problem or navigating complex legal issues, I approach every situation with the same determination and grit I developed during those early years.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more grateful for the challenges that shaped me. They taught me to never underestimate the power of persistence. If I can inspire someone else to push past their obstacles and achieve their goals, then that’s the greatest success of all.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
SAG Law is in an exciting chapter right now, and our growth is driven by our deep commitment to serve both businesses and individuals. As we continue to expand our presence in Grand Rapids, MI, we’re not just growing as a law firm—we’re becoming a true partner in the community. Personally, I’ve been getting more involved in local boards and initiatives to strengthen our ties with the area, and it’s inspiring to see the many ways we can make a lasting impact.
One initiative I’m particularly passionate about is our expanding wealth management and estate planning outreach. We believe that everyone, regardless of their financial status, can benefit from having a plan in place for their future. From individuals just starting out to those looking to secure their family’s legacy, we’re here to help educate and empower people to take control of their financial and personal legacies. This philosophy extends not just to individuals, but also to small businesses, where planning for succession and risk management is crucial for long-term success.
At SAG Law, we understand that business law is essential for fostering growth, stability, and sustainability for our clients. Whether we’re advising on corporate governance, navigating mergers and acquisitions, or helping small businesses with contracts and compliance, we’re deeply invested in helping businesses thrive. Our approach to business law is holistic—we don’t just focus on the legal aspects, but on building relationships that enable businesses to grow confidently and responsibly.
The client experience is central to everything we do, which is why we’re constantly innovating to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Whether through personalized legal services, educational programs, or public speaking engagements, our goal is to make the law accessible, impactful, and relevant—whether it’s helping a startup grow or supporting a municipality in creating stronger, more sustainable environments.
As the current city attorney for Muskegon Heights, MI I’ve seen firsthand how strategic legal guidance can help local governments and businesses work together to build stronger communities. We’re excited to expand this kind of collaborative work to other municipalities and businesses, helping them create thriving, resilient environments for both residents and entrepreneurs.
At SAG Law, our growth is purposeful. Every decision we make is aimed at building trust, fostering relationships, and leaving a legacy—not just for our clients, but for the communities and businesses we serve.
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?
Looking back, I would say that three key qualities really shaped my journey and helped me overcome significant challenges: persistence, the ability to connect with others while communicating effectively, and analytical thinking—especially rooted in my understanding of psychology. These qualities were born out of my own experience growing up with learning disability, and I believe they’ve played a pivotal role in my success today.
First, persistence was something I had to develop early on. Growing up, I faced a lot of struggles with learning—whether it was keeping up with coursework, comprehending complex material, or simply finding ways to stay motivated when things felt impossible. But over time, I learned that persistence wasn’t just about trying harder; it was about being resilient, being willing to keep going even when progress felt slow or setbacks were frequent. I remember moments of frustration, but I also remember the feeling of small victories, and those built up over time. It wasn’t about being the fastest learner; it was about staying committed to learning, no matter how long it took. For anyone facing similar struggles, I can say that persistence makes all the difference. Even when it feels like you’re falling behind, you’re building a foundation that will eventually lead to success.
Effective communication, particularly in public speaking, has been an incredibly valuable tool. Whether presenting to a group, negotiating, or advocating for a cause, the ability to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively opens up many doors. It’s not just a helpful skill; it’s a lucrative one. Being able to connect with people and convey ideas effectively has been essential to my career, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be in influencing outcomes and creating opportunities.
Finally, analytical thinking has been key to solving complex problems. It’s about breaking down information, seeing patterns, and approaching challenges from multiple angles. This skill, honed through both my studies and real-world experiences, has helped me navigate difficult situations, find creative solutions, and make strategic decisions that push me forward.
One of the most important pieces of advice I’d give to anyone early in their career is to seek out mentorship—but not just any mentor. Find someone who is not only knowledgeable in your field, but someone who is genuinely invested in your growth and success. It’s easy to think of mentorship as simply gaining advice from someone experienced, but it’s much more than that.
A great mentor is someone who will advocate for you, help you navigate challenges, and provide feedback that pushes you to improve. They’re not just there to answer questions; they’re there to ensure you’re on the right track, they’ll challenge your thinking, and, most importantly, they’ll help create opportunities for you that you might not have been able to access on your own. This kind of support is crucial when you’re starting out because it can fast-track your development and open doors you wouldn’t otherwise know about.
Also, remember that mentorship doesn’t always have to come from someone at the very top. It can be someone who’s a few steps ahead, someone who’s been through the same challenges and is willing to share their perspective. What matters most is that they’re genuinely engaged in your progression and are willing to push you to be better, not just offer surface-level advice.
Seek out mentors who are invested in your long-term growth. Look for people who will not only give you advice but also challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, offer critical feedback, and actively advocate for your success. That kind of mentorship can make all the difference, especially when you’re early in your career.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did was expand my view of the world. I grew up in ah urban neighborhood where opportunities were limited, and success often felt out of reach. My parents, however, introduced me to a broader perspective—showing me that the world was full of possibilities and that there were opportunities beyond what I saw around me every day.
They also instilled in me strong Christian and Pentecostal values—teaching me to live with integrity, compassion, and a sense of purpose. These values have been my guiding principles, shaping how I approach challenges and relationships. They taught me that success is about more than just personal achievement; it’s about living a meaningful life and contributing to the well-being of others.
Their guidance has helped me believe in the possibilities ahead, even when circumstances seemed limiting, and has shaped my approach to both life and work.
Contact Info:
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