Celebrating and reflecting on ten years in business, Lena Clark shares the story behind her law firm's beginnings, challenges and milestones that have shaped its growth and the lessons she has learned along the way.
What inspired you to start your own law firm, and how has your vision evolved over time?
"My husband played a big role in the beginning. Thirteen years ago, early in our relationship, he shared his five-year plan with someone: I would start a law firm and he would help by creating the website. At the time, I thought it was a naïve idea—it seemed nearly impossible, but three years later, without me even planning for it, he built the website and The Law Office of Lena A. Clark was born."
Your firm has grown from a solo practice to a thriving team. What key moments or decisions contributed to that growth?
"I had to learn to make uncomfortable decisions quickly. Not every choice was perfect, but some proved to be great in the long run. Growth required stepping outside my comfort zone and adapting to challenges."
As your firm expanded, what qualities did you prioritize when hiring team members?
"We focus on hiring smart, driven and positive people who fit our office culture. We move fast and have a lot of systems in place. While certain skills can be taught, attitude and adaptability are qualities we value most. Afterall, you can’t teach the attitude."
Many business owners struggle with delegation. How did you transition from doing everything yourself to trusting a team?
"The key was developing and documenting checklists, manuals and systems. Once those were in place, I was able to hire and train competent, intelligent and passionate people to lead different areas of the firm."
How has growing your team improved the way you serve clients?
"Our expansion has allowed us to create specialized departments, making our processes more efficient. We now have:
● A four-person Estate Planning team with two attorneys
● A two-person Intake and Client Communication department
● Three dedicated Probate employees
● A Marketing/IT specialist
I remain actively involved in the Probate department while also running the firm. We are always looking to grow—if you know an experienced Probate attorney looking to lead an amazing team, send them our way!"
Estate Planning and Probate law are deeply personal. What sets your firm apart in terms of client experience?
"We strive to make Estate Planning and Probate as easy and stress-free as possible. Many people hesitate to reach out because they assume the process is overwhelming and final. In reality, while there are important details to consider, most decisions don’t even end up in the documents. Ultimately, Estate Planning comes down to two key things: choosing the people you trust to handle your affairs and deciding who you want to provide for. We guide clients through these choices in a clear and supportive way."
What’s next for the Law Office of Lena A. Clark? Any exciting plans for the future?
"We moved into our “forever” office space over nine years ago, but at the beginning of this year, we started to outgrow it. To accommodate our growth, we’ve secured additional space nearby. All client-facing activities will remain in Suite 11. Additionally, despite having eleven full-time employees, we’ve never had a dedicated
Operations Manager—until now. We are currently in the process of hiring for this role, which will be a major step in streamlining and strengthening our firm’s operations." LenaClarkLegal.com
“Growth required stepping outside my comfort zone and adapting to challenges.”