In this episode, Laura dives into her growth strategy, from starting her firm in her living room to making intentional hiring decisions and scaling while staying mission-driven. She also breaks down how she approached financial planning, cash flow, and the importance of knowing when to ask for help. Her perspective on balancing business with empathy, motherhood, and personal leadership makes this episode especially empowering for women and minority entrepreneurs.

🔑 Key Notes & Topics

🎯 Founding Story

1. Survivor of a serious injury at age 3 (German shepherd attack).
2. Channeled that trauma into a passion for justice and advocacy.
3. Initially practiced defense law, then transitioned to plaintiff representation after discovering her true alignment.

📍 Austin as Her Base

1. Fell in love with Austin during law school internships.
2. Returned to build her practice after starting her career in South Texas.

💼 Scaling to 8-Figures

1. Started her firm solo, working from her living room.
2. Grew intentionally by hiring based on mission-alignment, not just skill.
3. First hire: a college student she trained personally.
4. Growth was strategic, beginning with part-time help and building toward a full legal team.

💰 Financial Planning

1. Knew personal injury inside out from her work in other firms.
2. Understood case value, staffing needs, and time to resolution.
3. Recognized her financial knowledge limits—brought in experts, including her husband and bookkeeping help early on.
4. Emphasized not abdicating financial oversight, even when delegating.

💡 Mindset & Strategy

1. Advocates for mission-driven leadership.
2. Prioritized collaboration and culture fit over quick hiring.
3. Sees guilt and imperfection as part of balancing business, motherhood, and life.

🔄 Empathy in Business

1. Built referral networks to help people she couldn’t take on as clients.
2. Values transparency and support in client and team relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“You can have it all—you just have to know there’s going to be guilt.”

Laura challenges the myth that success and family must be mutually exclusive.

“I always wanted to help people who were wronged and trying to find justice.”

Her core motivation, shaped from childhood trauma.

“There’s not enough of me. The need is out there. I couldn’t do it alone.”

On deciding to build a team to amplify her impact.

“I knew what I didn’t know—and I had no ego about it.”

On recognizing her own limits in financial management and bringing in support.

“Passion and perseverance—those are the two things you absolutely need.”

Laura’s response to the signature question on what it takes to be a business owner.