Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career as a public interest attorney in Daytona Beach working for the predecessor of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida in 1998. I worked as an advocate for consumers, the unhoused, people facing evictions and people facing mortgage foreclosure. The next year, I moved to Orlando to work with refugees, asylum seekers and all other kinds of immigrants at Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee Services because I had a passion for helping others who were challenged to navigate the complex US immigration system. And as an immigrant myself who grew up in South Florida, and able to speak multiple languages, found working with immigrants incredibly fulfilling. I was supported by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) and supported their efforts to build grassroots advocates to strengthen communities in and around central Florida. After an incredibly rewarding 3 year term as the managing attorney at Catholic Charities, I stepped out on faith and moved on to start my own solo practice in 2002. I began building my niche boutique firm first focusing on my skills as an immigration advocate, but my practice evolved into the areas of family law, estate planning, probate administration, alternative dispute resolution and parenting coordination. In more recent years my professional development has included not for profit leadership and participation in shaping dynamic management structures for this century.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life always has challenges; however, what matters is that we navigate any detours and watch out for pitfalls, persevere and overcome obstacles and hindrances in the journey. It is a challenge to manage a busy law practice and maintain a healthy family but with divine support, I believe all things are possible. The fortunate fact for me is that my practice was already thriving when I decided to have a family about 5 years in, thus the challenges of balancing both, while daunting, was something I had to learn to achieve. When the second child came three years later and my practice was affected, it was an opportunity to retool and pivot in a way that actually helped me navigate the pandemic years. Now, work life balance as a busy professional, lawyer and mother is par for the course if I want all meaningful aspects of my life to be a success. It was also a tremendous challenge to be given a diagnosis of breast cancer in January 2024 but through the grace of God and refocusing career and life objectives, a lot of prayer and divine intervention, I was able to overcome and get through all the hardships being self employed with minimal health insurance creates in today’s world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I began my firm in 2002 as a boutique law firm engaged in immigration law, both affirmative and defensive practice which means I went to Immigration Court a lot in my early years. I use my language skills and undergraduate studies in Political Science and my Masters in Latin American and Caribbean Studies to enhance my understanding of many prospective clients although I assist clients from all corners of the globe including Europe, Asia and the Middle and near East. I also practice family law and work with clients before, during and those ending their marriage through divorce. I mediate family law cases and facilitate conflict resolution. I provide estate planning services and assist in probate administration when family members transition from this life. I also provide assistance in other areas of law on a case by case basis but mostly advise small business clients, a few not for profits, and parents navigating both the health or school system for the well being of a special needs child with an Individual Education or 504 Plan.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have only had divine intervention and encouragement because I believe when God is with you, “luck” has no place. I believe my steps have been ordered by God because HE knows the plans HE has for me, to prosper me and not to harm me; and in any case, I believe every disappointment is an opportunity to grow in knowledge, skill and wisdom. When you seek the wisdom of God, I don’t think you can go wrong; therefore, I partner with God to allow HIS guidance in many decisions and in all circumstances. It was a challenge in 2024 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was worried for my practice, my family AND my own life, but I surrendered it all to God because worrying does NOT make you well nor is it comfort, but when I rested in the knowledge of my relationship with God, and went through the process prayerfully, I came out the other side, stronger physically, spiritually and cancer free also. I can tell people the journey was a major trial of life as a single mother of two and sole practitioner but God was with me at every medical appointment and through every surgery and even while I groaned through physical therapy. God is faithful as I am still here to say and my practice is thriving.
Pricing:
- Pricing may be flat fee or hourly but is case specific
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nadinebrownpa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquire.brown
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NadineABrownLaw/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-brown-4945637
Image Credits
First 3 photos Rooted Love Photography and the 4th is ADN Multimedia
