It's Official

This week was a step in the right direction for me. I successfully obtained my charter number from the Secretary of State for my law practice. So now my law office is an official LLC business entity in the state of Louisiana. I am the owner of my own business, the registered agent for my business, and since I'm the only member, I'm the president of my business. Once I obtained my official business status in the state, I was able to open up a bank account for my law practice. That was of extreme importance to do. In fact, its required by the state bar association that private practitioners and firms have a client trust account and a general business account. We have to make sure we don't co-mingle our personal account with our business account. And we definitely have to have the client trust account to make sure that the clients money is being spent on the client. I just hope I'm able to maintain an accurate ledger for my records. Since I'm a lawyer, I know absolutely nothing about operating a business. With that fact, I'm now in search of an accountant who I can trust to manage my money and make sure I'm straight with the IRS for tax purposes. My sister is an accountant, but she isn't a CPA; which is what I need. My sister won't even touch matters like this. She'd rather not take the risk of miscalculation or not being able to give proper advice on tax tips that can be beneficial for a business. I can understand that. Its the same with me. I know nothing about tax law, so I wouldn't represent anyone who needs a tax attorney. I'll just keep searching until I find the right accountant I can trust.

After I obtained my charter number and opened my business bank account, I started feeling intimidated. It actually hit me for the first time that this shit is real. I've taken on a huge responsibility, and it seems like all of this is happening so fast. So many worries filled my head to the point that I didn't want to think about it anymore. After taking some xanax to calm down, I told myself that everything will be fine. In fact, everything has been fine so far. With that in mind, I went on with my day. Here's something else I will share. I was presented with another opportunity to be a guest on another cable access show. The person who asked me to appear on her talk show is an attorney also. She's been inviting me to be on her show ever since I was a prosecutor. Yesterday she called me up and said she was taping Friday night and wanted me there for 7:00. I didn't even think about it. I told her I'd be there, and tonight I was a guest on her talk show discussing the criminal justice system. I must say that I had a lot of fun. It was my first time ever being involved in a talk show discussion. I've been on the news before, but this was different. She wants me to be a part of a symposium she's planning for later this year. I'm on board for that as well. She even mentioned inviting me back on the talk show. I think I'll do it again since its free advertising for me as a solo practitioner. This week was great considering all that I was able to accomplish coupled with the open door for free advertisement on television. I must say that this feels really good.

A Different Area

This morning I had to drive to another parish to represent a client of mine for a criminal charge and some traffic violations. I will not disclose the name of the parish in this post. Just know that it wasn't Jefferson or Orleans Parish. I arrived at the courthouse early because I didn't know where I was going, and I didn't want to run the risk of being late. I don't know any of the judges out there, so I didn't want to take a gamble starting off with a bad reputation, or possibly have the judge punish my client for my shortcomings. The courtroom was full, so needless to say we were there well into the afternoon hours. The judge seemed very polite and sympathetic to many of the defendants circumstances. He even went so far as to waive fines and fees for many of the defendants. Well, finally my clients' name was called, and we proceeded to the bench to address the court. I, of course, began to speak on the record on behalf of my client introducing myself by name, as an attorney, and informed the judge that I was present on behalf of my client who was also present in court. The judge then asked me a strange question. He asked me, "Are you an attorney?" At that point, I paused for about two seconds, and replied, "Yes sir. I am an attorney." Now, I don't want you to think the judge had this prejudice look or tone when he asked me that question. To me, it just came across as strange that he would ask that question even though I had just introduced myself as an attorney. One logical explanation could be that this parish rarely encounter a lot of black attorney's; just black defendants. In addition to that, as I was walking out of the courtroom, I thanked the courtroom deputy for all of his assistance and courtesy, then he asked me a question. The deputy asked me, "You from Nawlins?" In an effort to get him to repeat his question, and to make sure I understood which city he was pronouncing-or attempting to pronounce, I said, "I'm sorry sir." So again he asked, "You from Nawlins?" I replied, "Yes sir I am." He then nodded his head up and down, smiled, and told me to have a nice day. For the reader's sake, I will admit that this deputy was an older white male, but he was quite polite to me, and he too showed no signs of being prejudice, nor did he speak to me with a prejudice tone. I was just wondering what clued him in that I was not from that area. More specifically, how did he guess I was from New Orleans? I immediately asked myself if I have that New Orleans accent that we are known for having according to people from other cities/states. But here's why I don't think that's it. Many people in New Orleans, whether they're from here or not, upon meeting me will ask me if I'm from New Orleans. Every time I am asked that question, I in turn ask why do you ask. And ALL have replied with, "You don't talk like you from here." Or they'll say, " You don't have a New Orleans demeanor about yourself." After saying goodbye to the deputy, I proceeded to walk to my car, and another gentleman stopped me and asked for my business card. He was a black man of course, and his son was there for a charge. I told him to give me a call tomorrow. I have a feeling I may be picking up quite a few clients in the criminal arena in these other parishes.

Negative Inspiration

Last Saturday was one of the most memorable days in my life. Unfortunately, it adds to the list of my worst moments in my life. Since October of last year, I was living at home with my parents. Yesterday, I moved into my own apartment again. The whole point of living at home was to save enough money to purchase my first home. However, that plan went south when my mother tried to physically fight me and threaten me with a butcher knife. We haven't talked to each other since the incident. It isn't that I don't want to talk to her. I just think she needs time to calm down, and I needed time to reset my boundaries. I can honestly say that I'm not mad at her, nor am I mad at myself. I think I am truly past the time in my life of living at home. My dad asked me if my mother and I can forget about everything that happened. I explained to my dad that it isn't about forgetting. Its about my mother getting help so that she can find peace and happiness in her life so that she can stop being so angry. With help, I believe my mother can have a better relationship with her husband, her siblings, and her daughters. As for me, the medicine and my own therapy is helping me make it through this ordeal. I hate that all of that had to happen between us because no matter how many apologies are said by the both of us, that action will always be there. Its tattooed on our lives. Its part of our history, and it dictates or present and our future.

On another note, I have to say thank you to Clif and Big G for helping me move. As always, Tara is there to pull the pieces together to keep me on track. Thanks friend!!! My new apartment is wonderful if I may say so myself. My first night here was very lonely for me. I didn't realize how accustomed I became to seeing my family and friends more consistently in my life. Today I organized the apartment. I put my belongings in its place, and my favorite room is my study. I have a place for my books on the built in bookshelf, my keyboard is placed in there, and I have the calm sounds of my water fountain right next to aromatherapy candles. You gotta see it!!!!