Page 18 - Miami Vol 7 No 1

RISING STAR
Eneami Bestman
REMAINING AUTHENTIC
AALM: When did you rst know you wanted to become an attorney?
Bestman: I attended Miami Carol City Sr. High and I was a participant in the law magnet program; it was there I entertained the idea of being an attorney. In the program, I gained exposure to the criminal justice system and relevant legal issues. It was in college where I decided to become an attorney. As a criminal justice major I became dishearten about the dis- proportionate number of African-Ameri- can males in the prison system. I became passionate about this area of the law and wanted to seek to be in a position where I could try to in uence the system.
AALM: Who is your current mentor?
Bestman: Although I have several mentors, I am a Christian and I glean the most from the bible. One of the best les- sons I learned, while in law school, comes from Proverbs 4:25 “Let your eyes look straight ahead; x your gaze directly before you.” is verse allowed me to maintain fo- cus in law school, which can be very com- petitive. With this verse, I imagined having blinders on my eyes like the ones placed on horses. I learned to stay focus on my goals and do my personal best, which allowed me to graduate at the top of my class.
AALM: How is the practice of law di erent than your expectations in law school?
Bestman: As law school is competi- tive, so are many practitioners. erefore, I expected lawyers to be unwilling to o er help. Surprisingly, that has not been my experience. Being a new attorney and a solo practitioner brings many challenges; fortunately, I have met a number of men-
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tors and fellow colleagues who have pro- vided me with their tutelage, encourage- ment, and referred some cases or legal work. I am forever grateful.
AALM: What drew you to your current rm?
Bestman: In law school, I did not know I would start my own practice. I was 35 years old when I graduated. Previously, I served eight years in the Air Force. I say that to say, I had identity and I became a lawyer for a purpose. I started my rm be- cause I desired to practice law according to my values. My tagline is “Zeal and Au- thenticity” that is a reminder to provide my clients with zealous representation while remaining authentic.
AALM: Of the cases you’ve worked on or witnessed, what has stood out most in your mind?
Bestman: I think some women lawyers, inside of a male-dominated profession, feel they have to maintain a strong posture and continuously assert themselves. One time, I emailed an opposing counsel twice and she was unresponsive. When she nally re- sponded – two weeks later, her email had a harsh tone. At rst, I was o ended because I was nothing but cordial in my emails. Af- ter I took a moment to calm down, instead of emailing her back I called this attorney, she answered the phone with a harsh tone and it was my intent to disarm her. I greet- ed her in a pleasant tone and remained pro- fessional the whole time. In that moment, I felt her defense fall. From that experience, I learned that civility is important and that I have to remain authenticate to my values and not succumb to the pressure of becom- ing uncivil.
At a Glance
The Bestman Law Firm P.A.
1001 Ives Dairy Rd., Suite 206 Miami, FL 33179
(786) 530-6477 www.bestmanlaw.com
Education
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, St. Thomas University School of Law, 2015
Masters of Arts in American Government, Regent University School of Government, 2011
Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice, University of West Florida, 2009
Awards
2017 Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. Pro Bono Honor Roll
Professional Memberships
T. J. Reddick Bar Association Inc., Board Member
Broward County Bar Association Broward County Women Lawyer’s
Association
Women of Color Empowerment
Institute Professional Mentorship
Leadership Program, 2017
St. Thomas University School of
Law LEAD Program
Favorite Quote
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. – Nelson Mandela
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