Page 21 - Miami Vol 7 No 2
P. 21

AALM: How welcoming do you think the South Florida legal community is to women practitioners?
Lewis: Women practitioners in South Florida are fortunate to have many opportunities to advance and succeed. A friend of mine has a perfect saying that stems from one of his life’s impor- tant lessons: “ ere is a butt for every seat.” Meaning, for every need, there is someone wanting to  ll it.  is is true no matter the gender, task or practice area, but is particularly appropriate when considering the diversity a orded women in the  eld of law. Success is measured by one’s perception of themselves and what they have done with their career and how it  ts within (or de nes) their lives. I have met many ful lled and successful fe- male attorneys who have or have nearly achieved their various goals and for the most part, each are energized by their di er- ent practices and levels of practice. South Florida has many wel- come “seats” for women to both create and to  ll.
AALM: How do you personally try to help women follow- ing in your career path?
Lewis: For young girls and women who are interested in pursing legal careers, I simply take the time to talk to them whenever I can. I talk to them about balance, focus, hard work and determination. I talk to them about di culties, hardships and choices. I have spoken to Junior Honor Society students and their families about Biblical principles and the law in the hopes of making a relevant impact. A few years ago, I spon- sored an essay contest for eighth grade students that was open to either gender but which, because of the topic, was of par- ticular interest to female students.  at exercise gave me an opportunity, Socratically, to instill thought and discussion about an important issue that uniquely a ects females, using a controversial legal opinion as the springboard. Additionally, I have taken female law students for co ee to open a dialogue and answer any questions they might have about the practice of law and what it is like as a female practitioner.
AALM: How do you balance your home life and work life?
Lewis: Balance is a dynamic term as the respective levels for each – life and work – seems for me at least, to change frequently. I think it is essential for success that you recog- nize that many aspects of one’s life are priorities, and none can be sacri ced or ignored.  is is not to say that our vari- ous priorities are in competition for our time and attention because they are not.  ey are meant to be complementary. Each must be respected and nurtured for us to be e ective.
 is realization is one of the reasons I decided to leave a  rm where I had been for nearly two decades to open my own solo practice. Even now my work laptop will o en invade my kitch- en island and command my attention.  e key to achieving this elusive, healthy work/life balance is scheduling – making time for spouses, workouts, late nights at work, etc. Communi- cation is also an essential ingredient to achieving the balance. Creating the opportunity for understanding in our kids and spouses who are non-lawyers as to why and for what we are working, and reassuring those who would rather we play than work, that there will be a time soon for play helps satisfy ex- pectations and allows us the breathing room we need given the nature of our ever-changing and at times unpredictable work. It allows us to enjoy more fully our precious time with loved ones and concurrently, give our clients and the trust they re- pose in us, the respect and attention they deserve.
AT a glance
LEWIS LEGAL GROUP P.A.
8551 W. Sunrise Blvd, Suite 300 Plantation, FL 33322 www.lewislegalgroup.com
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, with honors, St. Thomas University School of Law, 1993
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1990
HOBBIES
Equestrian Sport of Reining
Riding her Triumph America Motorcycle Power Lifting
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
– John F. Kennedy
MARINA LARENZ PHOTOGRAPHY


































































































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