Meet Shederis Lakin | Attorney at Law

The word risk is often associated with fear. However, when I think about risk, it makes me feel anxious but also excited. Risk is a part of my makeup; it’s in my DNA. Dating back to my ancestors and great people such as my Madame CJ Walker, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Ida B. Wells.

My life involves taking risks and I live by the motto “no risk, no gain.” This is evident by my faith that has help guide me through relationships, work, and life decisions. In the words of the late great Muhammad Ali, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

I am the managing attorney for the Lakin Law Firm. My practice primary focuses on servicing injured victims by helping them seek damages due to the negligence of businesses or individuals.  My journey to service began almost two decades ago when I followed in my father’s footsteps by joining the United States Army.  I spent over a decade on active duty including an overseas tour leading soldiers and serving in several leadership positions.  I am currently in the Army Reserves, and I continue to adhere to the Army values (leadership, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage) in the legal profession.

My passion for advocating and the entrepreneurial genes passed down by my late grandfathers (Charlie Lakin and Artimus Scott) are motivating factors behind my decision to go into private practice.  I am most proud that I stepped out on faith and started the Lakin Law Firm “from the bottom and now I’m here.”  Besides, who said that a woman can’t carry the family’s name!

Being a business owner is not easy.  However, I got to where I am today by having faith, discipline, working hard, being resilient, building relationships, and by being a servant leader. I am family-oriented, compassionate, selfless, funny (depending on who you ask), goal-oriented, and passionate about helping those in need.  Earning the title Esquire didn’t take away from who I am, it just gave me a license to advocate for others while continuing to be authentically me.

My parents, Charlie and Dorothy Lakin, for always being my rock. I pray that I carry the family name well and make you proud. I love and appreciate you.  To my brothers, Charles and Kyle Lakin, thank you for being great siblings and for the familial debates; which allowed me to hone my litigation skills. To the matriarchs of my family: Wille Lee Lakin, the late Dorothy Gardner, and Linda Scott thank you for paving the way. I love you.

The late Dedrunette Garrett Baskin (Mrs. D), my business consultant and mentor, played a vital role in the growth and success of the Lakin Law Firm. Her faith spoke to my spirit and the entrepreneur in her reignited the entrepreneur in me. Mrs. D was family and she is deeply missed.

To my friend Kenneth Cody who not only introduced me to Mrs.D but who also helped lay the foundation for the Lakin Law Firm.  Your intelligence and business acumen are unmatched. Thank you for everything.

To my fellow “brothers and sisters in law” Attorney Desmond Andrade, Attorney Marc Brown, Attorney Bret Freeman, Attorney Robert Johnson, Attorney Stephanie Robinson Alexander, Attorney Tie She’ Chavis, Attorney Patricia Dawson, Attorney Whitney Frye, Attorney Amy Nieman, Attorney Jenaye Lawrence Peterson, and Attorney Thelma Walker; thank you for the support and guidance. Thank you to my clients who have entrusted my firm to handle their legal matters and for the referrals.

Shout out to my alma maters: Seventy-First High School, Methodist University, Spelman College, WMU-Cooley Law School, and Stetson University.  I received quality education from the best teachers/ professors at these institutions and I cultivated lifelong relationships. Thank you for your contributions to my development as a lawyer.

Last but certainly not least: my family, New Nation Ministries, friends, mentors, and the Lakin Law Firm team who always support me; I love and appreciate you all. I pray that I pour into you as much as you have poured into me.