Meet Justin Hill | Lawyer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve invested in myself, and taken a lot of chances. Taking risks are vital to elevate to the next level. The key, however, is calculated risks. Calculated risks require adequate research and a plan.

It’s always a risk to take the entrepreneurial route. For me, it was an even bigger risk because I started a law firm straight out of law school. Most law firm owners were associates at other law firms before starting their own practice, and they were able to save enough money to maintain their lifestyle as they got their business off the ground. Many lawyers who had jobs also built relationships with clients from their old firms and are sometimes able to bring clients with them to their new practice. Starting a practice right out of law school, however, I didn’t have these luxuries. I literally started from ground zero. I had enough money saved up for capital expenses to get my business started, but I didn’t have much beyond that. I had roughly $500 left after capital expenses, and I had to go out and make it happen. My risk was multiplied even further because I was relatively new to Atlanta when I started my law firm, and I was competing in a legal market with thousands of lawyers as a 25-year-old who nobody knew. That’s changed now.

What should our readers know about your business?
My law firm specializes in criminal defense and personal injury law. No two cases are the same, and I strive to provide each client with personalized and fearless representation. The key to building my practice has been providing the best customer servicer to each of my clients. If you treat your clients right, they will do the marketing for you. Two of the most important things I’ve learned are: 1) being comfortable with the uncomfortable and 2) knowing how to figure things out.

As an entrepreneur, there are many times when you will be in uncomfortable situations. There is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable, but the key is how you handle it. When you develop the ability to navigate an extremely uncomfortable situation unfazed and unscathed, it will help you a lot in this business. Knowing how to figure things out will help you navigate uncomfortable situations, and it will also help you be more effective to your clients. No lawyer knows everything, and that’s okay. The good lawyers are the ones who know how to figure things out.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite restaurants are Pappadeux, Southern Fire Kitchen, and Negril. Some good brunch spots are Suite Lounge, Toast on Lenox, and West Egg Cafe. I like museums, and my favorites are the Trap Music Museum and the Georgia Aquarium. The big Ferris wheel downtown is also nice. Hawks games are always fun, and the Atlanta United games are extremely fun when they’re in season. Piedmont Park is also a vibe. They often have festivals and its just generally a nice area to relax and have fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would be nowhere without my villiage. Ciera Colon, Greg McKeithen, Julie Kert, Chris Allen, Ahmad Crews, and Jamara Shipp are just a few people who have been instrumental in my journey. I can’t forget my parents, Craig and Phyllis Hill, as well.

Website: www.jhf-law.com

Instagram: @realj.hill

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-hill-esq-269a73132/