Meet Amina Jones!

1. Who are you, what's the name of your business and where are you located?

Amina Pauline Jones, I am an attorney licensed and based in New York, but since my firm serves entrepreneurs and business owners who want to start and grow their intellectual property portfolios with trademarks and copyrights to protect their brands, I serve clients nationwide.

2. What's a common misconception people have about lawyers?

We're overly formal and aren't relatable, when that's the complete and total opposite. While we may have a duty to our communities, and are held at a higher standard, we appreciate the same things that you do. Additionally, we aren't thesauruses for the law, people constantly come up to us asking questions about the law and expect us to know if off the top of our heads, while we may have some answers due to our experience, we went to law school to learn how to interpret the law, not to learn it. We need to research the law just like everyone else and we need grace and time to do that.

3. Who inspires you?

My son, beyond any celebrity or public figure that I've never met, I find so much drive to accomplish my goals because I can't let my son down.

4. What's your favorite piece of literature?

"Freeing the actor" by Eric Morris, it is a book for film actors, but I find it helpful because it helps me address the traumas and insecurities that hindered me from seizing opportunities that I desired.

5. What's the hardest thing about what you do?

Carrying and internalizing the emotions of clients that are having a tough time, which was more of an issue when I practiced criminal law than it is now that I practice business and intellectual property law.

6. Why law?

It allows me to be an advocate for marginalized people and create a better lifestyle for my family and generations to come.

7. Do you follow any other black lawyers that you'd care to mention?

Yes, Ashley Williams (@yourfavoritecounsel), I consider her my law school bestie. We helped each other through trying times, now we're both successful attorneys with our own firms.

8. How do you stay motivated?

I pray a lot, journal, and keep a close-knit relationship with my family.

9. What are ways that you stay updated with the world when policies are constantly changing?

I follow news outlets, stay plugged into lawyer communities, and do thorough research on laws that I apply to my cases.

10. Favorite place to travel?

California, I hope to move there one day.

11. What's a huge goal that you're working towards right now?

Building a self-sustaining law firm so that I can expand into other ventures.

12. Was becoming a lawyer always your dream?

It was as a child, I let it go once I got older, but once I realized that my bachelor's degree wasn't offering me the money and opportunities that I'd hoped for, I decided to buckle down and go to law school.

13. Are you the first lawyer in your family?

Yes.

14. What's something that you think is important that individuals should know about trademarks?

An LLC does not protect your brand, therefore, your business name, logo, slogan, etc. is still up for grabs. A trademark is the only thing that gives you ownership of your brand. Also, it's important to prioritize filing your trademark because the first to file the application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office has the highest chance of claiming 100% ownership to the name, logo, slogan, etc.

15. How do you prepare mentally to work with a new client?

I do thorough research on their business, even before our first call, and I listen for their "why" and their inspiration for starting, growing, and protecting their business.

16. Can you walk us through your self-care routine?

I reserve mornings for myself. I don't take calls or anything in the mornings. I take that time to read, journal, complete my errands, and visualize my day.

17. How would you describe your style as a lawyer?

I am personable and hands-on with my client matters and cases. I want to make sure that my client not only understands what has to happen to ensure their success, but that they're also happy.

18. How was working virtually for you during the pandemic?

It was great. I was pregnant and out on leave during the beginning of the pandemic, then when I got back to work, my entire practice was virtual, which has made it convenient, not only for me, but my clients as well. We've normalized Zoom and every other platform that allows me to work with clients across the country.

19. What's the biggest thing you've learned about sharing your work online?

A lot of entrepreneurs and business owners don't have the knowledge and the resources needed to grow their businesses to the level that they initially envisioned. I enjoy sharing free resources because that's my way of giving back to my community.

20. How do you balance motherhood and work?

My husband and I have a schedule, during the week, when our son isn't in daycare, we either take turns watching him so the other person can work or, in some other instances, we have the support of my mother and sister who do everything they can to help us balance business and parenthood. We reserve the weekends for family time and try our best not to let work from the week bleed into the weekend.

21. Do you enjoy scripted television shows about law? Why or why not?

No, I don't. Most of what's shown on TV is inaccurate and if it is accurate, it makes me feel like I'm back at work. I'd rather watch a psychological thriller or an action movie not related to law.

Let the people know how they can reach you:

Follow me @BlackLadyLawFirm and if you're a business owner looking to join my free community and support group for entrepreneurs, please join www.Facebook.com/groups/businessgrowthhacks and be sure to answer the membership questions so that you can be accepted.