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

Hi Samah, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
One of the most important decisions I made was to focus deeply on process improvement and building a well-structured team. In a law firm, especially in family law, probate, and estate planning, the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality service depends on having solid systems in place. By prioritizing efficient workflows and hiring people with both strong technical skills and emotional intelligence, I was able to ensure that the firm runs smoothly even during busy or challenging times.

This decision helped the firm operate with a high degree of client satisfaction, reduced stress on the team, and allowed us to scale effectively. In turn, it freed me to focus more on growth and strategy, knowing that daily operations were being handled efficiently and with care.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Thank you for asking! Our firm specializes in family law, probate, guardianship, and estate planning, and our goal is to provide not only expert legal services but also a compassionate experience for clients going through some of life’s most personal and challenging transitions. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to balancing high-level legal expertise with an environment where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. We believe in empowering clients with the knowledge to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Starting a law practice comes with a steep learning curve—not just in terms of practicing law but in managing and growing a business. One of the biggest challenges was building a team that shares the firm’s values and approach. I learned that it’s essential to invest in people who bring empathy and adaptability along with their technical skills. Hiring the right people and fostering a supportive, collaborative culture has been a key to our success.

Along the way, I’ve learned several important lessons. First, consistency in processes is everything. Implementing systems that streamline operations and ensure quality has been invaluable. I’ve also learned to lean into feedback, both from clients and the team, which helps us continually improve our services.

What I want the world to know about our brand is that we genuinely care about each client’s experience and outcome. We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives, ensuring they feel secure and empowered in their legal journey. Our story is about resilience, empathy, and growth, and we’re excited to keep evolving while staying true to our mission.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week to show them all my favorite flavors and cultural spots in the city! We’d start with Paper Fish for Tokyo-inspired Nikkei cuisine, explore Wynwood Walls for the stunning street art, and head to Little Havana to soak up the vibrant Cuban culture, of course. We’d spend a beach day at South Beach, grab lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab, and enjoy rooftop cocktails at Sugar for breathtaking city views. And because I am a big foodie, a night at Cote Korean Steakhouse would add adventure and unforgettable dining, and we’d wrap up with visits to Coconut Grove and Vizcaya Museum to take in the area’s beauty and history. Each day would blend food, art, and culture, making it a perfect mix of everything I love about this city!

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?
Absolutely, my journey wouldn’t be where it is today without the support and influence of a few key people and resources. First and foremost, I owe so much to my family and close friends who encouraged me to take risks and reminded me to trust my vision, even when I faced setbacks. Their unwavering support has been foundational.

Professionally, I have immense gratitude for my mentors—both within and outside the legal world—who guided me on everything from case management to business strategy. These mentors not only shared practical advice but also inspired me to lead with empathy and integrity.

I also owe a great deal to the professional organizations and mastermind groups I joined early in my career, where I met like-minded colleagues who were navigating similar challenges. The insights and accountability these groups provided were instrumental in helping me refine my approach and keep innovating.

Lastly, a few key books profoundly shaped my philosophy, especially The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. It taught me the value of building systems that allow the business to operate smoothly, so I can focus on growth rather than just daily tasks. The combination of these influences has been a cornerstone in building a successful and fulfilling career.

Website: https://floridaprobateandfamilylaw.com/

Instagram: @lawyerladyboss

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-florida-probate-family-law-firm

Twitter: @lawyerladyboss

Facebook: @floridaprobatefamilylawyer

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-florida-probate-and-family-law-firm-coral-gables

Youtube: @lawyerladyboss

TikTok: @lawyerladyboss Pintrest: flpflaw

Image Credits
Rami

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.