Meet Imani M. Williams | Attorney at Law

We had the good fortune of connecting with Imani M. Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imani M., do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?

1. Consistency – I am a firm believer that you get everything that you put out. Remaining consistent and faithful to my goals, even when it is not always easy, has gotten me to where I am today. If something doesn’t work , I go back to the drawing board to plan to reach my desired goal. So, when you pour into your craft/business, it definitely will reward and pour back into you.
2. Self-discipline- It would be dishonest to say I always feel great and motivated. Discipline is what pushes you when you feel unmotivated. Discipline will always set you apart from others.
3. I never had an issue waking up super early or staying up late to complete a task. I stay up and work, while others are sleeping. In addition, you can’t give up just because of a minor inconvenience or feelings. You will never get far if you solely move off of your emotions.
4. 3. Prayer- I will not act like I am the most religious person, but I am spiritual and have a personal relationship with God. Prayer has kept me through. Having a praying mother, grandmother, and village is also essential. Whenever I feel doubt or uneasiness, I give it to God. He is with me and gives me comfort during difficult times.
5. Perfectionist – I know it is cliche, but I am low-key a perfectionist. I also realize that there is no such thing as being perfect. However, I always like to give my best efforts with anything I associate myself with. I take pride in my work and professional reputation.
6. Respect – I am big on respect. Respect is the bare minimum you can give anyone. Plus, you never know whoor what you may need in the future. Sometimes you are given an opportunity simply because of your character and how you made someone feel.
7. Education – No matter how successful I become or how much money I attain, I will never think I know it all. I think to be successful in any field, you have to be a good listener and learner. You have to be hungry and want more, always. I am forever a student to the game. I read , attend CLEs, ask important questions, and observe others who have accomplished what I desire to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently an Associate at The Ryles Firm. It definitely is not easy, but it is all about your mindset. Challenges thrown your way should help you self-reflect and see what you can learn from them. Outside of knowing the law and proper procedure, confidence is a big piece in being a successful attorney. If you can’t believe in yourself or what you’re doing, you can’t expect someone else to.

I think what sets me apart from other young attorneys, well attorneys in general, is that I don’t have the luxury of having a secretary, assistant, bookkeeper, or a paralegal. I walked into an opportunity where I had more than one job role. It definitely has been stressful and challenging, but I am getting so much more experience and knowledge on how to manage a firm/office. At the end of the day, you become the best lawyer through practical experience.

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.
Wow, I really enjoy doing a lot, so this is tough. I love the water, so anything with a nice water view will always be my first choice. Ambience is everything to me, so the way the restaurant/location presents itself is important to me also.

I love trying new restaurants. Food is my love language. I love a nice brunch. I love trying happy hours. I love seafood. I love sushi. I love the beach. I love boat rides in Miami.

Moral of the story, if there is food and water involved, I’m there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom, Gilda Morgan-Williams, for sure. She is my biggest fan and supporter. She is also my biggest critic, outside of myself, but it comes from a place of love. My mom wants me to be even better than she is and what I imagine myself becoming. She pushes me at my low points also. I know everyone doesn’t always have supportive parents, especially as an adult, so I’m forever grateful.

In addition, working at The Ryles Firm is my first real attorney position. I am thankful for them paying for the bar so I can get licensed to practice law in Florida. When I moved back home, I was only licensed to practice law in Louisiana. The Ryles Firm gave me an opportunity and a platform to make a name for myself here. No matter where I end up in my legal career, I will never forget that.

Last but certainly not least, I want to give a shoutout and dedication to my late father Bobby Williams. I literally started studying for the bar right after I laid him to rest. That took real strength. But, his words of wisdom stay with me. He is my “why”, as I only moved back to Florida to help take care of him. I hope I am continuing to make him proud!

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