A Lawyer’s Journey in Intellectual Property and Personal Growth with L.A. Perkins

In this episode of First Light, we are joined by L.A. Perkins, an accomplished attorney with a unique story that intertwines her passion for law, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship. L.A. takes us back to her high school days where a Street Law class sparked her interest in becoming a lawyer.

L.A. shares a pivotal moment in her career when she transitioned from employment defense to IP law, a leap marked by a high-stakes injunction case just before Christmas. Her story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and the grit required to succeed in the legal field.

Moving beyond her legal career, L.A. discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, deeply influenced by her father. She candidly talks about the fears and excitement of leaving a large law firm to start her own practice, managing overhead creatively, and the thrill she finds in running her own business. As a single mother, L.A.'s determination and strategic thinking are evident in every step of her journey.

L.A. explains common misconceptions and the importance of comprehensive trademark searches for businesses. She also shares insights from her recently published book, a project born from a desire to provide essential information to business owners and executives in an accessible way.

L.A. emphasizes the importance of personal development, sharing her experiences with programs like Landmark Education and Tony Robbins' seminars, which have been transformative in her life and career. She also touches on the power of coaching, both in writing her book and in her professional practice.

L.A. discusses meditation, exercise, and mental health, she serves as the vice chair of the Florida Bar's Mental Health and Wellness Committee, advocates for mental health awareness and shares her personal connection to the cause.

Takeaways:

• Discover how a high school "Street Law" class ignited a lifelong passion for the legal profession.
• Pivotal career shifts from employment defense to intellectual property law, marked by a key courtroom victory.
• The entrepreneurial journey of transitioning from a large firm to founding a private practice.
• Overcoming financial challenges as a single parent while starting a law firm, aided by a timely inheritance.
• Crucial importance of brand protection for business owners and the role of IP attorneys in safeguarding trademarks.
• Insights into the book-writing process, from idea inception to completion, and its impact on clients and readers.
• Delve into the significance of personal development and mental health advocacy, supported by participation in transformative programs.