Today we’d like to introduce you to Princess Woodard.
Hi Princess, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in South Memphis. I am a graduate of Hamilton High School and a first-generation college graduate. I enrolled at Christian Brothers University as a Corporate Communication major but ultimately changed my major to Marketing. As a college student at Christian Brothers, I was uncertain about my career upon graduation.
Business Law was a required course for my major and the Business Law professor was a local attorney. During my senior year of college, the Business Law professor suggested to the class that if anyone was uncertain about what to do after graduation they should look into attending law school. I took the professor’s advice which required me to take the LSAT exam and apply to law school.
Memphis Law invited me to participate in the school’s Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law program (“TIP”), a summer-long program for minority applicants that may not meet the regular admission requirements. At the conclusion of TIP, law school professors recommend if an applicant should be admitted to Memphis Law. I was offered part-time admission.
During my second year of law school, I accepted a summer position as a law clerk with McCullough Law, a boutique civil practice firm in Memphis. At the end of the summer, the firm’s owner asked me to continue on as a law clerk and offered me an associate attorney position following law school graduation and bar passage.
I passed the bar exam in 2015. I currently serve as Senior Counsel for McCullough Law’s family law division in which I oversee all family law cases and manage associate attorneys and support staff. I have handled hundreds of family law cases, both simple and complex.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road.
As a child, I experienced homelessness and other adversity. I struggled academically in college and law school; I was on academic probation following my first year of law school.
I experienced difficulty passing the bar exam and did not pass the Tennessee Bar until my third attempt.
I am transparent about my struggles because I want to encourage others to keep fighting and pursuing their dreams.
We’ve been impressed with your work as an attorney but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As an attorney, my practice is concentrated in matrimonial and domestic relations matters which include divorce, adoption, child support, custody & visitation, dependency & neglect, and grandparent visitation. In addition to being a family law lawyer, I am a Tennessee Supreme Court certified family law mediator.
My commitment to the betterment of my clients is what sets me apart. My goal is not to make the most money from a case; my objective is to leave my client in a better situation than I found them, which may by regaining custody of their children, leaving an abusive or toxic marriage, maintaining a relationship with the grandchild they helped raise, or adopting a child in need of love and stability.
My dedication to representing my clients, constant work to improve my legal skills and knowledge, and tenacity have all aided me in becoming an experienced and sought-after attorney.
I am 1 of only 3 family law attorneys from across the country to be selected as a 2021-23 Family Law Fellow for the American Bar Association and was selected as a 2021 ‘Best of the Bar’ honoree by the Memphis Business Journal.
I am committed to sharing my knowledge and helping educate people on Tennessee family law which is why I’m in the process of releasing my first book, Tidbits on Tennessee Family Law, which is a consumer-friendly and uncomplicated introduction to Tennessee family law. The book’s objective is to help anyone understand and navigate a family law case in Tennessee.
The book is scheduled to be released in June 2022 and will be available for advanced purchase on my website www.woodardesq.com
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My parent instilled in me fearlessness, hustle, and work ethic.
My grandmothers supported my dreams, both in words of encouragement and financially through college and law school. The owner of the firm believed in me, gave me a great opportunity, supported me through bar passage failures, and continues to be a great mentor.
My family and friends have always supported me and still serve as my biggest cheerleaders.
Contact Info:
- Email: pwoodardesq@outlook.com
- Website: www.woodardesq.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ attorneyprincesswoodard/
Image Credits
Akeara W
