Avita M. Samaroo, Esq.

Samaroo Law | A Woman’s Perspective on the Future of the Legal Industry

Ciara Taylor, a recent Rollins graduate, had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Personal Injury Attorney Avita Samaroo. 

While Avita has a unique background and witty personality,  it’s her fresh perspective on the future of the legal profession that will undoubtedly garner your attention.  As we talk, Avita explains her career trajectory and what a female attorney can bring to the table. 

CT: Tell me about the journey of starting your firm.

AMS: In my career, I have been fortunate enough to work with and learn from some amazing attorneys.  But I quickly recognized an industry-wide problem and knew I had to do something about this problem.  Larger firms tend to focus their attention and resources on “high value” cases.  While that may sound like a good business decision, the problem with that model is that the majority of cases are not “high value” – what happens to these people?  There is a shift in the industry that you’ve probably noticed. Victims of personal injury are turning to smaller reputable firms that are willing and able to provide the education, communication and personalized attention that they deserve.  I opened my own firm to do just that.    

CT: How do you differentiate yourself in the Personal Injury field?

AMS: My goal is to always exceed my client’s expectations.  The way I look at it, education is key.  If I’m able to educate my clients on the process and the decisions we have to make, I empower them.  I cannot take away their injuries but I can take away some of their stress and help my clients rest assured that I will do my best to tell their story and maximize their recovery. 

CT: What do you think is the biggest issue for women in your industry?

AMS: While women have made exceptional progress, gender discrimination is a battle that we cannot ignore. It affects this industry and so many others by fostering an environment ripe for sexual harassment, gender wage-gaps, and so much more. But the biggest industry wide issue is that women do not have equal access to senior positions.  Even the most diverse firms are dominated by male decision-makers and this is holding us back. 

CT: What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?

AMS: As a woman, we all wear different hats – whether you are a mother, wife, an artist or a runner, these qualities will make you a better professional. If you can bring all of your skills to the work you do, you will put forth the best version of yourself.  In the world that we live in today, women are often penalized for being too “feminine” or for being too “masculine”.  Don’t get caught up in trying to walk that tightrope, be authentic and just be yourself!