"Do your homework and research the business you want to begin" with Jackie Dodd
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Photo Credit: Nancy Self
Jackie Dodd received both her undergraduate and law degrees from Texas Tech University. In 2001 she began her career at the Dallas District Attorney’s office and spent the majority of her time in the juvenile division. In 2008 she obtained her Board Certification in Juvenile Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. After working for three Family Law firms, today she not only practices Family Law but also Juvenile Criminal Defense, Adult Criminal Defense, and Special Education Law.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. I loved the multicultural feel of the city and at a young age I had a strong desire to help children and families in my community. Growing up with siblings who received special education services in the public school system was the reason that created a passion for wanting to help others. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development and, prior to law school, obtained my Texas Teacher’s Certification.
What inspired you to start your business?
I started my private practice in order to be able to spend more time with my son who has specials needs. He has Down syndrome along with some behavior issues and he needed me to be home a lot more than I was, previously, working for other law firms. I’m a single mom so I have to work. I am very grateful, as this has allowed me the opportunity to spend more quality time with him, doing activities we both enjoy.
Where is your business based?
My main office is located in Allen, Texas and I also have a satellite office in Rockwall, Texas. I practice Family Law, Juvenile Criminal Defense Law and Adult Criminal Defense Law in the surrounding counties of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, including Dallas County, Collin County, Rockwall County and Denton County and I travel throughout the state for Special Education Law.
How did you start your business?
I started my business after having worked for a few family law firms. I had been in private practice in the past and had been thinking about it for quite some time. I decided to take that leap of faith to see if it would work and in February of 2019, I left the Family Law firm and went into private practice.
What were the first steps you took?
It was important for me to have all business affairs in order and I consulted with an accounting firm to square up the legalities of opening my practice, and spoke with other attorneys and judges for experience and advice. Prior to my ribbon-cutting ceremony, I purchased promotional items, printed flyers, and took on court-appointed cases to get my name out there.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
The most effective way of raising awareness for my business has been getting involved in my community. I try to talk with as many churches and organizations as possible about the different areas of law I practice to say, ‘Let me come in and talk to your parents and teenagers about how to keep your kids out of trouble and how to spot the beginning signs of trouble.’ I’ll talk to parents of children with special needs about available resources to ensure they are receiving the services and education they are entitled to.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Some of the biggest challenges have been the fact I am a single parent and the Covid Pandemic. As a single mom of a child with special needs, it’s difficult not having a good or constant support system. I don’t have a lot of people who can help me with him, as he can’t go into a regular daycare or summer camp program. We’ve tried so many programs but he has been kicked out due to his behavior issues.
The pandemic presented a whole new set of challenges, as I had to balance working from home in addition to assisting my son with distance learning. Overcoming these obstacles wasn’t easy; however, I am very fortunate to have several friends that have been extremely supportive, and whom I can rely on to work with him. One is a former special education teacher of his who was tremendous help as she would pick him up from home and take him to her house during school hours, allowing me the time I needed to focus on work including online Zoom hearings and trials.
How do you stay focused?
I stay focused because I know all the effort that I put into my business provides me the opportunity to spend time with my son. I am a very determined person and I have learned that I work when he is at school, having his iPad time, or asleep. I also do a lot of work on the weekends that he spends with his father.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I differentiate my business from the competition because I love my job. It can be grueling but I truly care about my clients and am determined to provide each and everyone with the best legal representation. Having a child with special needs has definitely heightened my experience when handling special education clients. I have personally experienced this process and can connect with my clients on their level. I tell all of my clients, in all areas of practice, that I am on their side and my goal is to help protect their futures.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
My most effective marketing strategy to grow my business has been working with a local public relations and communications company that has helped with opportunities to get my name and practice out in the community. I have worked with our local police department on their programs for individuals with disabilities, and speaking engagements at local middle and high schools about the dangers of vaping to under-age students. I have spoken at schools within various districts in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area about juvenile law and the dangers of what can happen when kids get involved in the legal system. I also speak at continuing legal education seminars in educating other attorneys. Another extremely beneficial way my business has grown is through word of mouth and referrals from my clients.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
My best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs is to do your homework and research the business you want to begin. Create and have a business plan in place and take that leap of faith! Believe in yourself and commit to yourself because if you want to do it badly enough then you will do it.
What’s your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
The best app I use for work is my time system app called Clio. It helps me keep track of everything I do and the time I spend doing it. Without it, I am sure I would not have the accountability I do for what I do. In looking away from business, I love my Apple Watch app – it assists with work by getting text messages, phone calls, and emails as well as allowing me to keep track of my steps. My favorite book is either the Texas Family Code, which I read frequently or Mommy Lawyer, which I have been reading to my son for years to help him understand what it is I do.
What’s your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
I would say the best business resource I have is the employees who work with me. I cannot get my job done without them doing their job. Dodd Law Offices, PLLC is not a business that I can do on my own, but instead with everyone who works with me. Each employee provides different skills and talents and together we represent our clients the best we can. This is how we are becoming more and more successful every day; each employee has their specialty and together we make an amazing team!
Who is your business role model? Why?
My business role model is my grandfather. My grandfather is 94 and possesses an incredible business mind. He has always been an entrepreneur and is an amazing one. He has never worked in the legal field but he has given me a wealth of business advice. He is also the first one I call when I have a question or want business advice. I am extremely lucky to be in my 40s and still have him providing me with all of his wonderful advice.
How do you balance work and life?
The balance hasn’t always been easy and it presented challenges, especially when the pandemic hit. However, it’s so important to me and I deliberately focus my efforts to achieve this goal. I plan and try to cook and have dinner every night with my son, if I don’t have the time to prepare the meal, then he gets to choose a restaurant and we spend that quality time together. balance.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
My favorite way to decompress is to spend time with my son whether we are hiking, traveling or spending time with family and friends. I also have a guilty pleasure of watching Hallmark and family-oriented movies. One of my favorites is Heartland, I love everything about it and the horses fascinate my son.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
I have recently hired two employees, one part-time and one full-time. They have extremely assisted with my productivity. During the next six months, I hope to become more efficient in what I do, leaving clients satisfied. I am also hoping to be able to get back out to my community to start talking about the different areas of law that I practice to assist families and to help protect their futures. I love educating others and this was the one thing that I lost when the pandemic hit.
How can our readers connect with you?
Readers can connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or via my website:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-dodd-01304117b/
@DoddLawTexas