Abe George, 39, is a Manhattan-based civil rights lawyer. He is a lifelong Brooklynite currently living in Williamsburg. Abe is single, no children, and enjoys traveling the world in his spare time.
Abe has been a lawyer for over a decade. He started his legal career in the Manhattan D.A.’s office where he honed his litigation skills and he also worked for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
Abe has been in private practice for over three years. Abe feels his current work is a continuation of his public service in that he continues to help those whose civil rights have been trampled upon.
How do you make money?
Abe’s primary source of money is his legal practice where he specializes in civil rights cases, criminal defense and commercial litigation. Abe also makes money from his diverse investment portfolio and real estate holdings.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Abe was extremely profitable in his first year in business. Most of his clients were obtained through word of mouth and Abe ran a stream lined business with low overhead and a small amount of employees.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I never doubted in myself or my abilities. I knew that if I worked hard things would pay off and they have.
How did you get your first customer?
My first client was a friend who heard that I had crossed over into the private sector and he had immediate work for me.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Honestly, I probably should use more marketing strategies but I am already too busy that I turn down a lot of cases.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I made was turning down more than 1 pro-bono case a year. I love to give back and particularly help those wrongfully convicted but I have realized if I take on more than one case I cannot be effective at what I am trying to do for the client because I just don’t have the time.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I don’t take no for an answer, and I am extremely persistent but reasonable and fair. My adversaries respect my tenaciousness and fairness.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Making enough money to pay off my student loan was the best day of my business.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I look at my business as a vehicle to get into other ventures I am interested in. This year I have made some significant investments in real estate and in a few years I hope to streamline my legal practice only focuses on cases I love or just pro-bono work.
What business books have inspired you?
I love the 48 laws of power. I think it’s a great base of knowledge for any field of life.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I think hiring another lawyer was the best investment I made, as much as it increased my expenses it has increased my happiness and has made much easier to focus on the big picture.
What do you do for fun?
I love to travel the world. I try to take one big trip every year, and this past year I went to Panama and Medellin.