Criminal defense lawyer, Haitham Amin (AKA Sam) started his career at the Solano Public Defenders Office before continuing as a Deputy Public Defender at the Marin County Office. After gaining invaluable experience in his work with the public, Haitham decided to open his private practice, the Amin Law firm in San Francisco in 2013.
As the Principal Attorney at Amin Law, Haitham limits the number of cases he accepts in order to give each of his clients the personal attention they deserve while working closely together through collaborative work practices. Amin Law firm has seen exponential growth since its’ beginning and that can be attributed to Haitham’s hands-on approach to growing his brand using social media. Social media can be a make or break tool when it comes to branding these days, but not everyone gets it right. Haitham recognizes the importance of engaging with followers and working for your personal brand on social media instead of thinking that it will come to you. He often emphasizes the social part of social media and takes advantage of tools like direct messaging as a means of engaging. Navigating the current ad space can be just as tricky as navigating the law at times but Haitham shows that both can be done through hard work and creativity.
His successes have not gone unrecognized, Amin law firm has been the recipient of numerous awards and achievements and most recently Amin Law had the honor of being named Attorney & Practice Magazine’s 2020 Award for Top Criminal Defense Firm.
How did you get started in your industry?
I graduated with a Law degree and then worked in the public sector for many years. Then I decided to make the shift to private practice in 2013 because I had gained a lot of experience. It takes a great deal of confidence to put your name on a business, but I knew that I was ready for the opportunity.
How do you make money in your field?
I charge competitive rates for my legal services. I do offer a short complimentary consultation which helps generate revenue because once a client has a chance to get a taste of what it is like to work with my firm, I know they will want to keep that relationship going.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Not long, I was able to grow my brand rather quickly and get my name out there from day one. My law firm has had a great record of steady success and growth and I am really proud of what I have been able to accomplish in just 8 years.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I wouldn’t say that I doubted it would work but I have said before that it is natural to feel uncomfortable at times when you are going through periods of growth and innovation. You handle it through process. What I mean is that you may fail but then you test out your next idea, transform it, act on it, and test again. Maybe it fails again, and you start over or you succeed this time and start looking for your next area of growth. If you are ever starting to feel too comfortable in your business, that’s when you should start doubting yourself.
Do you remember how you got your first client?
I believe it was through word of mouth. In those beginning days, having a good reputation is especially important. You need people to trust you enough to give you a chance. Then the growth is organic as they tell others about their good experience working with you.
What is one marketing strategy that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Have a social media presence, try to post every day and engage with your followers. Responding to a question on social media or having a conversation via direct messaging can quickly generate a new client.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in your professional life?
Turning a client away is always a tough decision but as a lawyer it has to be done sometimes, staying true to your morals and having a strong set of ethics will mean that you will be your best self for the next client.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I think I am successful because I am consistent. I get up and put in the work each day. I am passionate about growing my brand, I post on social media daily and engage with followers in a genuine way. In my legal work I am aggressive in my pursuit of the best possible result for my clients. No matter what I am doing or for whom I am doing it, I give my best.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I have been passionate about growing my personal brand on my own through social media. I was able to grow my Instagram page to 200k followers. At 100k I could see that my efforts were bringing success but seeing it hit 200k was especially satisfying.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
People will always need legal help, so the question I ask myself is “how do I reach a larger client base”? This may include new methods to incorporate reviews into my website, expanding my social media reach, or finding innovative new techniques to market to people in a way that excites them. I always have several ideas that I’m testing out and I am currently excited about quite a few.
What business books have inspired you?
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport and Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio are two that come to mind.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Hesitate less. Once I learned to be a risk-taker, I found that I was a much more productive person. You must let go of that fear that holds you back. I wish I had done that sooner but at the same time, I am stronger now from the things I had to overcome in my younger years.