Women's Council of Entrepreneurs had the privilege of interviewing Laila Ghauri the woman behind Antares Law Firm. Learn all about Laila, the risks she took, and how her diverse background became her biggest asset and drives her passion to help fellow entrepreneurs pursue their dreams.

Tell us a little bit about your business and what you do

I am the founder and principal attorney at the Antares Law Firm. Antares Law Firm is a boutique law practice dedicated to providing innovative services to individuals and small businesses. I support our clients in building and protecting great companies and generational wealth. Most of my work is focused on trademarks, domain name issues, small business advising, and contracts.  

How or why did you decide to start your own business?

Prior to starting my own company, I used to work for a larger law firm and was a small gear in a big machine. I had very little contact with people we served, our clients. I began to notice that in most firms, there were not many partners or leadership that looked and had life experiences like mine. I decided to go out on my own to take a chance on myself, my skill sets, and my dreams. I wanted to see the impact of my work in the world, I wanted to know my clients. These past two years have been amazing and humbling. It's incredible to see how your work impacts and changes lives. 

Why did you choose this business or industry?

The legal field found me. I was previously working for and teaching at universities. I chose to work on projects that incorporated legal matters in higher education and learned my mind was made for this kind of work. I focus my legal practice in the world of small business and trademarks because I love creating things and enjoy helping other people do the same. 

Did you have any major setbacks or obstacles getting started?

It's terrifying to start your own business when you know you can have stable employment elsewhere. It requires an emotional level-up. When I first started I took a pay cut. Law school doesn't teach you how to run a business. There was a learning curve. When I first started, I was the accountant, the marketing team, the intake team, the business strategist, the paralegal, and the lawyer. It was a lot. It's been worth it when you see it come together and take life.  

What differentiates your business from your competition?

I am an anomaly in the field. There are not many female, South Asian attorneys running their own law practices in the United States. I worked extensively in three different industries before I became an attorney. I have lived in numerous places in different parts of the world, not to mention traveled extensively for work and pleasure. I speak three languages. The conglomeration of my experiences situate me in a really amazing space to provide out-of-the-box solutions for my clients. Being different, I have learned, is one of my greatest assets. 

I am an artist as much as I am a lawyer. Running my own boutique practice has allowed the artist to come out and play and create things. Once you overcome the fear, the process of being an entrepreneur can become rather enjoyable. 

What are you most proud of about your business?

I'd have to say that would be the first case I won for a small business client against a multi-million dollar conglomerate.  In that moment, the impact of my boutique law practice became real for me. I saw the tangible effect my work had on others.  

How has your industry changed in the last few months and how do you see it changing in the future (or will it)?

The pandemic is reshaping the law. While in some ways many legal processes are slower, the pandemic is making legal services more accessible. Attorneys are more likely to work with clients on digital platforms. So folks in areas that could not physically access an attorney, can now do that. 

In my line of work, the number of people starting new businesses and filing trademarks has increased substantially. It shows us that the pandemic has not killed the American spirit of ingenuity and creativity. We are a nation that knows how to survive and thrive. I enjoy being part of that process. 

What is your favorite small business?

The Katra Box, which is a small business founded and operated by Ghonva Ghauri, my little sister. It is the first-ever lifestyle and wellness subscription box for South Asian women. You should check them out.  

Antares Law Firm offers an hourly rate or a flat rate depending on the type of case. You can connect with them on social media or visit their website to find pricing and book an initial consultation to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget. 

Website: www.antareslawfirm.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/antareslawfirm/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/antareslawgroup

Facebook: www.facebook.com/antareslawfirm

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AntaresLawFirm

If you would like to share about your business with WCE please contact us at wearewce@gmail.com