Advocatespedia:Today's featured article/June 29, 2024

I am a voice for survivors of sexual abuse.

At the same time my father was in and out of prison as a teen, I became a survivor of sexual abuse from an adult at a church. While it all drove me to law school, I ran from having a practice that had anything to do with trauma. I largely defended pharmaceutical companies for 7 years. I found myself whispering about my unrealized dream of helping women who remind me of Little Me at drinks with friends. This year, SGGH Law was formed, and I now work with survivors of sexual abuse from all walks of life. We laugh together and we cry together. I get to validate their experiences and carry them through the process of standing up for themselves and protecting other women. What’s funny is that the exact thing I was afraid of— feeling weighed down by all the trauma— is having the opposite impact in my life. I have never felt more alive and full of joy. Don’t be afraid to answer the call of your life’s purpose. It just might be better than your comfort zone. Symone Shinton Partner Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley ? @shotbylasalle