Episode 30: Justice Served (With a Side of Breakfast): Meet Attorney Laura Hiller

In this episode of Confessions From the Home Office podcast, I talked with Laura Hiller, a criminal defense attorney, practicing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Laura shares her fascinating journey from English major at Clemson to criminal defense attorney, which began when she took an inspiring constitutional law class. That class sparked her interest in law school, though she quickly realized corporate law wasn't for her. Instead, she found her calling during a summer externship at the public defender's office, where she discovered her passion for criminal defense work.

Laura discusses her unique career path, including an unexpected venture where she and her husband ran a bed and breakfast in Travelers Rest while maintaining their law practice. For one wild year, she juggled making breakfast for up to 52 guests, managing bookings, and handling criminal defense cases - often all in the same day. While she doesn't regret the experience, she's happy to be focused solely on law now.

The conversation delves into the realities of criminal defense work, addressing common misconceptions about the profession. Laura emphasizes that criminal defense attorneys aren't about getting guilty people off on technicalities - they're ensuring the government follows constitutional rules and protects citizens' rights. She shares insights about building relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement, noting that it's not always an adversarial relationship.

Laura also discusses the evolution of legal practice with technology, from the days of physical law books to the current era of AI and digital research. She offers valuable advice for lawyers wanting to start their own practice, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience at a small firm first and developing business skills that law school doesn't teach.

For maintaining work-life balance in a demanding profession, Laura stresses the importance of mental health activities - in her case, yoga plays a crucial role in helping her recharge and better serve her clients. She explains how her firm handles cases with a flat-fee structure rather than billable hours, making legal services more predictable for clients.

The episode concludes with Laura's contact information for those needing criminal defense representation in the Myrtle Beach and Georgetown areas, as well as statewide for certain cases. She can be reached at [e-mail] or 843-444-6122.

To reach Wendi Hill, email her: [e-mail]

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