Today we’d like to introduce you to Jp Rankin
Hi JP, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely! I have always been committed to helping and empowering others, and because of my background both personally and professionally I believe I bring a unique blend of experience and passion to my role as an estate planning attorney. I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I was eager to get to get to work and join a community so I figured what better place than the vibrant hospitality industry. From my early days as a table busser to managing nightclubs, I developed a deep appreciation for exceptional service and attention to detail—qualities that shaped my approach to business to this day.
I pursued my B.S. in Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and went on to earn my J.D. from California Western School of Law. Shortly after, I joined WestPac WealthPartners as a financial representative. This role allowed me to assist many clients in organizing their financial affairs, further fueling my dedication to service. Upon being sworn in as a licensed attorney, I opened my own law practice in California to assist some of those same people with their trusts, wills, and estates.
I met my future wife in San Diego and we immediately fell in love (well maybe just me, I think it took her some convincing). It was not long after that, we decided to move to the East Coast so that she could become a part of her family business in North Carolina. Since moving to the East Coast in 2021 with my wife, I’ve also become a licensed attorney in North Carolina and South Carolina. I founded Rankin Law Firm, LLC here in Charleston, South Carolina to help protect the families and small business owners from the complexities of court and probate. I am especially driven to help those in hospitality, because I know the difficulties these business owners face to help make Charleston such an incredible place to visit and explore.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most small business owners, there have been many ups and downs in my journey to where you find me today. One of those struggles was dealing with moving to a state in which I was not currently licensed. I took the California Bar Exam and was first sworn in to practice law in California. However, since California has no bar reciprocity with other states, moving to North Carolina required me to pass the Uniform Bar Exam as well. Although challenging, I successfully completed it and was admitted to the North Carolina Bar Association. When my practice extended to South Carolina, I thankfully was able to transfer UBE scores from North Carolina, in order to be sworn in as a proud member of the South Carolina Bar Association as well. After so much travel and transition, we have decided that South Carolina will be our final stop. Now, as I focus on growing my estate planning law firm, I’m tackling the challenges of marketing and learning how to create effective social media reels, which has been very humbling!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Rankin Law Firm, LLC, specializes in providing comprehensive, client-focused legal services in trust and estate planning, as well as business formation and succession planning. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, our firm is dedicated to helping individuals and small business owners navigate the complexities of estate planning and business management. We offer tailored solutions to ensure that clients’ assets and legacies are protected, efficiently managed, and transferred according to their wishes.
Our primary focus is on creating personalized plans that address the specific needs of each client. Whether it’s ensuring that heirs are provided for, protecting assets from estate taxes, or guiding business owners through formation and succession planning, Rankin Law Firm, LLC stands out for its commitment to individualized attention and thorough understanding of clients’ goals. We take pride in our ability to demystify complex legal concepts and deliver practical, actionable advice.
What sets us apart is our deep connection to the Charleston community and our dedication to serving its families and small business owners. Our approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on education and empowerment, ensuring that clients are fully informed about their options and the future of their assets. We are particularly proud of our ability to build lasting relationships with clients and deliver solutions that truly reflect their values and aspirations.
At Rankin Law Firm, LLC, our services are designed to offer both peace of mind and strategic advantage. Our commitment to personalized service and comprehensive planning ensures that each client’s unique needs are met with professionalism and care. Whether you’re planning for the future of your family or your business, we are here to provide the expert guidance and support you need to achieve your objectives.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One thing that has worked well for me is engaging with local business groups and attending community events to get to know the community and people that you will be serving and identify their needs to see where you can be of service. These interactions have not only expanded my professional network but also provided me with valuable insights and support from fellow business owners, many of whom I am now able to call friends.
Charleston has a vibrant business community, and there are plenty of organizations that offer great networking opportunities. Another piece of advice would be to look for specialized groups or associations related to your chosen industry. Do your best to attend their events, join their committees, and participate in their activities to meet other business owners and potential mentors. Another good idea that has worked for me is to keep an eye out on social media and event-sharing websites for community events – whether it’s a local festival, a charity event, or a business mixer, these events are great for meeting people who share your interests and might offer valuable advice or connections. Personally I am most heavily involved in the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, and have met many people by attending mixers and events hosted by other members.
One last piece of advice is to never forget that building relationships is a two-way street. Best practices dictate that it would be wise to Look for ways you can offer value to others in your network. Whether it’s sharing your expertise, providing referrals, or helping with a project, people are more likely to invest their time and mentorship when they see someone giving without expectation of something in return.
Pricing:
- We offer flat fee billing so you can rest easy knowing there won’t be any surprises. Book a consultation with Rankin Law Firm, LLC to review your options and safeguard your legacy stress-free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rankinestatelaw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rankinlawfirm/
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558155487676
