Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanisa Siler.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Everything started with my grandfather, Fred Henderson Moore, Sr. He was admitted to the practice of law in the State of South Carolina on July 27, 1960. My grandad and I have a very close and special relationship. He is more than just a grandparent to me; he is a mentor and a friend. Grandad introduced me to the fascinating world of the legal field. As a kid, I never really understood the significance of him being an attorney, especially when he was one. Only as I grew older did I learn about and appreciate his incredible advocacy work. His advocacy journey started in 1955 when he was the student body president at South Carolina State University. He mobilized students at both SCSU and Claflin University in an economic boycott. He shook things up so much that he was expelled from SCSU (the university formally apologized for the expulsion about 50 years later). Grandad’s work at SCSU was recognized via an exhibit at the International African American Museum in Charleston. I cannot begin to describe how proud I felt laying eyes on that exhibit. And as a civil rights attorney in Charleston, his advocacy prowess grew stronger.
The thing about Grandad was that he wasn’t motivated by money or fame; he was driven by the basic principles of right and wrong. He believed in fighting for justice, no matter the cost. He also believed in being the best. “There’s always room for the top, at the top,” he often says. I can’t even begin to describe the admiration I have for Grandad. His dedication to his work and his unwavering commitment to positively impacting people’s lives truly inspired me. That admiration ultimately informed my decision to become an attorney myself. I wanted to make him proud and keep his legacy alive. Becoming an attorney made sense to me. It was like something that was in my blood. And it fulfilled my deep desire to help people. I wanted to be the kind of advocate that Grandad was, fighting for what’s right and making a difference in the lives of others. So, that’s how I started in the legal field, thanks to my incredible grandad, and here I am today, carrying on his legacy and continuing to do what I love: helping people.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey to becoming an attorney could have been smoother. It’s honestly a lot, so I’m just going to summarize it like this: my then-turbulent personal life led to placement on academic probation and nearly being kicked out of law school; I had to take a year-long leave of absence to get myself together; and I learned that balance is not easily attainable as a working law student who also happens to be a mother to a toddler.
Thanks for sharing that. Could you tell us more about your business?
The Siler Firm is a boutique, referral-only law firm focusing on civil matters—specifically, landlord-tenant and personal injury. We operate by referral only; minimal effort is put into advertising. A client has either referred those who contact us, or they happened to meet me personally. I want to stay small because I’m all about quality, advocacy, results, and client relations. I’d rather not sacrifice quality for quantity, which is the driving force behind The Siler Firm. We are quality, fierce advocates who are results-driven and hyper-client-focused. Money and size do not motivate us. Besides, the money comes regardless when quality is the focus; that’s just the natural order of business.
Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Covid-19 taught me the nuances of human interaction. I could write a book about it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesilerfirm.com
Image Credits
International African American Museum, Darrick Ware (business attire shots), Reggie Siler (casual shots)
