Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney?
LE: I never imagined I would be a lawyer. I didn’t pursue a legal career until my senior year of college. I had was getting a degree in social work, when my mentors advised me to go straight to law school, because they believed I could help more people with a law degree. 

Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in?
LE: I’m not allowed to say “specialize” but my practice is and has always been divorce, custody, child support, division of assets, and alimony. Many of my cases are settled outside of court through mediation or collaborative law, but some go through the entire litigation court process. 

Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?
LE: I start off by giving my client’s realistic expectations. I ensure that I am always truthful with my clients and expect the same from them. I think open and honest communication creates trust and allows me to really know the client’s goals and fears, and plan accordingly. 

Q: Tell us what a holistic approach to providing legal services means?
LE: I think a true passion for my clients and their families is essential, otherwise, WHY DO THIS type of law? I encourage clients to seek counseling for themselves and their children as this is one of the MOST difficult processes some people endure, and I want them to be fully support. I can only represent one party in a divorce, but knowing that person’s goals and fears, allows me to look at the WHOLE picture when we are trying to settle or prepare for trial. You cannot be closed minded in this area of law. 

Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most?
LE: I love helping people. Each case is different, so I am NEVER bored, which allows me to get excited about each new day (although some stuff is really heavy…and that stuff makes it no so ‘exciting’). Seeing client’s come in with their head hung low, but then finalizing their case, with a new pep-in-their-step is such a great feeling. I love being a part of client’s “new beginnings” 

Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with your law firm?  
LE: Empathetic. I try to really “get” my clients. I believe they truly feel heard and KNOW I’m on their side. 

Q: What are the plans for the firm’s future?
LE: I love the size of my firm right now. We have two attorneys, one paralegal and an assistant. We may grow to one more attorney and one more paralegal, but I don’t’ think I want to be any bigger than that. I hope that our firm continues to attract families that want to handle their divorce outside of court. I hope we can be a part of a change in the landscape of the divorce process, so that children and families don’t have to endure the trauma of court. 

Q: What was your first job? And how did it shape or impact you?
LE: My first legal job was with a non-profit, Legal Services of South Central Michigan, where my clients were low income and domestic violence survivors. I saw women who were so broken, but still mustered the energy to fight for their children. I saw a drive to survive, like nothing I had ever experienced. Hearing some of the stories these families had endured were traumatizing to me, hearing them second hand, so I could only imagine what it was like to endure them in real time. My compassion for these clients was real. The work was hard, but it was also rewarding. 

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
LE: TRUST YOUR GUT. I think this is true before you get married (it is a lot less expensive to cancel a wedding than it is to get a divorce). I think it is true when working with other attorneys: If someone shows you who they really are, believe them. I tell clients to trust their guts throughout the process of divorce as well. I think we don’t trust our intuition enough. 

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
LE: My mother. She raised my sisters (2) and I on her own while working 2 and sometimes 3 jobs. She STILL works so hard and would do anything for anyone she meets. Her drive is unmatchable. Her love is unconditional. Her intelligence is off the charts. I hope to be half the mother she is, and I hope impact as many lives as she has. 

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
LE: The expectations for women are SO huge! We are “supposed to be” mothers, and if we are, then we are supposed to raise lovely children, but also work full time and have successful careers. Then add a divorce to all of that, and WOW it gets difficult. The traditional “female role” is beautiful and haunting all at the same time. 

Five Things About Attorney Lindsey Easterling

1. If you could share a meal with any 3 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Maya Angelou, and Jesus.

2. If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?
When will Quarantine truly END …? I believe the Corona Virus is real, but I am so tired. 

3. Cake or Pie?
PIE

4. What app can’t you live without?
Instagram

5. Favorite type of food to eat when you dine out?
Anything with CURRY!