Today we’d like to introduce you to John Okonji.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story begins in Houston, where I was born to loving parents who immigrated to this country for college and to achieve the American dream. My parents have always instilled the importance of education in our family. Our family, later on, moved to North Carolina, where I grew up and resided through the start of undergraduate school.
I eventually moved back to Houston to finish my undergraduate studies. After graduation, I began my career in the legal field where I initially worked as a paralegal at a couple of Houston law firms on various multi-billion-dollar mass tort pharmaceutical/device cases. I gained invaluable experience working on these legal matters, doing everything from intake through trial and settlement. Through this experience, I also realized that I wanted to become an attorney and work more extensively on legal matters while helping the general public.
I began law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law where I received a wealth of knowledge about the legal field, served as an editorial board member on the Thurgood Marshall Law Review, and graduated with honors.
After graduating law school, I eventually opened up my own law practice in Katy, where I focus on real estate and landlord-tenant matters.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. At the start of undergraduate school in North Carolina, I was undecided on what I wanted to study and major in. This caused me to lose focus on my studies a bit, and it was then that I decided to move back to Houston to recalibrate and get refocused. I eventually regained my focus, decided I wanted to enter the legal profession and graduated with honors from undergrad.
I started law school with a family (wife and one son – eventually two sons) and had to balance the huge time commitments law school requires with my family life at home. It was also financially challenging at times having to give up my full-time job as a paralegal during my time in law school and while studying for the bar exam after law school.
Also, starting my own law practice immediately out of law school was definitely challenging in the beginning. Not having a built-in clientele right away presented challenges, so I worked contract jobs on the side to supplement my income. This allowed me to run my practice with less financial worry.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Okonji Law Office, PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
At The Okonji Law Office PLLC, I manage all aspects of owning and operating a real estate law firm focusing on real estate law and landlord-tenant matters.
I handle all aspects of real estate law and landlord-tenant litigation from case inception through trial, including but not limited to: drafting pleadings, motions, memos, and briefs; participating in mediation and settlement conferences; appearing for oral argument on motions and arguing motions in state courts; devising litigation strategies; and drafting and negotiating settlement agreements.
We are a technology-driven law firm that incorporates user-friendly software and programs to help facilitate communication with our clients.
Unlike most other law firms, I personally handle all aspects of cases. I do not pass off my cases to an associate or assistant. All clients receive my 100% personal attention on their case, and I make it a rule to always return client phone calls and emails within 24 business hours.
What do you think about happiness?
I enjoy the happiness my clients express to me when I help them solve their legal matters. It makes me know that all the hard work and sacrifice I have put towards becoming an attorney was worth it in the end.
Pricing:
- $125: 30-minute over-the-phone consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: realestatelawyerhouston.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/okonjilawoffice/
- Facebook: facebook.com/okonjilawoffice/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/10626286
- Twitter: twitter.com/okonjilawoffice
- Other: landlordlawyerhouston.com
