Today we’d like to introduce you to Salmina Tarek.
Hi Salmina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like many immigrant families, my parents left Bangladesh in pursuit of the American dream — not for wealth, but for the chance to live honestly and with integrity. In Bangladesh, my father was a government physician and held a senior role in health administration. He worked closely with NGOs and even supervised the Rohingya camps in the 1990s. As he advanced, it became clear that continuing in that system would eventually require him to participate in bribery, and that was something he could never accept. During a visit to the United States, he realized he wanted a different path, so he decided to start over, took the USMLE exams, and passed.
My mother also modeled service, resilience, and lifelong learning. Although she had the credentials to become a university professor after earning her master’s in economics, she chose to teach elementary school at a private school so she could stay close to me — I was enrolled when I was just two and a half. In her spare time, she tutored children, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds, and when natural disasters struck, she would visit affected neighborhoods to help however she could. Later, while I was in high school, she earned a second master’s degree in information systems.
Life in America was not easy. We were used to a very different lifestyle in Bangladesh, with extended support systems and household help. Here, we had to rebuild from the ground up and do everything ourselves. We faced financial hardship, and the transition was humbling, but my parents persevered because this was a place where they could live in alignment with their values. With the support of extended family and, eventually, after receiving our green cards, things began to stabilize and improve.
Those experiences shaped me deeply. Growing up as an immigrant, watching my parents sacrifice comfort for integrity and service, I felt called to advocate for others on similar journeys. That led me to become an immigration attorney, and over the years I have expanded my practice areas — but service remains at the heart of my work. Every day, I try to live by the example my parents set: to serve others, stand up for what’s right, and help people build honest, dignified lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Shortly after taking the bar exam, I had my first child, and he faced a number of serious health complications. While juggling his medical needs, frequent ER visits, and countless appointments, I worked toward becoming licensed and starting my career as an attorney. It was incredibly challenging to balance being a new mother caring for a medically complex child while also trying to build my professional life.
At the same time, I was slowly building my law firm from the ground up with very limited financial resources. I was committed to doing so without taking on loans or interest, which added another layer of difficulty. There were many moments of uncertainty and exhaustion, but along the way I was fortunate to meet generous mentors and supportive people who guided and encouraged me. Those challenges ultimately strengthened my resilience and deepened my sense of purpose in the work I do today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Law Office of Salmina Tarek, PLLC?
We are a boutique law firm providing fractional general counsel services tailored to individuals, families, and small to mid-sized businesses. Our key areas of focus include immigration, tax, employment, intellectual property, and general practice matters in North Dakota.
What sets us apart is our relationship-driven approach. We don’t just handle isolated legal issues — we partner with clients long-term, providing ongoing, practical guidance that evolves with their needs. Because of our fractional model, clients are able to access experienced counsel without the cost of a full-time in-house attorney.
I’m especially proud of our commitment to integrity, service, and accessibility. Many of our clients are immigrants, entrepreneurs, and professionals building new futures, and it’s an honor to help them protect what they’re creating. Above all, I want readers to know that our firm is built on empathy, competence, and a genuine desire to see our clients thrive — legally, professionally, and personally.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
For me, the most impactful “resource” has always been people. Networking and building genuine personal connections with my peers and mentors has shaped me far more than any single book or app. Those relationships challenge me, keep me grounded, and give me perspective.
I also do a lot of volunteer work, which continually reminds me why I do what I do. Serving others refuels me, helps me reset my priorities, and motivates me to keep growing both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfa4gw6rjQhI0oKxZrLNovtcPLmDwOL5vDz87oLmVkMDf-okg/viewform
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostpllc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salmina-tarek-2499bb79/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LOSTPLLC
- Other: https://linktr.ee/SalminaTarek
