Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiauna Holland.
Hi Tatiauna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the Managing Attorney of the Holland Law Firm a boutique immigration and real estate law firm based in Houston, Texas. We take cases all over the United States and abroad as it pertains to U.S. immigration law. We have represented over a hundred clients in matters involving victims of domestic violence, victims of violent crime, DACA, asylum, permanent residency (green cards), citizenship, and more. It is crazy to see how the firm has grown, because the Holland Law Firm was actually started in my one bedroom apartment on the Westside of Houston back in 2014.
I was working for another law firm and I did not appreciate how the cases were not being handled (in my opinion) with a personalized touch. Immigration law is so nuanced that you REALLY have to know your client’s story–not just what country they are from, but sometimes the particular city or village, the ages of their children, the number of entries into the United States, the family dynamic back home, any history of abuse, the list just goes on and on.
A personalized approach can make all the difference in whether your client prevails–whether they get to stay in this country or return to a dangerous or deadly situation.
I knew I had to do more. I knew I had the heart and passion to make a real impact in people’s lives.
I had been going back and forth about quitting my job and going out on my own, but that is a scary prospect. What if I don’t get any clients? What if I don’t know all of the answers? But I took the advice of my dear friend and talented lawyer, Mark Kennedy, “Be the better lawyer. No matter what, be the better lawyer”. So I started my own firm.
Working out of my tiny apartment only lasted a few weeks. I was introduced to my beloved mentor, Attorney Joan Bennett. She allowed me to work out of her office in Conroe, Texas, For over 2 years I made the hour and a half drive daily from the Westside of Houston to Conroe, Texas. From Attorney Bennett, I learned not only to “go through the window when they close the door” for my clients. I learned how to operate and grow a successful business. I am forever grateful.
Most people think about immigration as only helping people enter the United States, but in reality, it is really about human rights. In 2020, we began to really put an emphasis on our human rights cases. Most notably were part of a legal team that successfully obtained a temporary restraining order preventing Dallas Police Department from using rubber bullets against peaceful protestors during the George Floyd protests.
The Holland Law Firm, PLLC continues to grow. In late 2018 we expanded the practice to include real estate matters, including title disputes, property transfers, evictions, and foreclosures. Little did we know the pandemic was just around the corner and Houstonians would really need the education and legal support surrounding their property–whether that was proactively transferring real estate to their children, using the eviction moratorium to stop a client’s eviction, or using alternative methods to stop a foreclosure, we are here.
Over the last few years I have been so honored to be recognized for such meaningful work, including Top Immigration Lawyer by Houstonian Magazine in 2020, Top Immigration Attorney in Texas by the American Institute of Legal Counsel from 2017-2020, and the 2020 John Howie Award from the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association for the courageous, pursuit of justice in the face of adversity for representation of peaceful protests following the George Floyd Protests.
A lot has happened with the Holland Law Firm, PLLC in the last 7 years and it is just beginning. We are super excited about the plans and announcements coming in 2022.
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?
I do not think any entrepreneur has a completely smooth road, but “A warrior without wounds is untrustworthy”. Starting a law firm with zero dollars is challenging, but it helped me learn all aspects of the business. I oversee all aspects of the business–marketing, metrics, client feedback, client retention, case strategy, intake, you name it.
By being well versed in all areas of the business, you are not surprised by the issues that arise. Instead of seeing challenges, I choose to see opportunities. This law changed? Okay, let’s audit the cases and see which clients are affected by this law change. Let’s reevaluate the case.
Remember, “we go through the window when they shut the door”. Our clients really appreciate the attention and diligence. We wouldn’t be here without them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I think I answered these questions in the “background segment” except what are we most proud of brand wise.
I think I am most proud of the family/community culture that we have cultivated with our clients. I do my best to know what is going on in their lives. Where do their children study? What are their hobbies? That personalized, yet professional approach has caused our clients to come to us with all of their legal issues and trust our referrals when the matter is outside of our practice areas.
We represent clients ALL across the United States and abroad regarding immigration matters, including family-based immigration, citizenship, deportation defense, visitor visas, visas for victims of domestic violence and violent crime, DACA, and more. We represent clients in real estate and civil litigation matters throughout Texas.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I LOVE collaboration. I truly enjoy volunteer or speaking opportunities about immigration and real estate matters. Anyone with legal questions can always contact our office directly at (832) 328-7877 or www.thefastlawyer.com. We are physically located at 16770 Imperial Valley Drive Ste, 130 Houston, Texas 77060 in the Greater Greenspoint area of Houston, Texas. We are just 15-20 minutes from downtown Houston and 15 minutes from the Woodlands.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@tjhollandlaw.com
- Website: www.thefastlawyer.com
- Instagram: @hollandlawfirmpllc
- Facebook: @HollandLawFirmPLLC
- Twitter: @hlfimmigration
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holland-law-firm-houston-3
Image Credits
Mari Jaxn Studios
Myke.Visions
