Meet Joslyn Sandifer | Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joslyn Sandifer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joslyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I am the owner of a Black-owned law firm. When we first started I just wanted to provide quality legal representation for people who look like me. When people are charged with a crime and/or are injured in some way they are usually afraid of what the outcome might be. My hope was to assist people in making sound choices and decisions while also empathizing with their plight.

So often this profession can be cold and confusing. I felt like it was important to bring understanding and compassion to those that need help. It was my firm belief that starting a law firm would give me the opportunity to ensure that my people had at least one great option.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My firm is comprised of three awesomely-talented black females. Contrary to popular belief, I (first only) set out to be a good lawyer. I did not really have an interest in starting or opening my own firm. I wanted to be good… maybe even great. I wanted to fight injustice and make a difference. Along the way, the thought of starting a firm was planted (really by my husband) and came to fruition out of a desire to represent clients in a way that I believed best.

I opened this firm with a very capable and stellar attorney who saw the world as I did. She believed that our community deserved lawyers like us (and that money could be made in the process). Starting was scarier than it was hard, but easier because I had a partner. Though she would later leave (to become a Judge), she and I started this firm together and I will be forever grateful.

Along the way I have learned to be patient and forgiving. I have learned that doing good work/great work is rewarding even if it’s not the most lucrative. And, I have learned that there is incredible value in investing in one’s own dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best-friend came into town for a week I would first consider taking her to Flamingo Bowl. It’s a bowling alley in St. Louis that’s upscale (has great music and fast lanes). After an evening of fun we would walk right down the street to Margaritas and get some of the best Mexican food in town.

Over the course of the week we would likely go the St. Louis Arch, a few Museums and take a trip to the old Courthouse to reenact the Dred Scott Case (we are both into history, mystery and espionage so I am sure we’d both enjoy it).

As far as food is concerned we would hit up local favorites for Chinese Food (an ESL staple), get a plate of Ribs for the best BBQ place I could find and likely stop by my friend Jasmine Brook’s place called Nettie B’s for a good crab boil.

Weather permitting we would see what local festivals are going and end the weekend with church at my parents Present Day Kingdom Ministries or my home church of Power of Change Christian Church.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I am from East St. Louis, Illinois (89 Blocks). My city is known for and/or infamous for many of the same circumstances that plague many urban and/or Black communities. However, my city loved, supported and embraced me. My teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends were alway there, rooting for me and supporting me. Being in an all-black community I got the opportunity to feel what it was like to be wanted, chosen and backed. My community fought to make sure I was seen and encouraged… my city never failed me.

I would also have to say my family’s constant and continuous support has to be recognized. From my mother attending games and competitions, to my father providing wisdom and care, and my siblings being a constant source of teasing, laughs and competition, I was always surrounded by love. Fortunately for me, this support has continued in adulthood and into my marriage as well. My husband is gladly my biggest cheerleader and would stop at nothing to help me attain all of my goals.

Website: www.sandiferlegal.com

Instagram: jreneesandifer

Linkedin: Joslyn (Anthony) Sandifer, Esq.

Facebook: Sandifer Legal Attorneys at Law