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Member Spotlight By Jane Marrone Until a few months ago, Tamika Nordstrom was a shareholder at Briggs and Morgan, P.A. In fact, in 2004, Tamika was the first African-American woman to be selected as a shareholder at the firm with a history dating back to the 1880’s. Tamika recently joined Blackwell Igbanugo P.A., one of the largest minority-owned law firms in the country primarily servicing corporate clients. Tamika practices in the area of employment litigation and counseling and will serve as the chair of Blackwell’s labor and employment practice group. Tamika recently told me: “I’m excited about being more entrepreneurial and building an employment law practice from the ground up.” She is also excited about “utilizing diversity in her new firm from a different and more positive perspective.” When asked what three traits she believes are most important to being a good attorney, Tamika stated that “being a good listener, being organized and being willing to go the extra mile” are the three traits she finds most beneficial. “Clients sense when you are willing to do what it takes to get the job done.” When asked why she thinks clients value her, Tamika responded: “I give them the truth. I listen to what they want and need and help them get there.” Tamika’s clients agree: “Tamika is an exceptional attorney and presents potential outcomes in a realistic, practical, no-nonsense manner,” notes Liwanag Q. Ojala, General Counsel of SimonDelivers Inc. “Tamika understands our business and gives advice that helps drive our business objectives, which makes her a natural extension of our inside legal function. She understands how to be an integral part of our team by being responsive and flexible, two attributes every corporate counsel values.” Dani P. Deering, Assistant General Counsel of Lockheed Martin MS2-Tactical Systems, further states “Tamika is an outstanding lawyer who gives you the straight, cost effective and best for the business answers. She gets to the point and provides workable answers and solutions which helps me get business done.” Tamika credits her southern roots and diverse childhood experiences as additional influences that drive her success. Tamika, an Army brat, spent her childhood in many different places including several years in Germany. She received her undergraduate degree from DePauw University and attended Hamline Law School. She recently completed her second year as President of Hamline Law School’s Alumni Board and currently serves on DePauw University’s Board of Visitors. In addition to her professional successes, Tamika is also a dedicated wife and mother. I met Tamika in 1998 when she joined Briggs and Morgan (after a one-year clerkship with the Minnesota Supreme Court). She was five months pregnant with her first son, Jarek, now seven. In 2004, when we both became shareholders at Briggs and Morgan, she was nine months pregnant with her third son, Ben, now 1 ˝ years old. In between, Tamika found time to build a successful employment litigation and counseling practice and have her second son, Cameron, who is now five. Tamika is the rare female attorney who managed to have three children and maintain a successful practice in a large law firm. Tamika’s husband, Allen, often has the “thankless” task of taking the boys along on fishing and camping trips when Mom’s work schedule won’t permit her to go (OK, Allen loves fishing and Tamika admits maybe fishing isn’t always her thing). It is a trade off. Although it may not have been the conventionally accepted thing to do, Tamika has never regretted that she started her family on her time line. Tamika believes that being a mother and a lawyer in private practice is difficult, but not impossible. She also believes that being a woman in the legal profession is a benefit to clients because “[women] can bring a heightened level of sensitivity to a client’s needs…and are great at multi-tasking and are excellent time managers.” When asked what she thought was different about her as a lawyer, Tamika responded, “Never once was I doing it for the money (pause), although I do like money.” She has a great sense of humor. What does Tamika love about being a lawyer? “Growing up [personally and professionally] and watching friends and colleagues forge their own paths, building those friendships, and turning those friendships into business relationships where you feel personally invested in each other’s successes.” According to Tamika, simply “stay true to yourself.” In the end, it’s about knowing who you are and what you want from your profession and your life. “Being a lawyer is great and I am proud of my profession, but it doesn’t define who I am. However, the better you define who you are and what you have to offer, the better service you can ultimately provide to your clients.” Tamika is the rare individual who feels completely at ease in making personal and professional choices in her own timeframe and on her own terms, trusting her instincts rather than worrying what others may think or perceive about her decisions. She also sings a mean karaoke. Tamika Nordstrom in 10 words or less: straightforward, balanced, committed, terrific lawyer, amazing wife mother and friend – a force. ----------------------------------------- Read More MWL Member Spotlight Articles
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