Give us a synopsis of your legal services.

I practice family law all over Colorado, though my office is in Boulder. I primarily do litigation and represent people in divorces, custody disputes, and emergency issues such as protection orders. I represent a diversity of people from all different income brackets and backgrounds. I also offer mediation services and I act as a parenting coordinator/decision-maker when children are involved.

My experience as a judicial officer brings a unique perspective to each case.

What advice would you give someone else entering your career field?

I would tell them that they should hold on to their values and not change them to suit others–not clients, judges, or other attorneys. Litigation can be very stressful, and family law in particular can be emotionally taxing, so I would also advise them to take care of themselves and determine what type of life balance they want. This can be a financially rewarding career, but it’s not worth it if you are working all the time and don’t make time to enjoy life.

What inspired you to pursue family law?

I have always been a problem solver, and I like to help people find creative solutions. With my background in psychology and law, family law was a natural fit for me. I especially love to help families resolve issues related to children. I have two young children of my own, so I can relate to many of the problems that families face in today’s world.

What are some growing pains that you had to overcome when scaling your business?

I learned that when you are starting a business, there will be a lot of unplanned startup costs. I’ve also gained a new appreciation for administrative staff, as now I am having to do most of those things on my own as I don’t have any employees and just one contract paralegal. I am learning that there is a great risk in owning your own business but also the potential for great reward.

What is your vision for the future of your career?

I have many career ambitions! I hope to start focusing on some alternative dispute resolution processes in addition to doing litigation–such as mediation, and parenting time/decision-maker work. I also love writing and teaching and plan on writing more educational articles and doing some teaching.

What’s next? Do you have any exciting ambitions for the future?

I would like to start writing more articles and doing more teaching and mentoring. I also hope to start focusing on some of the other things that I enjoy in life, such as playing my flute. Having my own business gives me more flexibility, so I am looking forward to finding a better work/life balance.

Sangeetha Mallavarapu is principal attorney at SM Family Law, a Boulder, CO premier law firm, serving the greater Denver area and specializing in Colorado family law matters.