Mika Hilaire, a civil rights lawyer and founder of Equal Rights Law Group in Sherman Oaks, practices all areas of employment law and litigation, including workplace investigations and claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination.
Hilaire has made Los Angeles Magazine’s Southern California Super Lawyers – Rising Stars list since 2007; she currently serves on the Los Angeles County Bar Association Executive Committee as an employment law representative.Question: How did Equal Rights get its start?Answer: After I graduated from law school, I was hired by one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles, Hill Farrer & Burrill. I worked there for two years and then went to work for Silver & Freedman in Century City. I received great training at both of these defense firms. However, my heart was always in line with helping the little guy and I always envisioned myself “hanging my own shingle,” so to speak. As a mother of three small boys, I also wanted the flexibility to do both important jobs — be a mother and attorney. Starting my own firm allowed me to attend field trips and be present in ways that did not work for me in a firm.Do you like being your own boss? Do you ever think about trading it all in for a steady paycheck?I absolutely love being my own boss. Despite the pressure of everything riding on me, I love the autonomy and ability to work with the clients I want to work with and not those assigned to me. I come from a family where business ownership is encouraged and taught as the only way to go. My father’s side of my family immigrated here from Antigua in the West Indies and like most immigrant families starting a business is normal as it is often the quickest way to provide for your family while you aspire to become the “American Dream.”What’s the biggest challenge your business has faced? And how did you deal with it?The biggest issue thus far for my business has been managing cash flow, especially during this global pandemic. As a contingency lawyer, I only receive payment when my cases settle. With the courts being closed this has meant a stretch of time with no settlements. I have had to get a bit more creative with bringing different streams of revenue in the door.What advice would you give someone who’s about to start their own business?From a fiscal standpoint, being conservative with cash flow and overhead is critical. Also, spending adequate time researching the legal requirements and licensing laws is paramount. Finally, have plans and goals clearly written out and articulated as to how your business will grow. Make sure you have a mentor within your field so you can bounce ideas or ask questions.Has being Black affected your business?There is no way to separate my race from my being a business owner. But I do not always think being recognized as a black owned business is a negative. My experience as a black woman fuels my passion for civil rights advocacy and particularly in light of the recent civil unrest it strengthens my resolve in fighting for justice.Do you think you’ll ever start another business?Absolutely, I am in the process of starting a retail business. I enjoy entrepreneurship and am proud to be an American — where citizens of every color, race, gender or background can create an idea and bring it into fruition.
Black ENTREPRENEURS MONTH: Mika Hilaire Equal Rights Law Group
