Poised and chic, yet witty and down to earth, Phaedra Parks is not only a super entertainment lawyer; she’s like the girlfriend or sister you’ve never had. With a solid reputation within the entertainment industry, she’s worked with everyone from Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris to Bobby Brown and the legendary Michael Jackson. Not only limited to practicing traditional law, Phaedra was also  a producer for last seasons’  ”Tiny & Toya” on BET; and even most recently, media sources are reporting that she may be a ‘Real Housewife of Atlanta’, when the  new season airs on Bravo this Fall. *However, Phaedra has not yet confirmed this.*

With all of her accomplishments and accolades, one would expect her to be far from humble; but Phaedra is completely that, humble and extremely inspiring. 

Graduating from college at the age of 20, Phaedra has been a force to be reckoned with since the legendary lawyer, Johnny Cochran, suggested she give entertainment law a try. Phaedra opens up to HDF about everything from the entertainment industry and  her celebrity clients to marriage and vision boards.

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We recently saw you on BET’s “The Tiny & Toya Show”. What is your professional relationship with them?

They have been clients but they’re close friends of mine. Toya’s from New Orleans, and I have strong ties to New Orleans. We also have the same birthday, of course not the same year, but the same day. I’ve known Tiny for years. She’s from Atlanta and I’ve worked with T.I.

How did you get started in entertainment law?

My close friend Shakir Stewart, who is now deceased, saw me try a case in Atlanta and said I should practice entertainment law. At the time he was working for Laface Records. I was also dating an NFL player and had family and friends in the industry. So I was familiar with it but it was never a lifestyle I wanted; because the entertainment industry is a lifestyle.

During Justin’s (Diddy’s restaurant) grand opening party in Atlanta, Johnny Cochran and I were talking. He said someone wanted to meet me. So I went with him to the back of the restaurant and he introduced me to LA. During that conversation LA told me that Shakir told him about me and that I would be a great entertainment lawyer. They all suggested that I give it entertainment law a try.

It seems you’ve had so many people who believed in you. So, how do you feel about giving back and mentoring?

I love mentoring young attorneys, or even young people. Because had it not been for all of the people who helped me, Shakir Stewart, Ryan Cameron, and so many more, I don’t know if I’d be the person I am. It’s so true that it takes a village.

With all of your success and recognition, what keeps you going? What motivates Phaedra?

Seeing change and seeing results. I get so many people coming into my office.  I enjoy changing the lives of people. When I have young guys, or new artists come in and say help me, we don’t just go over the contracts, we give them the tools they need to be successful. Some of them have grown up with nothing, so to go from nothing to getting a $100,000 advance; they don’t know what to do and what comes along with having instant fame and money. I’m interested in peoples’ success, growth, and long term wealth.

I’m sure you’ve had many career highlights, but what is one of your most memorable?

A few years ago I handled a pro bono case for an elderly lady convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for killing her boyfriend. I was captivated by the case because I am really close to my grandmother and this lady could have been my grandmother or anyone’s grandmother who made a bad decision. I saw her go through a trial without the best representation. Court TV called and asked if I had followed the case and suggested that I should help her. Following a two year appeal process, she received a manslaughter conviction which allowed her a lighter sentence and possibly a second chance at freedom. I was glad to see that good ‘lawyering’ prevailed.

What are some obstacles you’ve had to face as a black female within your industry?

Law is dominated by white men. Many people may see it as an obstacle or challenge, but I see it as a plus because people underestimate you and what you can do. But this allows the opportunity to show them your skills and what you can do. So many times I’ll walk into the court room and people will say “where’s the lawyer?” and I laugh to myself. But it’s not necessarily an obstacle.

Congratulations on your recent wedding. I always ask successful women how they balance their personal and professional life. How do you keep that balance? Do you think one has to suffer to have the other?

I know women can have it all. However, you have to find the right person who understands your career and your goals. My husband I met in 1995, he’s watched me grow and is very proud of me. Some men can be jealous of your career and your success. You can’t be with a man who doesn’t want you to grow.

I wanted to get married but was willing to wait for the right person. I am a serious believer in vision boards. I put on my vision board that I wanted to get married last year and it happened. I was specific regarding my desires, even down to the number of bridesmaids I wanted. What is ironic is that the same ring I had on my vision board was the ring that my husband gave me.

Sometimes women become afraid to say and ask for what they want because some of us don’t know what it is we really want. You have to open your head and heart and know that God will send you the right man.

As a successful woman, owning her own business, what advice would you give young entrepreneurial women?

Be true to yourself first. Be true to what you want for yourself. Be confident in that mission. We control how people see and treat us. We control our destiny. I always tell people that you write your eulogy everyday. You are a living testimony to who you are and what you are.

 

Phaedra & Husband Apollo Nida. Since HDF last spoke with Phaedra she has announced that she and her husband are expecting a child.

 

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