Clark, Lauren M. Esq.

Exploring what options are available can change your life. Someone may suggest possibilities to you that you have never even considered. This is precisely how I became an attorney.

People often ask me why I decided to practice bankruptcy law. I absolutely love what I do, but honestly never imagined this would be my career.

Growing up, I wanted to be a dentist. The problem was that I didn’t want to take an anatomy class. After my first year of college I still had not picked a major, so my career counselor suggested I study English, saying “if you read and write you can do anything.” So I switched my major to English, and started thinking about a career as a college professor. Exploring my options, I spoke with several of my English professors, and to my surprise, several suggested I consider law school. Without these suggestions, I never would have considered going to law school. I loved studying English.

During my Shakespeare class, the similarities between the two careers became more evident when my professor suggested that writing an English essay was like arguing a case in court. He took it one step further. Before writing our papers, we would participate in a mock trial and argue whether the main character was guilty of murder. We read the play, gathered evidence from the script, and argued our case in a court room. The professor was the judge, and along with two other classmates, I represented the defendant.

The mock trial was one of the best experiences in my college career. After the jury came back with their verdict, my professor told us it was his first class where the jurors unanimously found the main character was not guilty of murder, and the first time in 5 years that the defense had won.

So I applied to law school, thinking I wanted to practice criminal defense.

During law school, I worked with criminal defense attorneys, but also decided to explore my options. As it turns out, my favorite jobs were always at firms that used the law to help people manage their debt. By the time I graduated from law school, I absolutely knew that I wanted to practice bankruptcy law.

In my last year of law school, I asked  attorneys I clerked for what factors influenced their decisions to go solo. Each believed going solo was one of the best decisions in their careers, which initially led me to consider opening my own firm. My own philosophy also convinced me to go out on my own. I believe dedication to my clients is the most important aspect of my profession. I wanted to work for my clients, not for another attorney.

In 2008, I began planning my business. The attorneys I clerked for were very encouraging and helped guide me through the process. I will always be grateful for their friendship, mentoring, and support. In 2009, I opened my law practice, and have found that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Giving hope to people in tough situations, and helping them improve their lives is personally rewarding.

Earning admission to practice in State of South Carolina and the U.S. South Carolina District Court has been very gratifying. I enjoy working with my colleagues, and I am a member of the following groups and associations:  South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association, Young Lawyers Division, Women’s Law Association, Consumer Law Practice Section, Solo and Small Firm Practice Section, and the York County Bar.

Although practicing law requires long hours, in my down time I enjoy taking my two friendly rescue dogs (a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, and an Italian Greyhound/Pit Bull Mix) on hikes, to the dog park, or to visit family out of town. My other hobbies include playing my guitars, photography, traveling, cooking, golfing, running, swimming, and importantly, following college football! Having spent seven years there earning two degrees, I faithfully support the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Thank you for visiting my website, and taking the time to learn a little more about me. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your story, and educating you about your options.

As you now know, I might have been a dentist, or an English professor, but the suggestions I received from others while exploring my options changed my life, and resulted in a career that I absolutely love.  When you come to my office, I hope to educate you about the options you have available, options that you possibly have not considered, and options that might change your life.