Stacey McLarty: Pioneering Legal Services for Non-Traditional Families — TOJI Spotlight

Stacey McLarty, the founder of The Chosen Family Law Firm, has taken a unique path to becoming a trailblazer in providing legal services to non-traditional families and alternative lifestyles.

Her journey began as a stay-at-home mom, but she soon realized that to be a role model and provide for her children, she needed to further her education. Stacey's love for learning led her to law school, where she discovered a passion for the legal profession.

After working in regulatory law for the state, Stacey recognized a significant unmet need in her own communities. Friends and acquaintances from non-monogamous, polyamorous, and other alternative lifestyles often approached her for legal assistance with divorces, custody issues, wills, and more.

Stacey realized that these individuals were hesitant to seek legal services from traditional law firms due to fear of judgment and lack of understanding. Seeing an opportunity to make a difference, she decided to establish a practice dedicated to serving these underrepresented groups.

As Stacey explains, "I realized there was nobody serving their legal needs. So I decided that was something I could step into and meet a real need."

Stacey's commitment to access to justice aligns with the mission of the Texas Opportunity and Justice Incubator (TOJI) program. TOJI not only provided her with the tools and knowledge to run a successful solo practice but also fostered a deep commitment to serving those who may not have access to quality legal representation. Through the program, Stacey gained valuable insights on how to be a more effective advocate for her clients, both in her paid practice and pro bono work.

As one of only three attorneys in the country focusing on legal issues faced by non-traditional families, Stacey has become a pioneer in this emerging area of law. Her unique background and firsthand understanding of her clients' lifestyles allow her to provide compassionate, non-judgmental representation. Stacey's practice is built on creative problem-solving, as she navigates the complexities of family law, wills, estates, and probate for clients whose lives do not fit into standard legal forms.

Innovation and technology play a crucial role in Stacey's mission to promote access to justice. By leveraging tools like AI note-takers and case management software, she can focus on building strong client relationships and providing efficient, cost-effective services. Stacey encourages her clients to communicate with her asynchronously, ensuring that they can share important information on their own time and receive timely responses.

Stacey's advice to aspiring solo practitioners considering the TOJI program is to embrace the journey with patience. She emphasizes that the knowledge and resources gained through TOJI are invaluable, and that the program provides a strong foundation for those who may not be ready to launch their practice immediately but want to be prepared for the future.

As Stacey McLarty continues to build The Chosen Family Law Firm, her unwavering optimism and commitment to serving her community shine through. Her story serves as an inspiration to legal professionals who aspire to make a difference by providing access to justice for underrepresented groups. With her creative problem-solving skills and dedication to her clients, Stacey is truly a trailblazer in the legal profession.

• For more info about The Chosen Family Law Firm, click here: https://chosenfamilylawtx.com/

• For more info about the Texas Opportunity and Justice Incubator (TOJI), click here: https://txoji.com/