USD Law School Alum Makes Her Way, One Case at a Time

Colleen Zea ’08 J.D. has spent the past five months building her private practice. We recently caught up with the Sioux Falls native to speak about her decision to set up shop in Vermillion and the excitement and challenges that come with being a young lawyer in town.

How did you decide to build your practice in Vermillion?
I guess I will take you back to when I was in law school. My buddy Scot Mannschreck (’08 J.D.) and I would always joke with each other about how much we loved Vermillion and wanting to stick around after graduation. We would talk about starting a practice or sharing office space, but it fizzled out, because I had decided to work with the Academic Advising team at USD. Last August, I asked Scot if I could use his office space to do some legal work on the side, and he agreed. Scot mentioned that John Gors (who Scot was office sharing with at the time) was about to retire, wanting to leave his office and clients to him. He brought up our conversations from when we were in law school and wondered if I was still interested. I had to give it about two weeks’ thought because I was hesitant to take on a venture that big. I ultimately decided that if I was going to practice law, it was now or never. Thankfully, the seasoned attorneys in South Dakota are willing to assist young attorneys, like myself. The Clay County Courthouse has been great in terms of taking me under their wing and showing me the ropes. After two months of preparing and redecorating my office, I was finally able to start practicing full-time at the end of February of this year.

Describe the reception you’ve received from the community.
It has been very positive. Everyone seems to be excited to see a young professional graduate from the U., with the intention to stick around in an effort to make Vermillion an even better place to live. In fact, friends in the community have been very receptive and willing to help get my practice off the ground. They request business cards to circulate to their friends in other social circles. It is my family, friends and others in the community that has made staying in Vermillion very worthwhile.

How’s business so far?
Pretty slow, but I have already had some great experiences. While I am optimistic that business will pick up, I do not mind the slow pace right now because it allows me to immerse myself in each case I take. Every solo practitioner that I have spoken with has said, “Be patient, it takes time."

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced starting up?
The whole learning curve—not only the legal aspects, but also the business aspects: billing, expenses, taxes, everything that goes into running a private practice. In a lot of ways, it is great because I am learning something new every day. Despite the excitement, I will be honest – this has been one of the most overwhelming and stressful times in my life. I never have a complete sense of comfort.

You did your undergraduate studies in Austin, Texas. Why choose to come back to South Dakota for your law degree?
Having moved away at age 17 to play soccer for the Longhorns, I decided that it was time to be closer to home and family. My father and sister both graduated from USD, each having great experiences. I loved Austin, but I missed South Dakota. There is just something about the attitude and friendliness of the people in the Midwest. When I came to campus to visit, I discovered I really liked it here. I had an opportunity to meet with Dean Vickrey and some of the professors. They helped me feel very comfortable with my decision. I can tell you one thing however: It was quite the culture shock pulling into Vermillion with my U-Haul after having left Austin.

Describe your experience at The USD School of Law. What were some aspects that stood out for you?
The USD School of Law has a wonderful family-like atmosphere. While in school, I appreciated how the professors were willing to have a hands-on role in my education. They cared about helping me find a niche, coupling my interests and law. In fact, under Professor David S. Day’s advisement, I was able to complete a one-hour independent research credit during my third year of school that allowed me to assist the athletic department due to my interest in collegiate athletics and NCAA rules/regulations. Even since I have graduated, the law professors and administrators are eager to take an active role in assisting me with career decisions. Professor Pat Garry provided invaluable insight while I was deciding whether or not to venture out on my own.

Outside the confines of the USD School of Law, however, I would like to make reference to the State Bar of South Dakota as well as the more experienced members of the Bar. I have been pleasantly surprised as to the willingness for other members of the Bar to extend their hand to a young attorney, such as myself. Although most attorneys are willing to help and provide advice, I have been very fortunate to have been paired up with USD Law Alum Tom Keller of Sioux Falls through the Mentorship Coin Project via the Young Lawyer Division of the State Bar. Tom has been a godsend in helping me get my practice off the ground. The USD alums are definitely a close-knit group.

Do you keep your practice fairly general or do you specialize in a few things?
I consider my solo venture to be general practice, with primary focus on family law, criminal law and estate planning. I usually tell my potential clients this: “Come on in for a free initial consultation – after that, I will either be able to assist you or point you to an attorney who can.” Every client and legal matter is unique in its own right. It is my hope to make each client feel as though they are my number one priority.

Do you see yourself staying in private practice long-term?
Today I do. Tomorrow, who knows? I am enjoying what I do so far and I am optimistic that my business will grow. I see myself being in the courtroom, advocating on behalf of my clients. I am passionate, capable and I love working with people. I want to help my clients understand their situation and how the law directly affects them. That has been one of the main frustrations I hear from non-lawyers is that this relationship is missing. I would like to bridge that gap.

Any special deals for USD alums?
Tell them to stop in and we’ll work something out (laughs). I believe my hourly rate and flat rates are very reasonable. The great thing about having my own practice, however, is that it allows me to be open to negotiation. In some ways, I hope a person will never need to step foot in a lawyer’s office because that usually means they are facing some sort of difficulty in their lives. But if and when they do, I will be here, ready to work for them. It’s an odd profession in that way.

Learn more about Zea's practice and find her contact information at www.lawcmz.com.