Leza Elias is the founder of Leza Elias Law, PLC, a family law and personal injury practice based in Troy, Michigan. She has been named to the State Bar of Michigan's 2025 A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll for contributing more than 100 hours of pro bono service and is a published contributor to the Oakland County Bar Association.
I asked Leza what led her to start her own firm.
"I like to be in control. I like to be a leader," she told me. "It's always been my dream to own my law firm. So I just took that drastic decision. I've always been independent. Even as a teenager, I got my first job when I was 15 at a gas station. But after I started my law firm and I started making my own money and I have my own office, I feel really proud of myself. This is very empowering to me."
For Leza, ownership is not just about financial independence; it is about strategic autonomy. Before opening her firm, she worked as a paralegal and then as an associate at a defense firm. While she valued the experience, she found the lack of control over case strategy stifling. She wanted to be the one making the decisions, guiding the procedures, and determining how to settle a case.
When she launched her practice, she faced the daunting reality of building a business from the ground up. She had to teach herself civil procedure, case evaluation, and the intricacies of running a law firm. She became her own mentor, learning through trial and error and sheer determination.
"When I started my firm, it was very overwhelming. I basically started from zero," she shared. "I had to teach myself everything. How do you review a case? How do you decide whether to take on a case or not? I worked really hard, and I've accomplished a lot. I've learned a lot. I've gained a lot of experience. I taught myself a lot. And I'm proud of myself."
As a solo practitioner, Leza balances the demands of legal work with the responsibilities of business ownership. She navigates this dual role through a disciplined system of prioritization. Every morning, before diving into work, she jots down notes, outlining the tasks for each case and organizing her day. This structured approach allows her to manage a growing caseload while maintaining her focus.
She also understands the importance of boundaries. Despite the inevitable stress of complex cases and settlements, she makes a conscious effort to leave work at the office, allowing herself time to recharge.
One of the most profound lessons Leza has learned on her journey is the power of preparation. As a newer attorney, she has encountered opposing counsel who attempt to use their years of experience as a tactic.
"If somebody intimidates me, and then they succeed, that only means that I was not prepared."
"It's not just about arguing the law. It's about persuasion and preparation."
Her vision for the future is clear: a larger office, a growing team of attorneys and support staff, and a continued commitment to her clients. She is building a firm that reflects her resilience, her independence, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Are you dealing with a family law or personal injury matter in Michigan? Connect with Leza Elias and check out Leza Elias Law, PLC.