June – Success
Karlen Padayachee, founder of Encompass Law and VirtualOffiCenters client at France OffiCenter, is our Success Client for the month of June. Founded by his passion for working with those with an entrepreneurial spirit, Karlen established his practice that allows him to work with business owners and individuals to provide business/corporate legal advice as well as estate planning and real estate legal services.To gain insight on Karlen’s success, connect with him by phone at (612-708-5130) or read the answers to his questions below.
Every business has a story, tell us yours. I grew up in Durban, South Africa and after meeting my future wife, Kari in London moved to Minnesota and attended William Mitchell College of Law. Before and after graduating law school, I realized my true value and potential laid at the intersection between law and business and I wanted to build a practice that combined those two critical and interrelated disciplines. I found my passion working with entrepreneurial minded clients and haven’t looked back. Encompass Law provides business & corporate legal advice, estate planning and real estate legal services to business owners, families and individuals in the Twin Cities.
You were chosen as this month’s Success Client. Tell us about your most recent Success. The last year launching my own law firm is my biggest success. Starting with an idea and turning it into my full time career is something for which I am extremely proud of.
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . . I consider myself an entrepreneur first and a lawyer second, which is why I believe I relate so well with my business owner clients and families. Like many business owners, I feel great going to work every day knowing that I provide valuable advice and support to my clients. The best part is that I have been able to create a business from the ground up and I know exactly what obstacles they face.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom. I believe as an attorney the attorney/client fit is incredibly important. Whenever I work with clients I make sure that I’m the right attorney for what they are trying to accomplish and if not I help them find someone who is.
Share the best advice you ever received. Don’t undervalue yourself or your services. You have a lot to offer and your price should reflect the value you bring to a client and the situation.
Describe your perfect day off. A morning start with an English style breakfast, followed by golf or tennis, then the afternoon spent swimming with my kids and wife relaxing pool side with a mojito and grilling.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? I’m an avid music lover and when I was in high school I taught myself all the choreography to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. I’m still known to bust a move at weddings and my next plan is to teach my 2 year old son, Ryker to dance.
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client. I love the friendly and collegial atmosphere and all the networking opportunities. I feel like I’m always comfortable meeting clients at the office and appreciate the level of professionalism Officenters shows my clients. It really elevates the image of my firm. I have also found the networking opportunities both fun and mutually beneficial to my business. I’ve met some of my clients through OffiCenters events.
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose? I grew up on the beach and so anywhere near the water with a hot sun.
How can people CONNECT with you? The best way to reach me is by phone (612-708-5130) or email (karlen@encompasslawmn.com). I also invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn.
