Though Lisa Magill’s career didn’t start according to plan, one of her favorite stories to tell emphasizes the true nature of a career in the law.
“In the first six months of representing community associations, I was at a board meeting at an upscale condominium on behalf of a partner,” Magill recalls. “The board wanted to levy a special assessment that was incredibly high. Understandably, the owners were upset and one of the owners was especially bad tempered. In the middle of his tirade, his false teeth fell out!”
Unable to contain her laughter, Magill feared being chastised by her partner. To her surprise, the board president called the next morning to thank her for diffusing the tension and reestablishing order at the meeting.
Magill began and spent most of her career at a large firm with multiple practice areas. Since each practice group required different goals and needs, there were struggles involving allocation of resources, public image concerns and myriad other issues at hand. Opting for a different environment, Magill relocated to Kaye Bender Rembaum, a boutique firm that allowed her to focus on her niche practice in community association law.
“The firm truly understands the clients’ needs and our attorneys work as a team for a common goal rather than competing with each other,” Magill says.
Having found success in her own career, Magill now devotes her energies to young women. At a recent award ceremony for the 100 Outstanding Women of 2015, hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Magill was reminded that young female attorneys are susceptible to off hand callous comments and unfair treatment, especially in regards to salary and advancement opportunities.
“I read a study that four in 10 American households with children under the age of 18 now include a mother who is either the sole or primary earner for the family,” Magill says. “Employers should encourage women to develop career goals far earlier and provide access to the tools necessary to achieve those goals.”
For the past few years, Magill and Kaye Bender Rembaum have dedicated a significant amount of time to educating the public and working within nonprofit organizations that advance community association issues. Working alongside her fellow colleagues within the industry has helped propel Magill’s devotion to the legal and local communities.
“On a personal level, my husband and I wholeheartedly support Broward Meals on Wheels, which has done a tremendous job feeding both children and elderly while keeping administrative expenses miniscule,” Magill says.
Though she holds a confident demeanor and has obtained insurmountable success, Magill says one thing that might surprise people is her outspokenness.
“I tend to be an introvert,” Magill explains. “I’m more evaluative than judgmental with an eye for the end game or big picture.” She also notes that she was enlightened and found comfort in Susan Cain’s book, “Quiet” – a book that tackles the movement of introverts and the power they provide in our culture.
