Alexandria J. Taylor is the managing attorney of Taylor Law Firm, PLLC, a criminal defense firm located in the Beal Building in Detroit.
Taylor graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in May of 2011. During law school, she clerked for a boutique law firm in Royal Oak and was offered an associate attorney position after passing the Michigan Bar Exam in July of 2011. Through the firm, she worked as the city attorney to the cities of Woodhaven and Allen Park. During her tenure as city attorney, Taylor was undefeated in trials. Prior to that, she clerked for the Honorable Marilyn Kelly, Michigan Supreme Court Justice, and worked as a law clerk at a personal injury firm following her first year of law school.
In addition to her legal experience, Taylor is involved in several legal organizations: the Oakland County Bar Association, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, and the Women Lawyers of Michigan.
Taylor completed her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and earned a master’s in business administration from Eastern Michigan University.
Her practice philosophy is servant first, leader second. She says her greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her two children, Jack and Jill.
Jo Mathis
Legal News
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? Working on a wrongful conviction case wherein the defendants were released after serving almost two decades in prison. I was also on “Dateline” with my colleague in connection with this case.
Favorite websites: Dictionary.com and Facebook.
When you were considering law school, what was Plan B? Law school was definitely a calling. It wasn’t necessarily a plan B though. I majored in psychology with the intention of doing something along the lines of forensic psychology. I was preparing to apply for my PhD and thinking of dissertation topics. I became restless and thought maybe that wasn’t the path. I went for my MBA to diversify and have a backup plan from the social sciences. It was at that point I was led to attend law school. I cannot pinpoint anything specific that transpired, but it was as if I was led in that direction and I just followed.
What would surprise people about your job? The amount of paperwork.
What do you wish someone would invent? A robotic organizer I could use in my office.
What has been your favorite year so far? 2008, my first year of law school, second semester. The G. Mennen Williams competition. This was when I discovered my gift —that I was a litigator. I had no idea. It sounds crazy, but I am the person that has always shied away from public speaking and never thought of myself as an orator. It was in this moment that I realized I was truly following my calling in life and that I—yes, me—had this amazing talent. It forever changed the trajectory of my life.
What is your most treasured material possession? My phone. I hate to even admit that, but I guess the first step is acceptance!
What was always written on your grade school report card? That I was quiet. Shocker!
What is your happiest childhood memory? My mother, who died last year after a battle with cancer.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? That I’m like my mother.
Morning routine: I usually get up around 5:15 and I either work out with my trainer or run about three miles in the neighborhood. I come back, get the kids up and dressed while I get dressed, put the kids on the bus, and head out to conquer the world.
Perfect day: Everyone is on time!!!
Favorite vacation spot: The Caribbean.
What is your most typical mood? Joyful. While every day is not necessarily a happy day, I will always have joy in my heart because there is so much to be thankful for.
If you could have witnessed any event in history, what would it be? The Civil Rights Movement.
What were you doing in your last selfie? Lying on the sofa in my bedroom with my dog Jordie.
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party? Outside of my family, it would be friends Amber, Tiffany, Nevila, and Shatona. I've never had a "formal" dinner party. I work a lot and my idea of unwinding is enjoying dinner with close friends and family.
What question do you most often ask yourself? “If not me, then who?” The journey is challenging at times, but I know that I was called for a specific purpose and if I don’t fulfill it, who will?
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be? I cannot imagine being anyone else—even for a day.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been? Outside/Nature. I've traveled the world and been to some cool places, but the most awe-inspiring is in my neighborhood jogging down the street and thinking of all the things I’ve yet to accomplish and all I would like to do in this life.
What’s something you changed your mind about recently? The direction of my firm. I carved out a path initially and along the way things changed. I had to step outside of my comfort zone.
What word do you overuse? “Really.”
What is one thing you would like to learn to do? Speak Spanish.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I’m really introverted.
What is the best advice you ever received? “Keep going.” I have survived some pretty intense challenges. My mother instilled a strong sense of perseverance that I have relied upon many times. When I was studying for the bar exam, I was going through a messy divorce and I still passed—the first time. My first year as an associate, I suffered another loss. I took time off and came back stronger. Last year, I lost both of my parents within six months and had to take over the family business while maintaining my firm. My mom never said it would be easy, but it’s definitely worth it. If I had to do it all over again, I would.
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