Alex Mitchell, owner of Cumberland Law Group, shares his journey from law school to building a thriving multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In this episode, Alex reveals how strategic networking and authentic connections have propelled his career, offering practical advice for young lawyers and law students looking to grow their legal careers. Whether you're exploring niche practice areas or dreaming of running your own firm, Alex’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
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Alex Mitchell is the owner of Cumberland Law Group, a multi-state law firm specializing in tax defense, criminal defense, and personal injury, with offices in Georgia and North Carolina. A graduate of Southern University Law Center, Alex’s path to the legal field was shaped by his determination to forge his own path. Originally inspired by his father’s career in law enforcement, Alex opted to pursue a different route, starting as an aspiring prosecutor before eventually carving out a niche in tax law. His journey reflects a blend of ambition, adaptability, and a commitment to serving underserved communities, particularly as one of the few Black tax attorneys in Atlanta.
“I’ve always kind of figured that I would just do criminal work, but after graduating and starting my own firm from scratch, I kind of fell into tax law… It’s a missing niche out here in Atlanta because we are in a city full of Black people, but there are very few Black tax attorneys," shares Alex Mitchell on You Are A Lawyer.
Alex’s dedication to the legal profession extends beyond his law firm. He is the current Chair of the National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, where he focuses on creating opportunities for young Black attorneys. Alex is passionate about making the legal profession accessible, offering mentorship to first-generation lawyers, and emphasizing the importance of networking and community. His approach to law is grounded in authenticity, staying connected to his Southern roots, and demonstrating that success in the legal field can be achieved by breaking away from traditional stereotypes.
Alex Mitchell’s decision to attend law school was influenced by a desire to carve his own path, distinct from his father’s career in law enforcement. As the son of a police officer, Alex was initially drawn to criminal law, envisioning a future as a prosecutor and later as a defense attorney. Despite his initial uncertainty about Southern University Law Center, he ultimately chose the school for its affordability and the opportunities it offered, a decision he describes as life-changing. Law school not only broadened his horizons but also set him on a journey he never expected, culminating in the creation of his own multi-state law firm.
"I never saw going to law school putting me in the spaces that I’m in or putting me in the places that I’ve been. So 100% yes, I would do it again," reflects Alex Mitchell on Episode 171 of You Are a Lawyer.
While law school presented its challenges, including moments of doubt during his first year, Alex’s resilience and work ethic carried him through. Working multiple jobs while pursuing his degree, he developed the discipline and adaptability that would later define his career. Reflecting on his law school experience, Alex credits it with shaping his perspective, preparing him for the demands of the legal profession, and providing the foundation for his success as a law firm owner and mentor.
Alex believes a law degree offers immense versatility, opening doors to a variety of careers both within and outside traditional legal practice. From launching a law firm to specializing in niche markets like tax law, Alex emphasizes that the skills acquired in law school can be applied to countless opportunities. Whether it’s practicing law, working in compliance, or pursuing public sector roles, a law degree equips individuals with a unique ability to navigate complex systems and advocate effectively. For Alex, the key is to remain open to trying new things and leveraging the degree’s inherent flexibility.
“The law is so broad... you can do pretty much anything, and don’t be afraid to try something," emphasizes Alex Mitchell on Episode 171 of You Are a Lawyer.
Alex’s advice to law students and young lawyers is to combine confidence with humility—walking into every room knowing they belong while remaining open to learning. He highlights the importance of networking and building relationships as essential tools for career advancement, regardless of the chosen path. For Alex, owning a law firm was a natural fit, but he acknowledges that success in the legal field can take many forms. His journey showcases how a law degree, when paired with ambition and adaptability, can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Alex’s journey underscores the diverse opportunities a law degree can unlock, including side hustles and non-traditional legal careers. While many law students envision roles at big law firms or in traditional practice areas, Alex points out that the legal profession offers space for entrepreneurial ventures and specialized niches. His own career pivot into tax law highlights how identifying untapped markets can lead to fulfilling and lucrative opportunities. For lawyers seeking alternative paths, Alex recommends embracing the versatility of a law degree and exploring roles in compliance, consulting, or other adjacent fields where legal expertise is highly valued.
“A lot of our classmates went into compliance... they’re not practicing, but they have a bar license, and that is very heavy, especially with the advance of technology,” shares Alex Mitchell in Episode 171 of You Are a Lawyer.
Alex also emphasizes the importance of staying open to unexpected opportunities, sharing how his firm expanded during the pandemic by identifying a market gap in North Carolina. His story illustrates how side hustles and non-traditional careers can emerge from networking and strategic decision-making. For those considering a leap outside of traditional practice, Alex’s advice is clear: leverage your legal knowledge to create unique solutions and value in spaces where it’s most needed.
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Alex is licensed to practice law in the States of Georgia and North Carolina.
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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