Lillie Seifart

Tell us your story. What kind of law do you practice? How did you get to where you are today?

I am a licensed North Carolina family law attorney practicing with Marshall & Taylor, PLLC. I handle issues related to divorce and separation such as child custody, child support, absolute divorce, spousal support, equitable distribution, family law litigation, separation agreements and domestic violence. I also handle the drafting of premarital agreements and adoptions. I practice primarily in Wake County, North Carolina, but I have experience litigating in other North Carolina counties.

I value and respect my clients and I aim to provide the highest level of professional service to each and every client. I take a straightforward approach to handling family law issues. I do my best to ensure each client understands their rights and obligations under the laws of North Carolina and that they are informed and prepared for each step of the family law process. I enjoy working with people and helping them navigate the difficult and emotional path through the divorce process.

I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina where I attended Myers Park High School. After graduating, I accepted a Division 1 swimming scholarship to Davidson College where I studied English Literature. I graduated from Davidson in 2013 and began my legal studies at Campbell Law School in Raleigh, North Carolina. While at Campbell, I discovered my passion for family law and helping people. I interned in both the District and Supreme Courts as well as in private practice with family law firms. I was also a member of the Campbell Law Review and served as the Symposium editor my 3L year.

I value and respect my clients and I aim to provide the highest level of professional service to each and every client.

I began working for Marshall & Taylor as an intern in 2015. After graduating from Campbell Law and passing the North Carolina bar exam in 2016, I became a full time attorney practicing exclusively in the area of family law. I am a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, the Wake County Bar Association as well as the 10th Judicial District Bar and the Young Lawyers Division.

In my free time, I volunteer with the Circle of Children ministry at the Salvation Army Center of Hope assisting mothers who are victims of domestic violence and homelessness with their childcare needs. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family outside of work.

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Why did you want to become a lawyer?

To help people who are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. To be an advocate and guide my clients through the divorce process.

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Was it a smooth road becoming a lawyer and getting to where you are now? If not, what are some of the struggles you encountered?

I believe that everything happens for a reason and I am fortunate to be in the career that I am. Each step of my journey - from taking the LSAT to filling out law school applications to taking the Bar exam in July 2016 - were all experiences that made me who I am today. The bar exam was probably the most challenging experience, but I am happy to say that a summer spent studying was well worth it. The day I got my bar results I cried in front of our mailman who delivered them to me. I didn't ever explain to him why I was tearful - I just said "thank you" and walked away. (He still gives me strange looks when I see him.)

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What are you most proud of as a lawyer? What sets your practice apart from others? What do you love the most about what you do?

My very first custody trial was against an attorney with much more experience than I had. He was a partner at a large firm and I was a family law associate with only a few months under my belt. However, I out-prepared him and it showed. After winning that first case, I realized that no matter how experienced an attorney may be, anyone can out-prepare someone. While I can never guarantee results in family law cases, I can guarantee my clients that they will be as prepared as possible for the process and know what to expect.

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If you could change, improve or disrupt one thing about the practice of law, what would it be?

Professionalism among attorneys. Some attorneys take their advocacy too far - to the point that it has the potential to earn them a negative reputation among judges and their peers. I believe attorneys should be a zealous advocate for their clients; but at the same time, realize that there is a level of respect and professional courtesy that each attorney deserves.

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What are you doing when you're not lawyering?

You can find me at Madabolic Raleigh or Raleigh Raw. I love working out and eating great fresh food. I also volunteer at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in their circle of children ministry. I am passionate about my community and trying to find ways to give back.