Alisha Esselstein ’18 takes advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. Originally from a rural town of 800, the University of Wisconsin Law School grad has lived on every continent, except Australia and Antarctica.
Fueled by a desire to make a positive impact on the world, Esselstein pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Recognizing the importance of gaining firsthand experience in the global arena, she embarked on transformative educational experiences in Kenya, Mexico, London, Sri Lanka and other countries. Living and studying international law and relations in these diverse cultural landscapes broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of the intricate complexities of global legal systems.
We sat down with Esselstein to discuss her path to law, the transformative nature of her global experiences and the start of her private practice, Esselstein Law P.C.
Interview by Kassandra Tuten
Q&A with Alisha
Question: Why did you decide to go to law school?
Answer: When I was in fourth grade, for career day, I dressed up as a lawyer. I had a briefcase and a full suit on. Everyone was always telling me I should be a lawyer, and so it was just fate from the beginning that my career path would lead that direction.
Q: Why did you choose UW Law?
A: UW Law School has a lot of international opportunities that I think is their hidden secret. Also, I received a scholarship to law school because I spoke Swahili. The University of Wisconsin has a great Swahili language program, so I was able to take advantage of that knowledge to pursue my law degree.
Q: What is your favorite Law School memory?
A: All the opportunities I had to travel abroad during law school. In fact, I finished law school at the University of London and worked for a nonprofit in Sri Lanka during my time as a student. I worked with the Law and Society Trust in Sri Lanka, researching and advocating for the removal of discriminatory aspects from the country’s constitution while championing equal opportunities.
Q: How did your Law School education and experience shape your career?
A: When I was a student and just graduated from law school, I didn’t think I wanted to go into private practice, but I found a law firm in Savannah, Georgia, that focused on international law. I worked for them for about two years and then decided to go on my own.
Q: You’ve lived on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. How did that come to be? Can you discuss some of the experiences and knowledge you have gained from your immersion in these cultures?
A: I grew up in a town of 800 people in rural Wisconsin. I’m very appreciative of my upbringing, but I always knew I wanted to experience more cultures and places. I took Swahili as an undergrad and moved to Kenya as a student. I then moved to Mexico City, followed by Sri Lanka and London during my years as a law student and then kept traveling from there. I take advantage of any opportunity I have.
Q: Are there any experiences which stand out as particularly impactful? Is there a top place (or top places) you’d recommend people visit if they can?
A: Sri Lanka is the number one place I recommend someone visit. It’s a small island south of India with a great city life, great beaches and mountains inland to explore. I worked for an international nonprofit focused on gender-based violence in the context of civil war and seeking reparations. It was a really incredible experience.
Q: In 2023, you started Esselstein Law, which has a focus on family law, domestic violence and international law. Can you discuss your path to establishing your own practice? What led you to these areas of law?
A: I was one of the top performing attorneys at the firm I was at at the time. I felt like my reputation and hard work were paying off for the firm instead of me and my family. So, in April 2023, I went off on my own. It’s been incredibly successful ever since and continues to grow. I now have two full-time staff members and was named Super Lawyers Rising Star two years in a row, as well as Best of Georgia from the Georgia Business Journal. It’s been really fun.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your career thus far? Similarly, what’s been the biggest challenge(s)?
A: I focus on domestic violence, and I am the president board chair of a domestic violence nonprofit. When I see my clients take the stand and share their stories with such bravery and determination, I am filled with pride. It takes incredible courage to testify in court, and I admire their strength every time. Being in the courtroom is often a daunting experience for clients, and I am always so proud of how they face it.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to navigate as a lawyer is accepting that I can’t please everyone. It’s a role where difficult decisions often lead to frustration – whether it’s opposing counsel disagreeing with you or delivering news that isn’t what your client hoped to hear. That lesson took some time to accept.
Q: Outside of your legal practice, you’ve dedicated your time to educating and empowering others. Can you speak about your work in this area and what inspired you to this line of work?
A: I became the president board chair about a year ago. Prior to opening my own practice, I’ve always worked in nonprofits, in Sri Lanka, in Manhattan and in Minnesota, so I knew that I still wanted to give back in a nonprofit capacity. So, I guide and lead that nonprofit and, on top of that, I’m on the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce legislative committee where we advocate for small businesses. I like being engaged at all levels.
Q: What is a piece of advice you’d give to recent UW Law graduates?
A: It’s OK to not know right away what you want to do with your law degree. I thought I had to know my first year what direction I wanted to go, but my career looks a lot different than I may have initially expected. Embrace the experience and enjoy the learning process.